Vista Tip : How to make data of two folders available in one

Last post we learned how to make a symlink in windows vista. However with default option you will be able to see only one directory or folder data in the symlink created. Here we will see how we can make data of two directory available in one symlink.

Our Target

Take Directories d:\Blogdata and d:\Images . Now you want to see data of both the directory into a new place say d:\Blog. Now we will use MKLINK /J option to do it. /J stands for directory junction.

Steps to make a junction directory / symlink

MKLINK /D c:\blog d:\BlogData
The above steps create a hard link and all data under D:\blogdata directory can be seen in c:\blog.
Now type MKLINK /J c:\blog d:\images
Now your d:\images will be added to the symlink you have already create.
Now when you browse c:\blog you will be able to see both directories data.

Have Your say

Try this and see if it work. If you have any problems in implementing it, you can leave a comment and I will try to help you for sure.

(No Ratings Yet)

Loading ...

About The Author of this article:
Ashish is one of the co-author of this blog and writes on various interesting softwares, PC tips and more. You can read more of his articles here.

Enjoyed this article? Download our Toolbar ( for Free ) and read us more quickly or Free Subscribe to the Full RSS Feed or Get Post like this in your Inbox Free Subscribe via Email

Tags: add-two-folder-vista, create-hardlink-vista, symlinks-vista-tip, vista-tips

8 Comments and Link-Backs to “Vista Tip : How to make data of two folders available in one”

Click Me and Jump to Add your Comment :)

7 Comments from Friends and Readers

Richard, June 2, 2008:

This will not work for me.

C:\>mklink /D C:\Pics Y:\ArPics
symbolic link created for C:\Pics <> Y:\ArPics

Then:
C:\>mklink /J C:\Pics Z:\ArPics
Cannot create a file when that file already exists.
Mark, June 18, 2008:

This also does not work for me.

“Cannot create a file when that file already exists.”
Ashish Mohta, June 19, 2008:

MArk the error says that file already exists. You need to check if its there delete it and recreate it
Mark, June 19, 2008:

Of course the link is already there - it was created in step 1.

In your example c:\blog already exists, but you then use this command:
” Now type MKLINK /J c:\blog d:\images ” - this is what I’m doing.

C:\blog already exists, but we want to add the data from the second folder to it -
Richard, June 19, 2008:

Ok, Step 1:
MKLINK /D c:\XX d:\YY
Now I have a shortcut or folder c:\XX that has the d:\YY.

That part works. I can see the files from the first folder d:\YY in the link c:\XX.

The Step 2:
Now type MKLINK /J c:\XX d:\ZZ
This gives the error: “Cannot create a file when that file already exists”
The second folder d:\ZZ data is not added to the link c:\XX.

You say of course??? You are expecting to see the error or am I doing something wrong?
Mark, June 19, 2008:

Richard: I was saying of course to Ashish - of course the file is already there - but that doesn’t explain why I’m getting an error when I’m following his instructions exactly.

I’m expecting to have the second folder listed in the same “symbolic folder” or whatever you want to call it.

Basically the instructions don’t work as you have found out.
Ashish Mohta, June 19, 2008:

Hmm interesting it worked for me when i wrote it. Guys I don’t have vista right now on my system. I will ask my friend to test it out and then get back to you