If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Rate Thread | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Creating personal data/special folders
Cross posted to 4 groups, as it probably applies to all these versions
of Windows. Probably applies to older ones and Windows 10, but I don't follow those groups. I've never used this "system" as created by MS. It simply doesn't offer a categorization/organization method/means that makes sense to me. I know a lot of people have no problems with this method, which is perfectly OK. I'm currently resurrecting a Vista system for donation, and as I was relocating the personal data folders from the boot partition to another partition, it suddenly occurred to me... Why can't I create my own special folders? I started experimenting on the Vista system, and all went well until I relocated the folder I created. No can do. I can put the folder somewhere else manually, but it won't show up in the personal folders area. I'm still looking, but I found an article relating to Win 7 about doing this, and apparently I need to create a "symbolic link" somehow, using an elevated command windows. I know nothing about symbolic links, so will have to start researching this. But I was wondering if anyone knows of a GUI utility that will do all of this for me rather than a command line operation. Ideally, it would insert itself into the OS in some manner, rather like the Add Print Directory fix you can get from MS. And does anyone know of a really simple article on symbolic links that I can start from? It would also be nice if I could add selected folders I create, or one of the default folders, to the Start Menu. Thanks. -- Ken Mac OS X 10.8.5 Firefox 36.0.4 Thunderbird 31.5 "My brain is like lightning, a quick flash and it's gone!" |
Ads |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Creating personal data/special folders
Are you sure you have enough crossposted/multiposted groups. |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Creating personal data/special folders
On 5/20/15 1:04 PM, Disguised wrote:
Are you sure you have enough crossposted/multiposted groups. If you don't have a clue, don't comment. :-) -- Ken Mac OS X 10.8.5 Firefox 36.0.4 Thunderbird 31.5 "My brain is like lightning, a quick flash and it's gone!" |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Creating personal data/special folders
Ken Springer wrote:
Cross posted to 4 groups, as it probably applies to all these versions of Windows. Probably applies to older ones and Windows 10, but I don't follow those groups. I've never used this "system" as created by MS. It simply doesn't offer a categorization/organization method/means that makes sense to me. I know a lot of people have no problems with this method, which is perfectly OK. I'm currently resurrecting a Vista system for donation, and as I was relocating the personal data folders from the boot partition to another partition, it suddenly occurred to me... Why can't I create my own special folders? I started experimenting on the Vista system, and all went well until I relocated the folder I created. No can do. I can put the folder somewhere else manually, but it won't show up in the personal folders area. I'm still looking, but I found an article relating to Win 7 about doing this, and apparently I need to create a "symbolic link" somehow, using an elevated command windows. I know nothing about symbolic links, so will have to start researching this. But I was wondering if anyone knows of a GUI utility that will do all of this for me rather than a command line operation. Ideally, it would insert itself into the OS in some manner, rather like the Add Print Directory fix you can get from MS. And does anyone know of a really simple article on symbolic links that I can start from? It would also be nice if I could add selected folders I create, or one of the default folders, to the Start Menu. Thanks. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symbolic_link "Windows symbolic link Main article: NTFS symbolic link Windows Vista and later support symbolic links for both files and directories with the command line utility mklink Unlike junction points, a symbolic link can also point to a file or remote Server Message Block (SMB) network path. Additionally, the NTFS symbolic link implementation provides full support for cross-filesystem links. However, the functionality enabling cross-host symbolic links requires that the remote system also support them, which effectively limits their support to Windows Vista and later Windows operating systems." So you want to try mklink /? for help. Something along the basic form of: mklink fake_name_or_path real_name_or_path Similar to the Unix ln -s real_name_or_path fake_name_or_path Requiring you to always read the instructions before making a link :-) Because you are bound to forget the order of parameters. On your Mac, if you dropped to Terminal, you should be able to do something like man ln to see how the Linux/Unix version works. That's if you're curious about the order of the parameters. ******* A little philosophy for you: If making up a machine for donation, resist the urge to be creative... 