You cannot use the DFS Management snap-in to create a DFS folder in Windows Server 2003 R2 if the folder path contains a dot (.) character

Consider the following scenario:

• In Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2, you try to use the DFS Management (Dfsmgmt.msc) snap-in to create a Distributed File System (DFS) folder.
• The path of the folder target contains a dot (.) character.

In this situation, the attempt to create a DFS folder is unsuccessful. Specifically, after you enter the problematic path in the Path to folder target box, the OK button becomes unavailable. This problem does not occur if you use the Distributed File System snap-in (Dfsgui.msc) to create the DFS folder.

Or, you may have already used the Dfsgui.msc snap-in to create a DFS folder that contains a dot (.) character in the folder path. However, when you try to view the DFS folder in the Dfsmgmt.msc snap-in, the Dfsmgmt.msc snap-in exits. Then, you receive the following error messages:

This problem occurs because the DFS Management snap-in does not let DFS paths include dot (.) characters.

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Note The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.

Prerequisites

No prerequisites are required.

Restart requirement

You may have to restart the computer if the Dfsmgmt.dll file or the Dfsobjectmodel.dll file is being used.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other hotfixes.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

Windows Server 2003 R2, x86-based versions

Windows Server 2003 R2 with Service Pack 2, x86-based versions

Windows Server 2003 R2, Itanium-based versions

Windows Server 2003 R2 with Service Pack 2, Itanium-based versions

Windows Server 2003 R2, x64-based versions

Windows Server 2003 R2 with Service Pack 2, x64-based versions

To work around this problem, use the Distributed File System (Dfsgui.msc) snap-in instead of the DFS Management snap-in.

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: