10 File Server Resource Manager Best Practices

File Server Resource Manager (FSRM) is a powerful tool that can help organizations manage their file servers more efficiently. It provides a wide range of features that can be used to monitor, report, and control the usage of file servers.

In this article, we will discuss 10 best practices for using FSRM to ensure that your file servers are running optimally and securely. We will cover topics such as setting up quotas, creating file screens, and configuring file management tasks. By following these best practices, you can ensure that your file servers are running smoothly and securely.

1. Create a File Server Resource Manager (FSRM) quota template

A quota template allows you to quickly and easily apply the same settings to multiple folders or volumes. This saves time and ensures that all of your quotas are consistent across your file server environment.

When creating a quota template, it’s important to consider the size of the files being stored on the server, as well as how much space is available for storage. You should also think about who will be accessing the files and what type of access they need. Finally, make sure to set up notifications so that you can be alerted when a user exceeds their allotted disk space.

2. Set up email notifications for FSRM quotas

Email notifications allow administrators to be alerted when a user has exceeded their quota. This allows them to take action quickly and prevent any potential issues from arising due to the user exceeding their storage limit. Additionally, email notifications can also help identify users who are using more than their fair share of resources, allowing administrators to address this issue before it becomes a problem. Finally, email notifications provide an easy way for administrators to keep track of usage trends over time, helping them make informed decisions about resource allocation.

3. Use the File Classification Infrastructure (FCI) to classify files

FCI allows you to classify files based on their content, which can be used to automate the management of your file server. For example, you can use FCI to automatically move sensitive files to a secure location or delete them after a certain period of time. This helps ensure that only authorized users have access to these files and that they are not left unsecured for too long.

Additionally, FCI can help you identify files that need to be backed up or archived, as well as those that should be deleted due to age or size. By using FCI, you can make sure that your file server is properly managed and secured.

4. Configure file screens to prevent users from saving unauthorized files

File screens are a powerful tool that can be used to control the types of files users can save on your file server. By configuring file screens, you can prevent users from saving potentially malicious or inappropriate files, such as executable programs, scripts, and media files. This helps protect your network from security threats and ensures compliance with organizational policies.

Additionally, file screens can also be used to limit the size of files stored on the server, which can help reduce storage costs and improve performance.

5. Create reports with File Server Resource Manager

Reports allow you to quickly and easily identify any issues with your file server, such as disk space usage, user access rights, or file types.

You can create reports in File Server Resource Manager by selecting the “Reports” tab from the left-hand navigation pane. From there, you can select a report type (e.g., Disk Space Usage) and customize it to meet your needs. You can also schedule reports to run on a regular basis so that you always have an up-to-date view of your file server’s performance.

6. Enable access-based enumeration on shared folders

Access-based enumeration (ABE) is a feature of File Server Resource Manager that allows users to only see the files and folders they have access to. This prevents users from seeing content they don’t have permission to view, which can help reduce accidental data leakage or malicious activity. ABE also helps improve performance by reducing the amount of data sent over the network when browsing shared folders.

To enable ABE on a shared folder, open File Server Resource Manager, select the Shared Folders node, right-click the desired folder, and select Properties. On the Advanced tab, check the box next to Enable Access-Based Enumeration. Click OK to save your changes.

7. Encrypt sensitive data using EFS or BitLocker

Encryption helps protect data from unauthorized access, even if the file server is compromised. Encrypted files are unreadable to anyone without the encryption key, so they can’t be accessed or stolen by malicious actors. Additionally, encrypted files are more secure when transferred over a network, as they can’t be intercepted and read in transit.

EFS (Encrypting File System) and BitLocker are two of the most popular encryption solutions for Windows-based systems. EFS is built into Windows and provides basic encryption capabilities, while BitLocker offers more advanced features such as full disk encryption. Both solutions provide strong encryption that will help keep your sensitive data safe.

8. Monitor file server performance and storage usage

Monitoring file server performance and storage usage helps you identify potential issues before they become a problem. It also allows you to plan for future growth, ensuring that your file servers are able to handle the increased load as more users access them. Additionally, monitoring can help you detect any unauthorized access or malicious activity on your file servers.

Finally, File Server Resource Manager provides detailed reports about file server performance and storage usage, which can be used to make informed decisions about how best to manage your file servers. This includes setting up quotas, managing disk space, and optimizing file server performance.

9. Migrate your file servers to Windows Server 2019

Windows Server 2019 offers a number of features that make it easier to manage and secure your file servers.

For example, Windows Server 2019 includes the File Server Resource Manager (FSRM) role, which provides powerful tools for managing disk space usage, monitoring files, and setting quotas. It also has built-in support for data deduplication, which can help reduce storage costs by eliminating redundant copies of files. Additionally, Windows Server 2019 supports SMB encryption, which helps protect data in transit over the network. Finally, Windows Server 2019 includes enhanced security features such as Just In Time Administration and Privileged Access Management, which can help you better control access to sensitive resources.

10. Install the latest updates and security patches

The File Server Resource Manager is a powerful tool that can help you manage your file server resources, but it’s also vulnerable to security threats. By installing the latest updates and security patches, you can ensure that your system is protected from any potential vulnerabilities or exploits. Additionally, these updates often include new features and bug fixes that can improve the performance of your system. Finally, staying up-to-date with the latest versions of software helps ensure compatibility with other applications and systems.