Configuring DFS Namespace with Existing File Server Name

Question

Working on installing DFS Namespace and Replication for existing company shares and mapped drives. Can I simply create the namespace to be the same as the actual file server name so that we do not have to mess with any drive mappings?

Example:
Current File Server = fileserver
Current Shares = main_share
UNC = \fileserver\main_share

If I install DFS Namespaces and set the name to be "fileserver" and point it to the "main_share" will anything break and/or is any more configuration needed?

Answer 1

Hi @Karl D. Binger ,

What kind of DFS Namespace were you thinking of? Domain/Standalone namespace?

A DFS Namespace can be the same name as a server name, however if you use a domain namespace then the path will still be different.

Example:

File Server = fileserver01 - can be accessed by \\fileserver01\share

You create a domain DFS namespace called fileserver01 - can be accessed by \\domain.com\fileserver01\share

It is possible to use DNS CNAMEs also, have a look at one of my old answers over here:
https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/2c8b9f34-4eec-4a48-a682-19e42ac3f9d3/cname-to-dfs-namespace-server?forum=winserverfiles

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(If the reply was helpful please don't forget to upvote and/or accept as answer, thank you)

Best regards,
Leon

Answer 2

Hi,

Thanks for posting on our forum!

I agree with what @Leon Laude suggested. If you have any further concerns, please feel free to feedback!

Have a nice day!

BR,
Joan

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