Offline Files

cjm51213 106 Reputation points
2021-04-09T19:03:48.86+00:00

Hi Folks,

When I try to start the service "CSCService", I get a failure, "The offline files service has terminated with the following error: The system cannot find the path specified."

It is not clear the specific path, since the error message does not explain which path cannot be found, however "C:\Windows\CSC" is there, and the registry entry HKLM/SYSTEM/CurrentControlSet/Services/CSCSerivce mentions nothing except C:\Windows\System32, which, of course exists and can be found.

Is there a convenient way to reset -- maybe uninstall and re-install this service?

Thanks for the help,

Chris.

Windows for business | Windows Server | Devices and deployment | Set up, install, or upgrade
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  1. cjm51213 106 Reputation points
    2021-04-12T18:14:08.143+00:00

    @Gary Nebbett ,

    I seem to have stumbled into a working Sync. I credit the "System Reset", but there is much more to be done after that. The service must be changed from "Disabled" to "Automatic" and then I had the option for each folder to "Make Available Offline" Ta-Da!

    Thanks for the help.

    Chris.


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  1. Anonymous
    2021-04-12T07:21:51.77+00:00

    Hi,

    What's the OS version of your windows? Please refer to the following steps:

    1.Make sure you have grant NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM full permission on C:\Windwos\CSC and all of its subfolders. When domain admins already have access, you could use the GUI to grant necessary access to all objects in the directory tree C:\Windwos\CSC; you can later remove Admin permissions as well to get back the default security.

    2.Re-initializing CSC database:

    To re-initializing, use the configure the registry as below and then restart the client

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CCS\Services\CSC\Parameters
    Key Name: FormatDatabase
    Key Type: DWORD
    Key Value: 1

    Note: Re- initializing CSC database will remove any un-synced data. Ensure share in sync or take a backup before re-initializing the cache.

    Best Regards,
    Candy


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  2. cjm51213 106 Reputation points
    2021-04-12T14:53:05.16+00:00

    @Anonymous ,

    1.Make sure you have grant NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM full permission on C:\Windwos\CSC and all of its subfolders. When domain admins already have access, you could use the GUI to grant necessary access to all objects in the directory tree C:\Windwos\CSC; you can later remove Admin permissions as well to get back the default security.

    I do not find "NT_AUTHORITY\SYSTEM", but I do find "SYSTEM" and it has "Full Control". How do I grant "NT_AUTHORITY\SYSTEM" Full Control? I had to take ownership of the directory and subdirectories. Who should I restore ownership to?

    2.Re-initializing CSC database:

    To re-initializing, use the configure the registry as below and then restart the client

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CCS\Services\CSC\Parameters
    Key Name: FormatDatabase
    Key Type: DWORD
    Key Value: 1

    I have completed this, and re-booted, but nothing has happened. I still see artifacts in C:\Windows\CSC\v2.06... Additionally, the registry entry is still there and I'm under the impression that re-initializing the database will remove that entry. Can't I simply delete everything below C:\Windows\CSC\v2.0.6... ?

    I have other observations:

    After re-boot, the registry entry is still there and nothing has changed in C:\Windows\CSC\v2.06...
    87032-registry.png

    When I try to start the service from the command line:
    86969-sc.png

    When I try to start the service from services.msc
    86900-servicesmsc.png

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  3. Gary Nebbett 6,216 Reputation points
    2021-04-12T15:24:04.373+00:00

    Hello @cjm51213 ,

    There is more to starting Offline Files than just starting the CscService. What does the Control Panel "Sync Centre" "Offline Files" dialog say about the state of Offline Files?

    86880-image.png

    One possibility is that the path that could not be found is the path to the device object created by the "Offline Files Driver" (csc.sys).

    Gary

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  4. cjm51213 106 Reputation points
    2021-04-12T15:29:23.003+00:00

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