How do I create a symbolic link using a batch script in windows?

Question

I am currently using the following script to copy all files with a certain prefix to a target directory:

for /f "delims==" %%k in ('dir "d:\Search Path\File Prefix*.*" /s /b') do copy "%%k" "d:\Target Directory\"

This works fine but I would like to instead create a symlink to the files incase of any file changes. Please can someone advise how I could do this?

Many Thanks

Dodger

Here simplest and powerful .bat : puvox.software/blog/easiest-method-create-symlink-symbolic – Gordongordy

Answer 1

You utilise the mklink command:

for /f "delims==" %%k in ('dir "d:\Search Path\File Prefix*.*" /s /b') do (
mklink "d:\Target Directory\" "%%~k"
)

And that should solve your problem. mklink /? for more info.

Mona.

Syllabism

Hi Mona, thank I have tried this and it look as if it should work but I am getting error "Access is Denied" (running as Domain Admin). Any ideas? – Dodger

Okay. I worked it out, the above script was almost correct but returning "Access is Denied" because the link target does not reference the filename and extension the code works if it is changed to: for /f "delims==" %%k in ('dir "d:\Search Path\File Prefix*.*" /s /b') do (mklink "d:\Target Directory\%%~nxk" "%%~k") – Dodger

If you don't need the link anymore use "rmdir" to delete it. Do NOT use "del" because it will remove all files from the target directory. – Libreville