RE: [ActiveDir] OT: explorer.exe hangs on folder access

[Michael Wassell]

Hello Chuck;   Microsoft offers guidelines for allowing administrator access to redirected user folders as mentioned in http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;288991.  In the article it is mentioned not to allow users exclusive access, rather allow permissions to inherit from the "CREATOR OWNER" object which will give the user "exclusive" access, so I suppose the term "exclusive" is trivial :-)   I'm sorry I was unclear regarding "copying folder contents".  I was referring to while I was logged on locally as administrator equivalent I was able to copy the folder elsewhere using the explorer interface (without attempting to browse the folder contents).  I was also able to retrieve a directory listing using a command prompt which is also confusing.   It's very interesting to see everyone's thoughts on the issue I am greatful for all of the help :-) From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Chuck Oppermann Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 2004 3:24 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: [ActiveDir] OT: explorer.exe hangs on folder access Everything I’ve learned about redirected folders is that users should have exclusive rights to their own folder.  When you say that the “desktop is never created” do you mean that items that are located in the desktop folder are never shown?  It would seem that if desktop isn’t being created that explorer is having problems accessing that location.  Maybe it’s being redirected as well?   If you can, when the user experiences this problem, DO NOT have them logon again.  Instead, as administrator, review the machine’s registry.  In particular, find the user’s profile and examine the entries in their \Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders\ key.   Do those reflect valid locations that the user has rights to?   I’m confused that you say you can copy the folder contents using Explorer, but “Explorer.exe hangs when any PC attempts to access the user folder (including locally on the server).”  If this only happens when users (vs. admins) access the folder, then it’s almost certainly a permissions issue.   Of course, Explorer.exe shouldn’t hang.  That’s a bug.  It should gracefully exit and log errors, but that’s another discussion.   Best practices: <http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/WindowsServ/2003/enterprise/proddocs/en-us/sag_sp_bestprac_foldred.asp>     ---Chuck   From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Michael Wassell Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 2004 7:27 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [ActiveDir] OT: explorer.exe hangs on folder access   This is a very strange problem I experienced a few weeks ago and just yesterday I've noticed it happen again.  This only happens with a single folder, all others are fine.  This particular instance the folder is completely empty except for "My Pictures" being automatically created within.   Expected cause:   User Personal (My Documents) folders are redirected to a central location on the file server.  User is not granted exclusive rights to their user folders rights are inherited from parent. User folders are automatically created when user first logs into the domain.   Symptom:   When user attempts to log in the explorer.exe process hangs and the desktop is never created.  User can log off by using Task Manager, or forcing a logoff/shutdown using shutdown.exe. Explorer.exe hangs when any PC attempts to access the user folder (including locally on the server). Strangely enough, I am able to copy the contents of the folder elsewhere using the explorer interface and am able to retrieve a directory listing using command prompt. Taking ownership of the folder does not resolve the issue. Desktop.ini shows being accessed by whichever user is attempting to access the folder, visible using computer management mmc snap-in.  Forcibely closing all instances does not resolve the issue.   Resolution:   Restarting the server resolves the issue.   Does anyone have ANY clue what this might be?  Server is running Windows Server 2003 Std. Ive considering calling M$FT on the issue but I'm sure they'll suggest that I restart the server.   TIA for any input.