Good day,
So, you've just bought a new HDD/SSD, but don't feel like moving all your programs, games and other libraries from the old HDD...
Or for any of the following reasons:
- Moving or not wanting to move your massive steam library?
- Move certain files or folder within a installed directory?
- Don't trust those 3rd party file managing software?
- Find it too much of a schlep to edit the registry?
Then you should use symbolic linking:
For Windows (2000 or later) OS:
1. Open command prompt. Shortcut: Windows key + R, then type "cmd", enter
2. In the command prompt enter:
3. Press enter.
For Linux based OS:
1. Open terminal. Shortcut: Alt+F2, then type "terminal"
2. In the terminal enter the following:
3. Press enter.
An example:
If I just want to sync a game save on dropbox:
In Windows 7: "Documents and Settings" become: "Users\username\Documents"
To confirm that the link has been created, navigate to the source directory. If successful, there should be a shortcut type of icon in it. When clicked, it should take you to the defined target directory.
This is just a simple example, but it works very well in networked environments (along with syncing program).
A lot of time can saved.
So, you've just bought a new HDD/SSD, but don't feel like moving all your programs, games and other libraries from the old HDD...
Or for any of the following reasons:
- Moving or not wanting to move your massive steam library?
- Move certain files or folder within a installed directory?
- Don't trust those 3rd party file managing software?
- Find it too much of a schlep to edit the registry?
Then you should use symbolic linking:
For Windows (2000 or later) OS:
1. Open command prompt. Shortcut: Windows key + R, then type "cmd", enter
2. In the command prompt enter:
Code:
mklink \source\directory\ \target\directory\or\fileFor Linux based OS:
1. Open terminal. Shortcut: Alt+F2, then type "terminal"
2. In the terminal enter the following:
Code:
ln -s /source/directory /target/directory/An example:
If I just want to sync a game save on dropbox:
Code:
mklink C:\Documents and Settings\chan0o\My Documents\My Games\Skyrim C:\Documents and Settings\Me\My Documents\Dropbox\SkyrimSaveIn Windows 7: "Documents and Settings" become: "Users\username\Documents"
To confirm that the link has been created, navigate to the source directory. If successful, there should be a shortcut type of icon in it. When clicked, it should take you to the defined target directory.
This is just a simple example, but it works very well in networked environments (along with syncing program).
A lot of time can saved.
Last edited: