Shortcuts to files on server using FTP
Hi All
Someone at my workplace has gone to a lot of effort to create shortcuts to various files on our work server.
The idea is that every file lives in 1 place (and only 1 place) and duplication will become a thing of the past because duplicate files will be replaced by shortcuts which link back to the folder that contains the target file (with the exception of archives & work in progress (WIP), each and every document has its own folder*).
So all this work was done on the server - a new file structure and several shortcuts replaced only to find that the shortcuts don't work when people are logged on via ftp... logging in via ftp is par for the course as we have roaming consultants.
I'm guessing the shortcuts don't work because the required path changes depending on how you are accessing the folder structure, e.g:
local: c:\my_file_path\my_file.do
remote: ftp://server_path/my_file_path/my_file.doc
Any suggestions as to how I can get the shortcuts working without introducing more complexity for either the end users or system admin?
Many thanks, Steve
* reason each document has its own folder is because sometimes when a file is moved (e.g. to archive) Windoze will redirect the shortcut so that it points to the same file instead of its replacement...
Someone at my workplace has gone to a lot of effort to create shortcuts to various files on our work server.
The idea is that every file lives in 1 place (and only 1 place) and duplication will become a thing of the past because duplicate files will be replaced by shortcuts which link back to the folder that contains the target file (with the exception of archives & work in progress (WIP), each and every document has its own folder*).
So all this work was done on the server - a new file structure and several shortcuts replaced only to find that the shortcuts don't work when people are logged on via ftp... logging in via ftp is par for the course as we have roaming consultants.
I'm guessing the shortcuts don't work because the required path changes depending on how you are accessing the folder structure, e.g:
local: c:\my_file_path\my_file.do
remote: ftp://server_path/my_file_path/my_file.doc
Any suggestions as to how I can get the shortcuts working without introducing more complexity for either the end users or system admin?
Many thanks, Steve
* reason each document has its own folder is because sometimes when a file is moved (e.g. to archive) Windoze will redirect the shortcut so that it points to the same file instead of its replacement...
ASKER
Hi Arnold
I have already suggested Alfresco to our decision makers - they told me NO! I am stuck with a manual approach :-(
Thanks for the Virtual Directories within FTP suggestion - I am reading up on that at the moment.
- Will general users require any special knowledge to use this?
- If I don't find the info soon, my next questions will be how to set up & is any software required?
Already able to to access the server remotely via ftp...
You may need to take baby steps explaining this to me - I don't know much about ftp, probably close to nothing...
Thanks, Steve
I have already suggested Alfresco to our decision makers - they told me NO! I am stuck with a manual approach :-(
Thanks for the Virtual Directories within FTP suggestion - I am reading up on that at the moment.
- Will general users require any special knowledge to use this?
- If I don't find the info soon, my next questions will be how to set up & is any software required?
Already able to to access the server remotely via ftp...
You may need to take baby steps explaining this to me - I don't know much about ftp, probably close to nothing...
Thanks, Steve
ASKER
on 2nd reading my OP could be clearer...
We have a server, it can be access when we are in the office as a network driver, or remotely by ftp. Shortcuts have been created on the server to other files in different folders but also on the server.
The shortcuts are of the *.lnk variety - I think they are created using "Copy" then "PasteAsShortcut"
The shortcuts work when connected to the server as a network drive (i.e. PC and server are on the same router). In this case the server drive is mapped to each users computer with a drive letter.
The shortcuts don't work when connecting to the server via ftp. I have been looking for information on mapping the server to a drive letter, but without much success.
Getting a DMS would solve the problem (I believe) but I can not yet persuade anyone to get one, it is becoming a sore point. I need to find an alternate way to get shortcuts to work when accessing the server...
... help and suggestions greatly appreciated!
rgs, Steve
We have a server, it can be access when we are in the office as a network driver, or remotely by ftp. Shortcuts have been created on the server to other files in different folders but also on the server.
The shortcuts are of the *.lnk variety - I think they are created using "Copy" then "PasteAsShortcut"
The shortcuts work when connected to the server as a network drive (i.e. PC and server are on the same router). In this case the server drive is mapped to each users computer with a drive letter.
The shortcuts don't work when connecting to the server via ftp. I have been looking for information on mapping the server to a drive letter, but without much success.
Getting a DMS would solve the problem (I believe) but I can not yet persuade anyone to get one, it is becoming a sore point. I need to find an alternate way to get shortcuts to work when accessing the server...
... help and suggestions greatly appreciated!
rgs, Steve
If everyone is looking at the same files thru shortcuts, why not just make a 'library' shortcut to the library directory and only have one shortcut??
ASKER
lemme try to explain... we have a bunch of services and a whole heap of paperwork. Some of the paper work is used for more than 1 service.
the proposed file structure is arranged by service, so service 1-3 might all use the same evaluation form, but different print materials.
So.... what we are doing is to put all documents in a single folder arranged in sub folders by doc type.
then in "services" folders we have shortcuts to the relevant documents...
Service 1 folder will contain a link to a common evaluation form, service folders 2 & 3 will each have a link to the same form. If the form changes we can change it in the single location and our link will open the same location...
I think, without a DMS, this is the next easiest way to maintain our server...
the proposed file structure is arranged by service, so service 1-3 might all use the same evaluation form, but different print materials.
So.... what we are doing is to put all documents in a single folder arranged in sub folders by doc type.
then in "services" folders we have shortcuts to the relevant documents...
Service 1 folder will contain a link to a common evaluation form, service folders 2 & 3 will each have a link to the same form. If the form changes we can change it in the single location and our link will open the same location...
I think, without a DMS, this is the next easiest way to maintain our server...
I don't have a server but I have IIS5.1 on Windows XP. I just tried putting a shortcut to another file in the same directory (so I'd know it was available). When I tried to transfer it wth FTP... it transfered the shortcut not the file. The shortcut works fine thru Windows Explorer.
ASKER
Yup! Can download a lot of shortcuts very quickly!!!
I understand the plan and it's probably a good 'idea'. But, as they say, execution seems to be a problem. I've seen a number of questions recently about trying to get FTP to do something other than transfer files. None have worked out.
All the solutions I can think of for remote access involve things other than the shortcuts. Several ways of doing it thru the web. I don't know that any are 'admin' friendly if they are not web programmers. You could have some software make "Service Document packages" every night at 12:03 AM with the latest files.
All the solutions I can think of for remote access involve things other than the shortcuts. Several ways of doing it thru the web. I don't know that any are 'admin' friendly if they are not web programmers. You could have some software make "Service Document packages" every night at 12:03 AM with the latest files.
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ASKER
Hi Arnold - thanks I did not know about those tools, total newbie!
Testing now...
Testing now...
ASKER
OK testing progressing, but...
on the msdn page: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa365006%28VS.85%29.aspx
the following are listed as prohibited - I don't see what's wrong with the middle example, (and would like my understanding checked on the others)...
* C:\dira linked to C:\dirb (directories not allowed)
* C:\dira\ethel.txt linked to D:\dirb\lucy.txt (???)
* C:\dira\ethel.txt linked to Z:\dirb\lucy.txt (network drive not allowed?)
Thanks, S
on the msdn page: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa365006%28VS.85%29.aspx
the following are listed as prohibited - I don't see what's wrong with the middle example, (and would like my understanding checked on the others)...
* C:\dira linked to C:\dirb (directories not allowed)
* C:\dira\ethel.txt linked to D:\dirb\lucy.txt (???)
* C:\dira\ethel.txt linked to Z:\dirb\lucy.txt (network drive not allowed?)
Thanks, S
ASKER
Ok decided to start simple using .txt files - and got things working, then tried with .doc files and it all falls over.
in cmd window:
fsutil hardlink create c:\test2\lnk_A.doc c:\test2\A.doc
confirms the link is created:
hardlink created for c:\test2\lnk_A.doc <<===>> c:\test2\A.doc
But after making the link, when I change either document the change does not propagate to the other document. I previously tested this using notepad and the changes did propagate.
Also the "link document" (lnk_A.doc) becomes "hidden"
when practising with text files everything work, nothing became hidden - am I doing something wrong?
in cmd window:
fsutil hardlink create c:\test2\lnk_A.doc c:\test2\A.doc
confirms the link is created:
hardlink created for c:\test2\lnk_A.doc <<===>> c:\test2\A.doc
But after making the link, when I change either document the change does not propagate to the other document. I previously tested this using notepad and the changes did propagate.
Also the "link document" (lnk_A.doc) becomes "hidden"
when practising with text files everything work, nothing became hidden - am I doing something wrong?
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ASKER
hmmm.
Thanks for your reply - I'll have another crack at it tomorrow. Unfortunately Linux is a swear word where I work...
If I can get the synch to work the the next challenge will be figuring out what happens when I need to update a file. If I copy over a file link seems to break. I need a solution whereby I can replace the master file with a newer version and have all the links point to the replacement file without needing to recreate them...
Thanks for your reply - I'll have another crack at it tomorrow. Unfortunately Linux is a swear word where I work...
If I can get the synch to work the the next challenge will be figuring out what happens when I need to update a file. If I copy over a file link seems to break. I need a solution whereby I can replace the master file with a newer version and have all the links point to the replacement file without needing to recreate them...
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ASKER
Hi Arnold
Had a go at Terminal services (assuming that you mean "remote desktop") - took a while to figure out how to enable copying from server and pasting to local desktop using remote desktop, but it works.
My main issue now, with what looks to be a sensible change in approach, is how to set up multiple accounts for the server. Running Windows Server 2003 for small business... I might close this and open a new question for advice on configuration...
Cheers, S
Had a go at Terminal services (assuming that you mean "remote desktop") - took a while to figure out how to enable copying from server and pasting to local desktop using remote desktop, but it works.
My main issue now, with what looks to be a sensible change in approach, is how to set up multiple accounts for the server. Running Windows Server 2003 for small business... I might close this and open a new question for advice on configuration...
Cheers, S
ASKER
Have posted a new question regarding Terminal Services / Remote Desktop - will leave this open for a little while longer...
https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/26314535/Terminal-Server-Remote-Desktop-Multiple-Users.html
Cheers, Steve
https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/26314535/Terminal-Server-Remote-Desktop-Multiple-Users.html
Cheers, Steve
Have a look at alfresco: http://www.alfresco.com/
OR look at any document management system which can be access via the web from anywhere.