I have windows 8.1 Pro.  I connected a network drive and was able to set up some of the contents as available offline.  When I connect to the VPN, however, and go into file explorer - for that drive, it indicates the state as "Offline (background sync)" and will not allow me to make other folders/files under the mapped drive as available offline or to open any of these.  How can I change this state so I am working online?  (Also, sync is not running).  Thank you for your help.

Hello Liz Braden,

Do you mean that when you use VPN and cant sync offline folder?

If yes, please take a look at the following thread similar to this issue.
https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/windows/en-US/21042eeb-434b-4864-afbc-22948d4d02e1/offline-file-sync-over-a-vpn?forum=w7itpronetworking

Try to disable the "Configure slow-link mode" for Offline Files:
 
Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Network\Offline Files\Configure slow-link mode

Best regards,
Fangzhou CHEN