Use split archive over multiple hard drives

[thebigguyconnor]

I use a backup software called Macrium Reflect and they have an option for splitting your backup archive. I have a split archive that I have stored over multiple hard drives (because it is a very large file), but I cannot open the archive unless the archives are all in one folder. Is there some way to make a "virtual directory" or network drive so that I can use these files as if they are in the same folder, even though they are on different drives?

THANKS!

 

[unifex]

Welcome Big Guy!

I guess what you need to do is to create a Library for your archive (perhaps calling it "Archive Library") and include all the folders with your archive files into that library.

You can learn more about Libraries and how to create them from this tutorial made by Brink.

 

[thebigguyconnor]

thanks for the reply
I thought it might work, but the files simply just acted as if they were in each other's individual folders prompting the usual (part of archive missing) response.

Any other tips?

Thanks!

 

[unifex]

You can try Link Shell Extension (the link is supposed to be for the 32-bit app, the 64-bit exists as well, just make sure you get the right one). Basically what can do for you, it can create links or junctions pointing to the actual files. So, if you put your links in the same folder, Windows will be "tricked" into thinking that your files are actually there. This definitely works for Windows. Maybe it will work for your backup software as well.

The website provides extensible help, but the following instructions basically taken from the SSD tutorial may work as well:


Create a target folder.

Navigate back to where your file is actually stored, right click and select Pick Link Source.

Navigate to your target folder and select Drop As and select Junction (actually this was in instructions for linking folders; for your files you may need to try other options).

Now, in your target folder you will see your file again with a little overlay icon.

Repeat for all other parts of your archive.

 

[thebigguyconnor]

Hooray!!!

You can try Link Shell Extension (the link is supposed to be for the 32-bit app, the 64-bit exists as well, just make sure you get the right one). Basically what can do for you, it can create links or junctions pointing to the actual files. So, if you put your links in the same folder, Windows will be "tricked" into thinking that your files are actually there. This definitely works for Windows. Maybe it will work for your backup software as well.

The website provides extensible help, but the following instructions basically taken from the SSD tutorial may work as well:


Create a target folder.

Navigate back to where your file is actually stored, right click and select Pick Link Source.

Navigate to your target folder and select Drop As and select Junction (actually this was in instructions for linking folders; for your files you may need to try other options).

Now, in your target folder you will see your file again with a little overlay icon.

Repeat for all other parts of your archive.

Holy crap! That worked brilliantly! I was skeptical at first (when I selected the files and then created the symbolic links they showed up as having a 0KB file size but when I went to open the first part of the archive it automatically recognized the other parts! WOOT!

Thanks!!!!