1) Leave the library pointers alone. Moving libraries from C: to D: for example, as a clever means to supporting some sort of backup strategy, will break Service Pack installation. Microsoft installation software does not tolerate this option well, even though they put the infrastructure in place for you to booby-trap your installation. This is a limitation caused by Microsoft, and it's not your fault. 2) Try not to create "unique" support jobs for other technicians. Keep your customers best interests in mind. If you create a "fake flavor of library", then the customer takes the machine to Geek Squad, maybe all the files in the clever library structure, are erased by ham-fisted techs. By keeping the installation bog standard, sure, maybe the backup structure isn't as spiffy as you would like, but you're also not booby trapping the installation in such a way, that the Junior Geek Squad person doesn't destroy something by accident. For example, the Geek Squad may attempt an Upgrade Install, overwriting the OS. Which is an instance of (1) - namely, now your custom library will interfere with the attempt at Upgrade Install (say, for malware flushing by hotshot tech). The Upgrade Install will back out on its own, the tech will get angry, and do a Clean Install. And for anyone considering a trip to Geek Squad or equivalent - *always* back up your computer before taking a computer to the shop. Even if it means using dd style "sector-by-sector" backup because the file system is broken. Ask for help here, if you need hints. The reason for the recommendation, is because the shops use "script-based" treatment of customer machines (i.e. the boss tells them to reinstall the OS, even when it isn't needed). If you take a computer in to have the CMOS battery changed, a Junior Tech may reformat the hard drive and Reinstall Windows. This has actually happened... and more than once. Having a backup stored on an external USB drive you keep at home, is your protection from this sort of thing. ******* You can do what you want with respect to your experimental Library, but try to keep the KISS principle in mind. Paul |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
Creating personal data/special folders
On 5/20/15 2:46 PM, Paul wrote:
Ken Springer wrote: Cross posted to 4 groups, as it probably applies to all these versions of Windows. Probably applies to older ones and Windows 10, but I don't follow those groups. I've never used this "system" as created by MS. It simply doesn't offer a categorization/organization method/means that makes sense to me. I know a lot of people have no problems with this method, which is perfectly OK. I'm currently resurrecting a Vista system for donation, and as I was relocating the personal data folders from the boot partition to another partition, it suddenly occurred to me... Why can't I create my own special folders? I started experimenting on the Vista system, and all went well until I relocated the folder I created. No can do. I can put the folder somewhere else manually, but it won't show up in the personal folders area. I'm still looking, but I found an article relating to Win 7 about doing this, and apparently I need to create a "symbolic link" somehow, using an elevated command windows. I know nothing about symbolic links, so will have to start researching this. But I was wondering if anyone knows of a GUI utility that will do all of this for me rather than a command line operation. Ideally, it would insert itself into the OS in some manner, rather like the Add Print Directory fix you can get from MS. And does anyone know of a really simple article on symbolic links that I can start from? It would also be nice if I could add selected folders I create, or one of the default folders, to the Start Menu. Thanks. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symbolic_link "Windows symbolic link Main article: NTFS symbolic link Windows Vista and later support symbolic links for both files and directories with the command line utility mklink Unlike junction points, a symbolic link can also point to a file or remote Server Message Block (SMB) network path. Additionally, the NTFS symbolic link implementation provides full support for cross-filesystem links. However, the functionality enabling cross-host symbolic links requires that the remote system also support them, which effectively limits their support to Windows Vista and later Windows operating systems." So you want to try mklink /? for help. Something along the basic form of: mklink fake_name_or_path real_name_or_path Similar to the Unix ln -s real_name_or_path fake_name_or_path Requiring you to always read the instructions before making a link :-) Because you are bound to forget the order of parameters. On your Mac, if you dropped to Terminal, you should be able to do something like man ln to see how the Linux/Unix version works. That's if you're curious about the order of the parameters. That's a good article. I'll have to take my time and go through it a couple of times. I didn't see actual instructions on how to create the link, though. But I found a couple pages on the web that walks you through it. ******* A little philosophy for you: If making up a machine for donation, resist the urge to be creative... 1) Leave the library pointers alone. Moving libraries from C: to D: for example, as a clever means to supporting some sort of backup strategy, will break Service Pack installation. Microsoft installation software does not tolerate this option well, even though they put the infrastructure in place for you to booby-trap your installation. This is a limitation caused by Microsoft, and it's not your fault. That's never been on my list for a free machine. But I would like to do move the pointer files for libraries from C: to D: but I've never found a way to do it similar to relocating actual data folders. But, there is a utility out there that will backup those files for you, or you could manually make your own copies somewhere. Then, should you have reinstall the operating system, just copy the original files over the new ones, and your libraries are restored. I never liked the way the libraries worked anyway. Then I found a way to make them work as I wanted, which made me happy. This idea of adding additional folders is for my computer, not the ones I donate. The Vista machine is simply available for testing the idea. 2) Try not to create "unique" support jobs for other technicians. Keep your customers best interests in mind. If you create a "fake flavor of library", then the customer takes the machine to Geek Squad, maybe all the files in the clever library structure, are erased by ham-fisted techs. I don't do that, no really sneaky stuff or even manual registry edits. Just what you can do from the interface. And I always provide written documentation for what I've done, and why. By keeping the installation bog standard, sure, maybe the backup structure isn't as spiffy as you would like, but you're also not booby trapping the installation in such a way, that the Junior Geek Squad person doesn't destroy something by accident. For example, the Geek Squad may attempt an Upgrade Install, overwriting the OS. Which is an instance of (1) - namely, now your custom library will interfere with the attempt at Upgrade Install (say, for malware flushing by hotshot tech). The Upgrade Install will back out on its own, the tech will get angry, and do a Clean Install. I always create a set of disks containing a system image, so the new owner can put the computer back to the way it was when he first go it. Most of the XP machines had a valid restore partition from the manufacturer. For those that didn't, I'd create the image using EaseUS TODO Backup, and give them an EaseUS boot disk to reinstall with. And I always test it first. For this Vista computer, I'm going to use Vista's Complete PC backup system. And I've got a copy of Vista Inside Out on CD, and I'll include the pages on how to use it. And for anyone considering a trip to Geek Squad or equivalent - *always* back up your computer before taking a computer to the shop. Even if it means using dd style "sector-by-sector" backup because the file system is broken. Ask for help here, if you need hints. The reason for the recommendation, is because the shops use "script-based" treatment of customer machines (i.e. the boss tells them to reinstall the OS, even when it isn't needed). If you take a computer in to have the CMOS battery changed, a Junior Tech may reformat the hard drive and Reinstall Windows. This has actually happened... and more than once. Having a backup stored on an external USB drive you keep at home, is your protection from this sort of thing. ******* You can do what you want with respect to your experimental Library, but try to keep the KISS principle in mind. I do KISS everywhere. What I do to the computers is also a small attempt at keeping the new owner, which I assume may never have owned a computer before, from making such a drastic mistake they end up losing their data too. At least, as best I can. And at least 99.9999999999999% legal. The only grey area that sometimes occurs is the OS disk copies I give them. Not always sure it technically meets the EULA, but if the computer validates with the product code that's on the label on the computer, I'm happy. MS isn't out financially, since it's been paid for once, and the new owners wouldn't be buying a computer anyway. And MS has another Windows user in the flock. :-( If you're going to steal software, Bill wanted you to steal his. LOL -- Ken Mac OS X 10.8.5 Firefox 36.0.4 Thunderbird 31.5 "My brain is like lightning, a quick flash and it's gone!" |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
Creating personal data/special folders
