SHARED PATH on Addin - ESRI

MichaelRobb

Hopefully someone has a solution to this...

ESRI has this cool ability for Shared Addins, using a server path for example within an organization.
Unfortunately, once the machine is un-plugged from that network, the path, along with all the tools are removed... this causes issues for Laptop users as well as the odd network glitch (if it happens during arc startup / shutdown)

The ability to plug into the network with, lets say a laptop, have the most recent tools through the shared addin, unplug, go to a meeting somewhere else, utilize those tools, then get any updates once plugged back into the network seems ideal and care free for the user. Otherwise, its drag all the files over, repath addisn to that folder, once back at office, remove path, re-path to other, open arc, close arc to set the latest addins in place.

Except for that cool part where ESRI decided to have the Addin REMOVE everything, INCLUDING the folder path in the Options tab of the addin manager if the path is no longer there, I like addins otherwise.

Suggestions?
Opinions?
Am I missing something?
workarounds?

Currently using Editor 10.0 Build 3200 on most machines.

I guess just another custom program to be made...

StefanDieters1

It is easy to set up Windows 7 so that Addins are used by ArcMap (tested against Desktop 10.3.1). I tested by pointing arcmap at a network folder using the Add-In Manger while I was online. Also loaded up some Addin toolbars from that folder.

This web site goes through the steps of setting a folder for off-line use.
https://www.howtogeek.com/98793/how-to-use-offline-files-in-windows-to-cache-your-networked-files-offline/

 

Map a drive with the Addins directory. Our users already have a mapped drive

Go  to and set the directory top of the folder with the addins Right click select "always available online"

There was no need to explicitly set Folder redirection. The Arcmap request for the Addin folder got moved to the local cache automatically and made available all the addins.

Set up auto sync if you want updates to come through automatically. I tested  that updates worked after doing a manual sync.