Fsutil: reparsepoint
Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2
Fsutil: reparsepoint
Typically used by support professionals. Queries or deletes reparse points, which are NTFS file system objects that have a definable attribute containing user-controlled data, and are used to extend functionality in the input/output (I/O) subsystem. Reparse points are used for directory junction points and volume mount points. They are also used by file system filter drivers to mark certain files as special to that driver.
Syntax
fsutil reparsepoint [query] FileName
fsutil reparsepoint [delete] FileName
Parameters
- query
Retrieves the reparse point data associated with the file or directory identified by the specified handle.
- delete
Deletes a reparse point from the file or directory identified by the specified handle, but does not delete the file or directory.
- FileName
Specifies the full path to the file including the file name and extension, for example C:\documents\filename.txt.
Remarks
On an NTFS volume, a file or directory can contain a reparse point, which is a collection of user-defined data. The format of this data is understood by the program that stores the data, and a file system filter, which you install to interpret the data and process the file. When an program sets a reparse point, it stores this data, plus a reparse tag, which uniquely identifies the data it is storing. When the file system opens a file with a reparse point, it attempts to find the file system filter associated with the data format identified by the reparse tag. If such a file system filter is found, the filter processes the file as directed by the reparse data. If no such file system filter is found, the file open operation fails.
For example, reparse points are used to implement NTFS links and Remote Storage. Remote Storage uses an administrator-defined set of rules to move infrequently used files to long term storage, such as tape or CD-ROM. It uses reparse points to store information about the file in the file system. This information is stored in a stub file that contains a reparse point whose data points to the device where the actual file is now located. The file system filter can use this information to retrieve the file.
Examples
To retrieve a reparse point data associated with C:\Server, type:
fsutil reparsepoint query C:\Server
To delete a reparse point from a specified file or directory, use the following format:
fsutil reparsepoint delete C:\Server
Formatting legend
| Format | Meaning |
|---|---|
Italic |
Information that the user must supply |
Bold |
Elements that the user must type exactly as shown |
Ellipsis (...) |
Parameter that can be repeated several times in a command line |
Between brackets ([]) |
Optional items |
Between braces ({}); choices separated by pipe (|). Example: {even|odd} |
Set of choices from which the user must choose only one |
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Code or program output |