I guess it's all a matter of personal preference. The
"special folders" are designed to help people who simply don't get the file system. If software defaults to saving in the personal Docs folder then people who have no idea of how the file system works can still access their files. But what if one does understand how to use Explorer? Personally I've never used any of the special folders or libraries stuff. My "Documents" folder has been untouched for years. I just make folders that make sense to me. I have an E: drive partition for graphics, for instance. In there are folders for photos, sounds and various other topics. I also have partitions named Closet, Attic, Back40 and NTStorage. The latter is NTFS formatted, for storing giant files. In Attic\Business Docs are all relevant business files, such as logos, contract templates, etc. Back40 has backup of software installers, SDKs, service packs, etc. I keep shortcuts to some of my more used folders on the Desktop and also wrote an Explorer Bar for folder windows that provides links to several commonly used folders. (I got that idea from MS. They did something similar in Win9x.) Which is all to say that the file system is *so* adaptable and flexible that I don't see why anyone who actually uses it would pay attention to "My *" folders or libraries. |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
Creating personal data/special folders
On 5/21/15 7:22 AM, Mayayana wrote:
I guess it's all a matter of personal preference. The "special folders" are designed to help people who simply don't get the file system. If software defaults to saving in the personal Docs folder then people who have no idea of how the file system works can still access their files. Exactly. But the default way of where those docs are stored pose problems if you need or want to reinstall the operating system. Somehow, you have to sort out your data from the OS files. But what if one does understand how to use Explorer? Yep. I don't think people realize that hard drive organization isn't any different at the core than organizing the files in your filing cabinet. As far as I'm concerned, the display of folders in the navigation pane from XP and older Explorers is superior with what showed up in Vista and later. Personally I've never used any of the special folders or libraries stuff. My "Documents" folder has been untouched for years. I just make folders that make sense to me. I have an E: drive partition for graphics, for instance. In there are folders for photos, sounds and various other topics. I also have partitions named Closet, Attic, Back40 and NTStorage. The latter is NTFS formatted, for storing giant files. In Attic\Business Docs are all relevant business files, such as logos, contract templates, etc. Back40 has backup of software installers, SDKs, service packs, etc. I keep shortcuts to some of my more used folders on the Desktop and also wrote an Explorer Bar for folder windows that provides links to several commonly used folders. (I got that idea from MS. They did something similar in Win9x.) You, me, and one of my brothers-in-law all do this. But all of us understand how the basics of a file system work. I think most people don't understand that, because no one explains it in a way they understand. I don't like desktop clutter, although this Mac has gotten way out of hand. So I would increase the number of programs shown in the Start Menu to the max, which pretty much solved a lot of the clutter. Somethings I put on the Quick Launch bar in XP, and then pulled the QLB on to the desktop where it is in a Window. I've read the QLB is still in W7 but not displayed. There's a web page somewhere that says how to get it back. I think it's a registry change. Which is all to say that the file system is *so* adaptable and flexible that I don't see why anyone who actually uses it would pay attention to "My *" folders or libraries. For general use, I totally agree. Libraries... I think the setup from MS is totally a waste of time. But I've found a way to make it do what I'm looking for, and am disappointed MS took the separate libraries section out of the Win8 Explorer. I've written about this before, so won't get into that again. G Documents... If I can manage to wade through the info Paul gave me, and then find a way to add my own special folders to the Start Menu, I'll have that almost "bent" to my way of wanting to do things. And I can think of a couple occupations where a user might find this more useful to them. I won't waste reader's time on this either, unless it's requested. It literally never occurred to me to try this until a couple of days ago. Both ideas won't make you immediate gains, but would aggregate into gains over time. Just like when computers first came out. Pretty much useless to you until you invested the time to learn them, and after that, daily drudgery of much paperwork and such were now easier to accomplish. -- Ken Mac OS X 10.8.5 Firefox 36.0.4 Thunderbird 31.5 "My brain is like lightning, a quick flash and it's gone!" |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
