Creating the DFS Namespace and Root in Windows Server 2008



When creating a DFS (Distributed File System) namespace, the administrator needs local Administrator group access on the server hosting the namespace, and if a domain namespace is selected, domain administrator privileges are also required.

A DFS namespace root needs a file share. When the DFS root is created, the name can be matched to a file share name or a custom name can be selected. The wizard searches the specified server for an existing file share matching the DFS root name; if it does not find one, the wizard will create the share.

The file share should be created and have permissions configured properly before the DFS root is created. Also, the share name must match the namespace root name. Pre-configuring the NTFS (New Technology File System) permission will assist to simplify troubleshooting and administration of the namespace.

Before attempting to create a new DFS namespace, if the DFS services have just been installed, make sure that the DFS services are running. In addition, for the DFS Management console to appear in Server Manager, all instances of Server Manager must be closed and reopened before following the proceeding steps.

To create a DFS namespace and root, follow the below given steps:

1. Log on to the Windows Server 2008 system with an account with local server administrator rights. If a domain DFS namespace and root is created, make sure that the account is also a member of the Domain Admins group.

2. Pre-create and set NTFS permissions on the servers and shares that will host the DFS namespace root.

3. Click on Start and then All Programs and then Administrative Tools and then select Server Manager.

4. Double-click on Roles.

5. Double-click on File Services.

6. Double-click on DFS Management.

7. Select the Namespaces node, and in the Actions pane, click on the New Namespace link.

8. When the New Namespace Wizard opens, type in the name of the server that will host the namespace, and click Next.

9. On the Namespace Name and Settings page, type the name of the share which is previously created, and click Next.

10. A pop-up window opens asking whether the existing share should be used. Click Yes to use the previously configured share.

NOTE: The initial DFS root name must match the name of the file share created previously. If the share does not exist, the wizard will prompt you to create a file share from an existing folder or a new folder. Although the wizard can simplify the process by automating this task, it does not provide a method of configuring permissions.

11. On the Namespace Type page, to create a domain-based namespace, select the appropriate option button and check the Enable Windows Server 2008 Mode check box to allow for the creation of additional namespace servers and access-based enumeration within the namespace.

12. On the Review Settings and Create Namespace page, review the namespace settings and if everything is correct, click Create to start the namespace creation.

13. On the Confirmation page, if the result is “Status is reported as a success,” then click Close to complete the process. If the creation failed, select the Errors tab to review the issues, repair the problems, and attempt the namespace creation again.