Distributed File System (DFS) schedule not being replicated to receiving server

Today I had a situation where the replication to our data centre was causing our local users to experience slowness. This was the first big replication of files so I wanted to set up a schedule so that it would occur out of hours.

I went onto the local server and altered the schedule but noticed that files were still replicating to the data centre in ‘real time’. I looked at the schedule on the receiving server (in the DC) and noticed that it had not changed.

This was obviously a factor.

So here’s the solution/explanation.

1. When it comes to DFS replication of files it happens almost instantly, however when it comes to replicating a schedule from one host to another it takes much longer.

2. In order for the schedule to replicate the Active Directory Domain controllers must update each other.

3. Once the AD side of things is done, the DFS server must poll the Domain controller (This happens automatically).

4. After successful contact, the amended schedule will show on the receiving server. This took 1 and a half hours on my server.

5. Shortly after this (15 mins in my case) the files will stop replicating in real time which means the schedule is in place.