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I've started using junctions to remap folders on my Windows XP box. It's great - I have two drives, so this simplifies my organization.

I would like it if Windows Explorer visually differentiated junctions vs. normal folders. Ideally an overlay icon (like the little arrow for shortcuts) or a different color (like for compressed files) would be perfect.

Is there any way to do this? I can always use a separate utility (like junction link magic) to scan for junctions, and I can easily open the command prompt and just "dir" to see junctions. But I'd really also like to have visual feedback in Explorer itself. Thanks!

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3 Answers 3

You can use the Link Shell Extension. That will use a different icon for junctions and links.

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Ahh, thanks! This did in fact add an icon to junctions, which is perfect. –  James Mar 30 '11 at 4:33

Be warned, that deleting a junction from Windows Explorer will in fact delete the target folder, therefore I would recommend using some other file manager like Total Commander - it shows junctions with a different icon.

Update: As of Windows 7, deleting the junction won't delete the target folder anymore, so this has apparently been fixed.

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I've used NTFSLink and found it effective: http://elsdoerfer.name/ntfslink

It also makes the behavior a bit more intuitive particularly vis-a-vis deletions.

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