Windows 7 and symlinked folders

[Hyper]

I had everything working great when I was using Vista(64). I recently upgraded to Windows 7(64). I had my game folders on a different drive than my system, so the files remained untouched.

Now that I am trying to get my multiboxing setup working again, I a rather strange error. (see attachment)

I had this directory structure under Vista (64)
actual install directory

D:\Program Files\World of Warcraft\

Sym linked directories (to the install directory)

D:\World of Warcraft\wow1\
D:\World of Warcraft\wow2\
D:\World of Warcraft\wow3\
D:\World of Warcraft\wow4\
D:\World of Warcraft\wow5\

In addition, all the files and directories inside were symlinked (except the WTF folder).

I have tried deleting them and re-creating them again under Win7 to no avail. Here is an example command that I was using in an admin cmd window

mklink "D:\World of Warcraft\wow1\Wow.exe" "D:\Program Files\World of Warcraft\Wow.exe"

This command completes and makes the link, but it still won't let me start WoW.

I tried setting up new directories that only the folders were linked and actual copies of the executable files in each folder and the system slow down was as bad if I were running multiple folders of WoW.

Has anyone run into this problem or have any ideas on how to fix it?

[Ualaa]

I've not upgraded to Win7 yet (its on my Christmas list, so I don't want to buy it myself).

I did find this utility handy for symbolic links in Vista.
There is mention of Windows 7 in the history section of the site.

The program was virus free when I used it.
But I'd recommend you scan anything you download.

http://schinagl.priv.at/nt/hardlinks...kshellext.html

[Hyper]

Tried it using this program, and got the same error message.

Steps I took:
Ctrl - A (select all files)
right Click > Pick link source
went to my wow1 folder
right click > Drop as... > symbolic link.


anyone have symlinked folders working in win7?

[Khatovar]

I have Win7 64 and used the program at the link Ualaa posted. I've not had any problems symlinking and resymlinking my folders {after patches}. Only troubleshooting I can give is do 1 file/folder at a time and make sure you run and install as admin.

[Johalak]

I currently use symlinked folders (only Data and Interface folders) with Win7 64 with no hassles whatsoever. Also used the link posted by Ualaa. Doesn't solve your problem, but at least you know it works with Win7.

[Hyper]

Oddly enough, I was able to symlink every file except the two executables. They worked fine linked in Vista. I wonder why the difference. I will have to wait till later tonight to find out if I get a performance increase or not. Thanks for the help.

[Ualaa]

Hmm..

I've never tried to Symlink the executables.
But now with virtual config files for IS Boxer, I just use a single folder.

[Marious]

If you are Symlinking then the only files that should not be actual copies of the original should be those files you are Symlinking in other words your WoW1-WoW5 should all have the Exe file in them along with everything else copied in there. Except for Data&Interface folder which you will want to Symlink, so main folder has everything, second-fifth folder has Data and Interface Symlinked. I use same program Ualaa mentioned with 0 issues running Win 7-64.

[Khatovar]

I don't really understand trying to symlink everything including the executables. How would that be any different than running 5x out of the same folder?

[HPAVC]

I don't really understand trying to symlink everything including the executables. How would that be any different than running 5x out of the same folder?

the /WTF/ACCOUNT/* will be symlinked back to the master / distribution base install. But the /WTF/Config.wtf will be created and maintained separately for each install as would the .wdb files.

If you use the same directory, you would have to manually enter in login information, have the last logged out video / sound settings and so forth. Using the same cache would likely cause glitch issues.

c:\wow\master\wtf\account\khatovar1\ and c:\wow\master\wtf\account\khatovar2\ are real directories there are no symlinks within c:\wow\master
c:\wow\slave1\wtf\account\khatovar1\ and c:\wow\slave1\wtf\account\khatovar2\ are real directories and so are their parents
c:\wow\slave1\wtf\account\khatovar1 symlink to c:\wow\master\wtf\account\khatovar1\
c:\wow\slave2\wtf\account\config.wtf is a real file
c:\wow\slave1\wtf\account\khatovar2 symlink to c:\wow\master\wtf\account\khatovar2\
c:\wow\slave2\wtf\account\config.wtf is a real file