Synchronising files – parameter incorrect (XP SP2)

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Dear Loungers,

I work with a client using a laptop that sometimes is connected to the network and sometimes not. I synchronise a number of folders. This has always worked well until recently with one folder. In this case I get an error “Offline File (folder name): Unable to merge offline chnges on Foldename. The parameter is incorrect.”

Since this first occurred I have removed all synchronisation and reattempted it. Forced off-line files deletion and set everything up anew. As far as I can tell nothing has changed but only two out of the three folders will synchronise.

Any ideas what more I could do?

thanks……. liz

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Check the network to make sure the users permission on the folder that won’t synchronize have not been modified.

Joe

--Joe

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Joe,

I had already done this there is nothing changed. and my research seems to suggest that this is a recognised problem, I just can’t find the solution!

liz

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Check out Download details: SyncToy v2.0. I’m sure it works better than the folder synchronization that is in XP.

Joe

--Joe

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Joe,

Tyhanks for the information, I will look at it for personal use. As far as the corporate laptop I have I may not be able to use it. So I would still like to understand how to fix the problem…

liz

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Do either You may receive error messages when you synchronize Offline Files on a Windows XP-based computer or You may not be able to synchronize offline files as you expect in Windows XP seem to be what you are experiencing?

Joe

--Joe

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Joe,

neither of these it is:

“Offline File (folder name): Unable to merge offline chnges on Foldename. The parameter is incorrect.”

liz

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Can other users successfully configure offline folders for the problem folder on the server?

When you say “Forced off-line files deletion”, did you completely reinitialize the offline files?

StuartR

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Stuart,

Have run a test usimng another laptop and yes the files can be sync’d ok from that.
I cleared the files using the synchronisation manager and, on another occassion by removing the “make available off line” in file explorer. My next step is to use CSCCMD and see if we can do any better

liz

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I am not sure what “I cleared the files using the synchronisation manager and, on another occassion by removing the “make available off line” in file explorer.” means.

Try following the instructions in the article I linked to in my previous post. This will completely reinitialise the offline cache, removing all offline files from your PC. This will require a reboot as it does the work very early in the boot sequence. After you have rebooted you can create the offline files again. This has always resolved any client side offline file problem that I have seen.

StuartR

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Stuart,

I used this method before to clear the files – i.e. using Delete OffLine Files in the Folder Options. So I have repeated this, I did get the confirmation that files were all deleted, AND, as a catch all un-enabled off line files then rebooted. However after this:

1. I enabled off line files and then checked Folder Options, OfflineFiles,View Files they were all still there.
2. So I used Delete Files again, then after it reported they had been deleted I checked using View Files, they are all still there.
3. I then manually dleted them from the View Files window so none showed
4. un-enabled off line files (don’t think this is necessary)
5. rebooted
6. enabled off line files
7. went to the folder I wanted to make available off line, it is already showing a tick against make available off-line

None of this seems to work cleanly. How can I really start afresh?

UPDATE:
8. not only did I make sure the files were all deleted I unchecked Make Available Offline for the folder and rebooted
9. This time all looks like no off line files anywhere.
10. Started again to make the folders I want available off line. Folder 1 synchronised fine, it only has one file in it so is something of a test. The only thing is that when using Folder Options, Offline Files, View Files no files are shown. Even so I continue and sychronised Folder 2. All well and I can see all (well I suppose it is all) the files in the View Files window, the files from Folder 1 still doesn’t show. Finally I synchronise Folder 3, this partially works, it reports that it can’t synchronise the mdb files, this is expected, but then I get the invalid parameter error. When I look at the folder in File Explorer they all show the small plus to indicate they are synchronised. So I think I’m back to the original problem.

I should explain that each of tghese folders are on the network and have sub folders, this does mean that some files full address will be quite long so I am wondering if that has any bearing on the problem?

Right now it feel like I should just rebuild the machine, extreme I know but I have wasted days and lost important work that I can ill afford to. Any final suggestions before I use a sledgehammer?

thanks……………. liz

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From your description it sounds as though you just clicked the delete files button.

To completely reinitialize the cache you must Control-Shift at the same time as clicking the Delete Files button, as described in the article I linked to. This causes a dialog box to appear with the message you can see in this image.

StuartR

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