After experiencing increasing problems with Server 2012 essentials I decided to start from scratch. I left the data files on its drive, made a copy of the system drive files, formatted the system drive and started anew. I had hoped that the client computers would "find" and take ownership of their redirected folders. No such luck. At the moment, folder redirection has been requested by following the automated Dashboard/Devices/"Implement Group Policy" procedure and going with the default choices, but for some reason I reboot the clients with no success.
Having burnt the midnight oil for three nights running I really need to get "ownership" of certain files that are critical to our business, so my gameplan is to copy the files from the server onto a data traveller and put them in the client computers where they can be used.
I actually do not understand why those files do not already exist on the client computers as I understood that these folders (such as "my documents") were being syncronized (identical copies between the server and whatever computers the users have signed on to), but I cannot find them on the client computers. Are they hidden somewhere? Why don't they exist in the applicable users' folders? This is my first question.
Regardless, my "adidus net" solution, or some variation, is still required as there are some redirected folders pertaining to prior employees which I need access to. What I have found is that I can take ownership of a folder (properties, securities tab, advanced, change owner, use me as the owner), but it still will not grant me ownership of the files or folders in that folder. So my second question is this...how do I gain control of these folders and files so that I can make them available to those who need them?
Last question ... is it just me in thinking "what's the use of being the administrator if I cannot do the things one would expect the administrator to do?"
Any help would be hugely appreciated. And yes, I am a small business owner with many talents that do not include being a well versed IT administrator.
Cheers.