ActiveDirectory

How to manage SYSVOL DFS replication with DFS Console

There is a lot of information out there on the advantages of DFS replication of the SYSVOL folder over FRS replication.  DFS is way more efficient at replicating this folder as it only replicates the changes among other advantages.  Also, one of the advantages is being able to manage your SYSVOL DFS replication via the DFS console and having access to create diagnostic reports.  However, there may be some question as to how to do this.  I have had admins ask, do you install DFS role on the DC and then it allows you to manage your SYSVOL DFS replication?

You actually don’t have to do that.  If you have the RSAT tools installed on your Windows 7 box that you use to administer other Active Directory Domain Services features, you can simply connect your DFS console to your Domain System Volume.  Let’s look and see how this is done.

First – Open your DFS Console….if you are like me and prefer the shorcut commands to the MMCs….you can type dfsmgmt.msc to get directly to the DFS MMC.

dfs_sysvol1

Next – Right click the Replication node and select Add Replication Groups to Display…

dfs_sysvol2

 


Select Domain and then type your FQDN Domain name.  You should see your Domain System Volume appear as a Replication group

 

dfs_sysvol3

 

After you have added your Domain System Volume to the console, you can right click and choose to Create Diagnostic Report to create a graphic HTML report on your SYSVOL DFS health.  

dfs_sysvol4

You can also check the properties of each of the replicated folders (SYSVOL) on each server

dfs_sysvol5

 

Final Thoughts

DFS replication is one of the many reasons if possible to get to the Windows 2008 functional level.  DFS replication provides a much more efficient way to make sure replication between your Active Directory servers stays healthy and works fluidly.  The old FRS replication mechanism certainly works, but is clunky compared with the DFS architecture.  Having the built in DFS tools also makes switching to DFS replication a worthwhile endeavor.

 

 

 

Subscribe to VirtualizationHowto via Email 🔔

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Brandon Lee

Brandon Lee is the Senior Writer, Engineer and owner at Virtualizationhowto.com and has over two decades of experience in Information Technology. Having worked for numerous Fortune 500 companies as well as in various industries, Brandon has extensive experience in various IT segments and is a strong advocate for open source technologies. Brandon holds many industry certifications, loves the outdoors and spending time with family.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.