How to Restore Default Junction Points in Windows
Information
Reparse points are linking mechanisms, comparable to shortcuts, that may be found throughout the Windows 7 file system. The two main types of reparse points are junction points, and symbolic links. Intended mainly for software applications� use, these objects are typically inaccessible by regular users and Windows will produce a �Location not found� error upon attempting to open one.
The �C:\Documents and Settings� resource is a classic example of a reparse point in Windows 7. Ever since Windows Vista, �Documents and Settings� is no longer a true directory and has been replaced by a junction, linking to the �C:\Users� directory. Ostensibly, these links exist for the purposes of backwards compatibility with programs that access the former locations.
While shortcut files are simply ordinary files that Windows Explorer treats specially, a reparse point operates almost transparently to most applications, effectively imitating the target object itself. As such, when unwarranted access to these junctions are gained, these advanced links may induce some badly written programs (especially those that scan the file system) into a cyclic reference. This occurs when a reparse point links to a location above itself in a folder hierarchy. For this reason, the permission settings of Windows� default reparse points should never be altered by the user.
If you are having problems with backup software not completing it may be caused by changed NTFS permissions on a specific junction.
This tutorial will enable you to repair Windows� default reparse points.
Note
As a consequence of file permissions not affecting symbolic links, all default reparse points under Windows are junctions. This is by design.
Default reparse points are not inherently required for a stable Windows install and may be safely deleted.
You must have local administrative rights in order to execute the repair scripts included in this tutorial.
This tutorial supports Windows 8.1 and Windows 10, though note well that some junctions are not available by default in these newer platforms. The scripts in this tutorial do not check your version of Windows check before applying fixes.
As of later revisions of Windows 10, many default junction points have been depreciated and are absent from a fresh install. Two junctions remain in Windows 10, C:\Users\All Users and C:\Users\Default User.
The C:\ProgramData\Favorites junction is notably absent from both Windows 8.1 and Window 10.
CONTENTS:
OPTION ONE
View the Current Status of Junction Points
Note
If you are unsure of which junction points, if any, have been modified, try the below batch file. This will list out each of the known default junction points and display their current security settings.
This will not alter any permissions or change any security settings.
Windows_Default_Junctions_Overview.bat
Download
OPTION TWO
Restore Default Junction Points
Note
1. Locate and click the Download button below for the zip that corresponds with the reparse point you'd like to repair.
2. Save the downloaded file to your Desktop, and unblock it.
3. If you would like a full restoration of the junction, run only the RepairJunction_<junctionname>.bat script, otherwise,
4. If you wish to just repair the permissions for the junction, run only the PermissionPackage_<junctionname>.bat file.
5. After the program is complete you may delete the files.
1. Restore the Default Documents and Settings Junction
Junction at "C:\Documents and Settings" linking to "C:\Users".
RepairJunction_DocumentsAndSettings_win7-win8.zip
Download
2. Restore the Default ProgramData\Application Data Junction
Junction at "C:\ProgramData\Application Data" linking to "C:\ProgramData"
RepairJunction_ProgramData-ApplicationData_win7-win8.zip
Download
3. Restore the Default ProgramData\Desktop Junction
Junction at "C:\ProgramData\Desktop" linking to "C:\Users\Public\Desktop"
RepairJunction_ProgramData-Desktop_win7-win8.zip
Download
4. Restore the Default ProgramData\Documents Junction
Junction at "C:\ProgramData\Documents" linking to "C:\Users\Public\Documents"
RepairJunction_ProgramData-Documents_win7-win8.zip
Download
5. Restore the Default ProgramData\Favorites Junction
Junction at "C:\ProgramData\Favoritesï" linking to "C:\Users\Public\Favorites"
RepairJunction_ProgramData-Favorites_win7.zip
Download
6. Restore the Default ProgramData\Start Menu Junction
Junction at "C:\ProgramData\Start Menu" linking to "C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu"
RepairJunction_ProgramData-StartMenu_win7-win8.zip
Download
7. Restore the Default ProgramData\Templates Junction
Junction at "C:\ProgramData\Templates" linking to "C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Templates"
RepairJunction_ProgramData-Templates_win7-win8.zip
Download
8. Restore the Default Users\All Users Junction
Junction at "C:\Users\All Users" linking to "C:\ProgramData"
RepairJunction_Users-AllUsers_win7-win8.zip
Download
RepairJunction_Users-AllUsers_win10.zip
Download
9. Restore the Default Users\Default User Junction
Junction at "C:\Users\Default Users" linking to "C:\Users\Default"
RepairJunction_Users-DefaultUser_win7-win8.zip
Download
RepairJunction_Users-DefaultUser_win10.zip
Download
That's all. Got a question, query, suggestion, or recommendation? Please let me know in the section below right away. Enjoy,
Pyprohly