Creating a link without the .lnk extension

[Asperamanca]

I would like to redirect the data some applications write into
c:\documents and settings\[...] to another partition, to ensure I do
not lose any important data when I have to do a system restore
(hopefully never, but you never know).

I know there are ways to get the whole Docs&Settings folder to another
driver, but that involves changing about five zillion registry keys,
so I was looking for another way.

What came to mind was creating a folder where the application will put
its data, that is effectively a link to a folder on another drive.
That way the application would automatically write its data to another
drive, and it would be safe.
However, normally created links have the .lnk extension, so the
application will not recognize its folder anymore.

Any ideas?

Robert

 

[Sharon F]

I would like to redirect the data some applications write into
c:\documents and settings\[...] to another partition, to ensure I do
not lose any important data when I have to do a system restore
(hopefully never, but you never know).

I know there are ways to get the whole Docs&Settings folder to another
driver, but that involves changing about five zillion registry keys,
so I was looking for another way.

What came to mind was creating a folder where the application will put
its data, that is effectively a link to a folder on another drive.
That way the application would automatically write its data to another
drive, and it would be safe.
However, normally created links have the .lnk extension, so the
application will not recognize its folder anymore.

Any ideas?

Robert

Many programs have settings in their preferences menus for where they will
store their data files. If not in their menus, you may find the data path
in their corresponding registry keys and could try editing it there.

If you have a lot of programs that default to the My Documents folder, you
could move that folder. See the Properties of My Documents and use the Move
button. Tip: Create a target folder before redirecting My Documents.
Example: On my system, I have My Documents redirected to I:/My Docs

 

[Asperamanca]

Many programs have settings in their preferences menus for where they will
store their data files. If not in their menus, you may find the data path
in their corresponding registry keys and could try editing it there.

This one hasn't. Unfortunately.

If you have a lot of programs that default to the My Documents folder, you
could move that folder. See the Properties of My Documents and use the Move
button. Tip: Create a target folder before redirecting My Documents.
Example: On my system, I have My Documents redirected to I:/My Docs

Hmm, I don't see any 'Move' button in the Properties. Could you be
more specific? Or do I need any tools in order to get it? You don't
mean just moving the folder and letting XP figure out what happened,
right?

Robert

 

[Sharon F]

This one hasn't. Unfortunately.


Hmm, I don't see any 'Move' button in the Properties. Could you be
more specific? Or do I need any tools in order to get it? You don't
mean just moving the folder and letting XP figure out what happened,
right?

Robert

Kind of an old fashioned approach but some programs still use INI files.
Take a look around for an INI for the program. Could also try working with
the properties of the program's shortcut. The target line goes to the
program's executable. There is also a "Start In:" value here. You can enter
the path to a folder of your choice. If the program checks that value, File
dialogs will use that folder.

For moving My Documents - log on to the user account that you want to move
it for. Then right click on My Documents in Windows Explorer. Select
Properties. Right below the box for Target, you should see these buttons:
Restore Default, Move, Find Target.

You can also right click drag My Documents. When you drop the folder select
Move Here. XP will update the relevant registry info for the location of
that user's My Documents folder.

 

[Asperamanca]

For moving My Documents - log on to the user account that you want to move
it for. Then right click on My Documents in Windows Explorer. Select
Properties. Right below the box for Target, you should see these buttons:
Restore Default, Move, Find Target.

You can also right click drag My Documents. When you drop the folder select
Move Here. XP will update the relevant registry info for the location of
that user's My Documents folder.

OK, I found an article on MSDN describing exactly what you suggest.
Still don't see those buttons. Any suggestions?

Thanks

Robert

 

[Asperamanca]

Found it. I used the properties of the folder from Explorer, not the
properties of the desktop icon. On the desktop icon, I get all the
buttons you mentioned.

Thanks

Robert