Forum Discussion
DFS Share and Azure Files - DFS Name Access Extremely Slow when WebClient service Running in Windows
We just did a large on premises file share migration to Azure Files (serverless), and implemented a DFS namespace server (Windows 2022 with root consolidation) so all existing file share paths would be retained and it's less noticeable for our end users.
We mapped drives for everyone using the DFS namespace, and that works fine.
However, we found that when a user browses to the mapped Azure File share via Office Apps or even Adobe, the server says "contacting \\dfsname\share...", and it takes 20-30 seconds before the folder structure appears on the screen. If we map the drive directly to the Azure Storage Account path, there is no delay when clicking on it.
After much searching, we found a workaround where if the WebClient service is stopped and disabled (it MUST be stopped AND disabled), the delay is completely gone, and the Azure File shares are appearing back to normal speed.
I understand the WebClient service is using WebDAV. But why would WebDAV be attempted first (I'm guessing it's trying to access the share via WebDAV, failing, and finally SMB access works)?
Seems like an issue with WebDAV functionality and DFS, but can't pinpoint the exact problem. We're trying to disable the WebClient service but also don't know if that will affect other workloads for our users.
All resources are behind private endpoints, and Azure File shares are only accessible via VPN.
Any help is appreciated.
3 Replies
- Since you have already completed the migration could you please help to answer following - I am interested in understanding whether there is a solution accommodates migrating on-premises file shares to distinct Azure tenants while preserving the access control lists (ACL) from the on-premises environment.
Allow me to illustrate my requirement with an example:
I am affiliated with Company-A, which recently acquired Company-B. While Company-A operates entirely within an Azure environment, Company-B possesses its own Azure and on-prem DFS File Servers. I aim to migrate Company-B's file shares and ACL to the Company-A Azure environment. CL981 Did you have any luck with this?
We are experiencing an issue where the excel app is taking an age to browser for and open files and i'm wondering if its linked or you found a cause for the issue!
Thanks
We ended up disabling the WebClient service on the Win10 clients and that was the workaround. It wasn't our first choice but it has not caused any issues in our environment.
Note, the service must be disabled, not just stopped, in order for the delay to go awaywork.
Good luck.
