In classic Microsoft Windows NT environments, what does the Directory Replicator service primarily allow administrators to do across machines?

Introduction / Context:
Before the advent of modern DFS Replication and Active Directory, Windows NT included a Directory Replicator service to distribute files—commonly logon scripts or shared tools—from a designated export server to import computers on the network. Understanding its scope prevents confusion with account database replication and full partition mirroring.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The service predates Active Directory and DFSR.
• It synchronizes directories/files from a server to other machines.
• It is not the mechanism for account database replication (that is PDC ↔ BDC replication).

Concept / Approach:
The Directory Replicator service is a file replication facility. Administrators configure an export path on a Windows NT Server; designated import computers (often workstations or member servers, potentially in workgroups) receive updated files. This mechanism was commonly used to distribute logon scripts and common utilities. It does not replicate the Security Accounts Manager (SAM) database, does not mirror entire partitions, and is unrelated to Active Directory (which did not exist in NT 4.0).

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Microsoft documentation from the Windows NT era describes the Directory Replicator’s export/import model, with scheduled replication of specified directories to remote systems—especially for distributing logon script files across sites.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• PDC to BDC account replication is handled by SAM replication, not the Directory Replicator.
• Partition mirroring is a storage/backup function, not provided by this service.
• Workstation→server copy is not the core design of the Directory Replicator.
• Active Directory replication pertains to Windows 2000 and later, not NT 4.0.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing different “replication” terms; assuming it handles security principals; forgetting that domain controllers and file replication were separate subsystems in NT.

Final Answer:
Copy directories and files from a Windows NT Server to Windows NT Workstation computers that may not be domain members