Would you wish to maneuver some folders or programs off the C:\ drive to unencumber area or to cut back wear and tear on a chic SSD? sadly, moving folders or files off the C:\ drive to a different drive or partition isn't continuously as straightforward because it appears. The folder or file is also referenced within the Registry or in some script or application. If it's an put in program you're moving, you'd ought to uninstall it and then re-install it within the new location. creating a standard shortcut file won’t do as a result of shortcuts appear as if separate files to programs and therefore the Registry.
A previous tip showed a technique for safely moving bound personal folders. during this tip i will be able to show a general however straightforward thanks to move programs or alternative folders and files whereas maintaining all the first references. In fact, you'll create it seem that your folder or file continues to be on the C:\ drive when it's really been moved to a different drive or partition. Moreover, you may be ready to access or perhaps edit the item from either place though there's only 1 copy. It brings to mind the recent expression concerning having your cake and eating it too. the tactic uses what are referred to as symbolic links.
Symbolic links are often created within the command line with a special command that was 1st introduced in Vista. it's referred to as Mklink (described in additional detail here) and here is how it works for a folder :
- Before doing something, confirm you have got a backup of your system
- Move (not copy) the required folder by the standard strategies to its new destination on the X:\ volume. provides it no matter name you select. Let’s decision it NewName however it will retain ExistingName if you would like. At now programs and Registry references is also broken. it's necessary to maneuver the folder 1st since otherwise no symbolic link are often created on the C.\ drive
- Next open a command prompt with elevated privileges
- Enter the command mklink /d C:\ExistingName X:\NewName The switch /d indicates that we tend to are linking folders (directories). No switch would be used if a file was being linked. If your folder name has areas, you have got to surround the trail name in quotes.
- If a link is successfully created, the command line can show a message “symbolic link created for ExistingName <<===>> X:\NewName”
- shut the command prompt
That's all it takes. All of the previous Registry or alternative references to C:\ExistingName can still work. The command creates atiny low object on the C:\ drive that retains the previous folder name and behaves as if it's the contents of the folder that's very over on the X:\ drive.
It’s the magic of symbolic links.
Freeware that uses symbolic links to maneuver folders - i have not used it as a result of I like the fast and straightforward command-line methodology however there's a free application referred to as SymMover for moving folders and making symbolic links. web site is here. If you are trying it, allow us to shrewdness it puzzled out.(resource:techsupportalert.com)4.5
