Windows 7 folder redirects - working, but problems with the users file

[shabbaranks]

Hi all,

I have seen this question raised on a few occasions but never found the solution. I have redirected users folders such as my documents, favorites etc and its all working fine. The only problem is the users files/personal folders shortcuts you can add to the start menu and to the desktop. Whats happening is the folders go to the users folder (root) and then below that you can see all folders such as my docs etc which is fine - unless someone saves a file in there. If they do and then they go to thier home directory the file which the think they have saved in there isnt there as its in the personal folder directory.

First image shows the shortcut which then takes you to image 2 location, which ideally I would like to point to image 3\My documents - these are attached.


As I say the redirects are working fine for My Docs etc its just these personal folders\links which I am having problems with.

Appreciate your help - thanks.

 

[TanyaC]

Hi. Welcome to Seven forums.

Not sure I understand exactly what you are trying to achieve, but I'll do my best to offer some suggestions. Hopefully they will be of use to you. If I'm on the wrong track, sorry for the inconvenience.

There are three ways that I can think of off the top of my head to redirect folder locations. Each have their various pros and cons.

1. By editing the "shell folders" and "user shell folders" entries in the registry. There are some tools around to do this, and a couple of the entries can be modified by changing the properties from within explorer, but this is not very throrough.

2. Using Symbolic links and junctions (mklink)

3. By creating shortcuts.

How did you redirect your folders?

I wonder if perhaps libraries might also assist in achieving your goal, given their ability to include multiple locations in one folder view?

I have always found changing the shell folder entries in the registry to be most effective and reliable. Kind of makes everything automatic without the need for extra objects like links and shortcuts.

Doing it this way, the folders on c:\users\... become totally redundant. I actually redirect mine to my server personal folder, so when I reinstall my computer I don't have to worry about backups etc.

Does this sound like what you're trying to achieve (server location not withstanding)?

Tanya

 

[shabbaranks]

Hi Tanya,

Thanks I think I managed to get on top of this one... I am using group policy to redirect folders to network shares which as you probably know makes the changes in the registry.

To overcome the problem of people being able to right to the root directory I have disabled this again using group policy and removed the link to the folder location from the start menu.

SO... Users can still see these file locations but can not write to them. I think the reason for the local folder locations being visable is to do with the default user profile - I am yet to dig into whats going on with it.

Thanks for yor reply, and if you have any other info or anyone else can say how they achieve it I would appreciate the info.

Thanks