Map folder as Drive in my Computer

In this Post,we will see how can we Map folder as drive in my computer and stay organized.

Most of us want to stay organized (At least on our computers) but as the flow goes we cannot keep up. Let’s say when i purchased my Laptop I created 2 Partitions (Or drives or volumes which ever make sense is OK). One is used for the OS and 2nd partition is used for my Data. (I have seen lot’s of users with this configuration).

Later as time goes I stored lot of things on my computer. Now I feel I should organize them in different categories like one Partition for movies, one for Music, One for my Software collections and one for everything else. That way I will have quick access to all the stuff right from My computer window and computer will stay clutter free. Unfortunately there is no such easy way to do so until I move all data in an external  drive and then create partitions again. As a workaround we can Map a folder as drive .

Another example. You have a folder like D:\projectname\something\year\month\something-again\  which you work with everyday. Will it be easier to use it as just a drive P: ?

Let’s see how can we Map folder as drive without using any third party software..

 

[stextbox id="info"] Step 1.  Note Path of the folder which you want to see as Drive.[/stextbox]

Open the folder and then Note (or Copy)  the path from Address bar. Below example will help you.

 

[stextbox id="info"] Step 2 :  Open  command prompt [/stextbox]

Open a command prompt, Windows XP users can type “CMD.exe” in run box to open it. Windows 7  users can type cmd.exe in start menu,Right click on it and select “Run as Administrator”. Curios what is Run as Admin ? Check out “How User Account Control protects the system”

We will be using command prompt to map folder as drive . On the command prompt, type

[stextbox id="info"]subst J: “D:\Path-to-the-folder”[/stextbox]

Subst command in windows  is the one who maps a folder as drive .

here is the details of subst command .

 

Below is how it will look like when you type your command and hit enter.

 

[stextbox id="info"]Step 3 :  Smile . Hmm..  you have to use your lips to smile not mouse [/stextbox]

 

All Set, now open “My computer”.

when I say open my computer i am not asking you to come and open My computer which is here on my desk but asking you to double click on the icon which looks like “my computer” (your computer not mine) . Hmm confusing. Just open Windows explorer. .

you will see a new Drive G:.  This is just like a shortcut to your favorite folder. Either you open or save stuff here or browse deep into that directory does not matter. It’s gonna be same thing. So enjoy.

 

[stextbox id="alert"] If you see your new drive is disappeared after a restart then below will make it permanent.[/stextbox]

1. Right click on Start=>All programs=> Startup and select open. Your startup folder will open.
2. Right click on the white space and select new =>Shortcut.
3. Type the same command ( the command you used in step 3 above ) and hit next
4. Put a name for the shortcut and hit Finish. That’s It

 

If your computer is running slow you should check out  ” 6 Tips for optimal performance “.

Want to use your computer Faster than anyone else ?  A whole list of keyboard shortcuts is just for you.

 

Was it easy and helpful? do let me know how you are going to map folder as drive ?