Cannot save changes to the Distributed File System snap-in on a Windows Server 2003-based computer

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SYMPTOMS

You can open the Distributed File System MMC snap-in on a Windows Server 2003-based computer by using one of the following methods:

You click Start, point to Administrative Tools, and then click Distributed File System.
You click Start, click Run, and then type dfsmgmt.msc in the Open box.

In the following scenario, the changes that you make are not retained:

You click Distributed File System in Administrative Tools.
You add a new item, such as a new root.
You close the Distributed File System MMC snap-in, and then you reopen the snap-in.

However, in the following scenario, the changes that you make are retained:

You type MMC in the Open box, and you then open the Distributed File System MMC snap-in.
You add a new item, such as a new root.
You close the Distributed File System MMC snap-in, and then you reopen the snap-in.

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This behavior occurs because the MMC snap-in is set to Console mode when you type MMC in the Open box. In Console mode, any changes that you make are retained

However, MMC snap-ins that reside under Administrative Tools are set to User mode. User mode prevents you from adding items and from saving any changes. Additionally, the Distributed File System MMC snap-in is set to User mode when you type dfsmgmt.msc in the Open box.

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WORKAROUND

To work around this behavior, you can create a custom MMC snap-in. To do this, follow these steps:

Click Start, click Run, type mmc, and then click OK.

Note The empty console has no management functionality until you add a snap-in.
On the Console menu, click File, and then click Add/Remove Snap-in.

Note The Snap-ins added to box only lists Console Root.
Click Add.
In the list of available stand-alone snap-ins, click Distributed File System, click Add, and then click Close.
Click OK to close the Add/Remove Snap-in dialog box.