Creating personal data/special folders
On Thu, 21 May 2015 08:50:42 -0600, Ken Springer
wrote: Libraries... I think the setup from MS is totally a waste of time. Libraries work fine for me just as they are, but we've discussed it before. Both ideas won't make you immediate gains, but would aggregate into gains over time. Just like when computers first came out. Pretty much useless to you until you invested the time to learn them, and after that, daily drudgery of much paperwork and such were now easier to accomplish. In the beginning, I remember seeing lots of "balance your checkbook!" and "organize your recipes!" types of claims. :-) I don't need a computer to help me with either of those tasks, so I'm glad that more uses were realized over time. |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
Creating personal data/special folders
On Thu, 21 May 2015 09:22:10 -0400, Mayayana wrote:
Which is all to say that the file system is *so* adaptable and flexible that I don't see why anyone who actually uses it would pay attention to "My *" folders or libraries. They don't call them "My" anything in Win8 |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
Creating personal data/special folders
On Thu, 21 May 2015 20:05:28 +0100, mechanic
wrote: On Thu, 21 May 2015 09:22:10 -0400, Mayayana wrote: Which is all to say that the file system is *so* adaptable and flexible that I don't see why anyone who actually uses it would pay attention to "My *" folders or libraries. They don't call them "My" anything in Win8 Sorry, but that's not correct. My Music, My Pictures, and My Videos are sub-folders of Documents. |
#11
|
|||
|
|||
Creating personal data/special folders
On 5/21/15 12:53 PM, Char Jackson wrote:
On Thu, 21 May 2015 08:50:42 -0600, Ken Springer wrote: Libraries... I think the setup from MS is totally a waste of time. Libraries work fine for me just as they are, but we've discussed it before. Yeppers, that we have. LOL I think that's simply because we wanted/expected them to do different things, or at least have the capability. You like what they natively do, I don't like those limitations. But I found a way to make them do what I wanted, so ultimately, we both have what we were looking/hoping for. :-) Both ideas won't make you immediate gains, but would aggregate into gains over time. Just like when computers first came out. Pretty much useless to you until you invested the time to learn them, and after that, daily drudgery of much paperwork and such were now easier to accomplish. In the beginning, I remember seeing lots of "balance your checkbook!" and "organize your recipes!" types of claims. :-) OH, yea! LOL Never used a one of them!!! G I don't need a computer to help me with either of those tasks, so I'm glad that more uses were realized over time. -- Ken Mac OS X 10.8.5 Firefox 36.0.4 Thunderbird 31.5 "My brain is like lightning, a quick flash and it's gone!" |
#13
|
|||
|
|||
Creating personal data/special folders
On Thu, 21 May 2015 21:50:51 -0500, "R. C. White" wrote:
Hi, Char. In the beginning, I remember seeing lots of "balance your checkbook!" and "organize your recipes!" types of claims. :-) When was the last time you printed out your biorhythms? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biorhythm That was the big selling tool in the late 1970's. Now that you mention it, I remember a biorhythm fad, although I stayed well away from it. Pet rocks, anyone? At least a pet rock won't leave hair all over your keyboard like a cat might. |
#14
|
|||
|
|||
Creating personal data/special folders
Char Jackson wrote:
In the beginning, I remember seeing lots of "balance your checkbook!" and "organize your recipes!" types of claims. :-) I don't need a computer to help me with either of those tasks, so I'm glad that more uses were realized over time. I've been balancing my accounts using Quicken for probably 25 years, and while "need" is slightly too strong a word, I really wouldn't want to be without it. I've also sorted SWMBO's recipe book (the sort with dozens or possibly hundreds of scraps of paper) by scanning the useful bits and making them available on the kitchen iPad, in alphabetical order. She loves it. -- Mike Barnes Cheshire, England |
#15
|
|||
|
|||
Creating personal data/special folders
On Thu, 21 May 2015 13:13:22 -0700, Ken Blake, MVP wrote:
On Thu, 21 May 2015 20:05:28 +0100, mechanic wrote: On Thu, 21 May 2015 09:22:10 -0400, Mayayana wrote: Which is all to say that the file system is *so* adaptable and flexible that I don't see why anyone who actually uses it would pay attention to "My *" folders or libraries. They don't call them "My" anything in Win8 Sorry, but that's not correct. My Music, My Pictures, and My Videos are sub-folders of Documents. On here they aren't. |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | Rate This Thread |
|
|