Share via

"Moveable" shortcuts / symbolic links

Anonymous
2024-08-02T07:09:08+00:00

Full disclosure - I do not have an IT background, and am trying to find a way forwards as our IT department has been unable to advise on this.

I have a directory (Directory1) with several sub-folders and files on a remote server. There is a shortcut to a file (let's call it File1) at the top of the directory, so it can easily be accessed.

Directory1 is a template directory - it, and all of its contents is copied to other locations on the remote server (and other servers) regularly. When this happens, the copied shortcut still points to File1, rather than the copied version. I need the shortcut in Directory1Copy to point to File1Copy.

Can relative symbolic links be used to do this? What parameters are needed if so? And if this is a way forwards, is it a problem that only our IT department has admin permissions to set up symbolic links - will this prevent standard users from being able to copy Directory1 and a symbolic link within it?

If symbolic links are not the way forwards, is there an alternative that would work?

Thanks in advance for any advice on this.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Files, folders, and storage

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

Answer accepted by question author

  1. Ramesh Srinivasan 81,075 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-08-02T07:58:45+00:00

    Hi kfcoast,

    This can be accomplished using a 3rd party portable tool named "Relative". Please see:
    https://superuser.com/a/644421/542839

    and

    https://www.csparks.com/Relative/index.html

    The shortcut on the server needs to be changed to the "relative" format so it works on each system as desired.

    (If a third-party tool is not allowed in your company, a custom VBScript should be able to achieve the same results.)

    (or)

    Alternatively, you can modify the shortcut target from the old path to the new path en masse (on each destination computer) using a script or PowerShell. This link should help.
    https://www.winhelponline.com/blog/how-to-chang...

    Standard Disclaimer: There is a link to a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to provide accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments

2 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Ramesh Srinivasan 81,075 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-08-02T09:11:08+00:00

    I'm glad that info helped, Kfcoast.

    Thanks for the feedback.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2024-08-02T09:07:26+00:00

    Thank you so much Ramesh - that first option has worked perfectly!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments