Unnecessary offline file synchronization may cause "Access denied" error messages

If multiple users use the same computer and have their home folders and My Documents folders redirected to a network share, a user may receive an "Access denied" error message when the user logs on or off (depending on the Automatically synchronize the selected items setting).

To work around this problem, use one of the following methods.

Method 1

1. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Synchronize.
2. Click Setup, and then clear the check boxes for the folders that you do not want to be synchronized.

NOTE: Make sure that the check boxes are not cleared for the folders that need to be synchronized. You must follow these steps for each user who logs on to the computer.

Method 2

Windows XP Service Pack 2 includes additions to Offline Files. You can avoid unnecessary offline file synchronization if you prevent the following:

• Administration pinning of files for non-primary users
• Purging files for non-primary users when they log off

The PrimaryUsers registry key designates users of a computer as either primary or non-primary. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

This is a design limitation. Windows XP supports a maximum number of 3 different users with Offline Files enabled.