fsutil reparsepoint

Queries or deletes reparse points. The fsutil reparsepoint command is typically used by support professionals.

Reparse points are NTFS file system objects that have a definable attribute, which contains user-defined data. They're used to:

  • Extend functionality in the input/output (I/O) subsystem.

  • Act as directory junction points and volume mount points.

  • Mark certain files as special to a file system filter driver.

Syntax

fsutil reparsepoint [query] <filename>
fsutil reparsepoint [delete] <filename>

Parameters

Parameter Description
query Retrieves the reparse point data that is associated with the file or directory identified by the specified handle.
delete Deletes a reparse point from the file or directory that is 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

  • When a 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 associated file system filter. If the file system filter is found, the filter processes the file as directed by the reparse data. If no file system filter is found, the File open operation fails.

Examples

To retrieve 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