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docs/workflows/Applications/Files and Collaboration/DFS/Repair an Inconsistent DFS Management Console.md
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---
tags:
- DFS
- Active Directory
- Troubleshooting
---
## Purpose
Refresh a DFS Management console that shows inconsistent namespaces or replication groups between member servers. Check Active Directory replication before restarting DFS Replication or clearing the console cache.
## Repair the Console
Sometimes the GUI for managing DFS becomes "inconsistent" whereas the namespaces and replication groups are different between member servers, and may be missing namspaces or missing replication groups. DFS Management is an MMC snap-in. MMC persists per-user console state under `%APPDATA%\Microsoft\MMC\`. If that state gets out of sync (common after service hiccups or server crashes), the snap-in can render partial/incorrect namespace/replication trees even when DFS itself is fine. Deleting the cached dfsmgmt* console forces a fresh enumeration. We will also include a few extra commands for extra thouroughness.
Before anything, we want to make sure that active directory itself is not having replication issues, as this would be a deeper, more complicated issue. Run the following command on one of your domain controllers:
```powershell
repadmin /syncall /AdeP
repadmin /replsummary
```
If AD-level replication is successful and timely, you can proceed to run the commands below (one-line-at-a-time):
```sh
# Pull-Down DFS Configuration from Active Directory & Restart DFS
dfsrdiag pollad
net stop dfsr
net start dfsr
# Clear DFS Management Snap-In Cache
taskkill /im mmc.exe /f
del "%appdata%\Microsoft\MMC\dfsmgmt*"
dfsmgmt.msc
```
!!! success "DFS Management GUI Restored"
At this point, the DFS Management snap-in (should) be successfully showing all of the DFS namespaces and replication groups when you re-open "DFS Management".
## Related Documentation
- [DFS Deployment](<../../../../deployments/Applications/Files and Collaboration/Windows Server/DFS Namespaces with Replication.md>) — Confirm the expected namespace and replication configuration.
- [DFS Configuration Report](<../../../../scripts/Applications/Files and Collaboration/DFS/Report DFS Namespaces and Replication.md>) — Inspect the objects after reopening the management console.
- [Related Files and Collaboration Documentation](<../../../../reference/Applications/Files and Collaboration/index.md>) — Find the connected deployments, procedures, and references for this subject.