How to follow a shortcut to its source folder.

Question

How to follow a shortcut to its source folder.

Answer

This question was answered on July 28, 2001. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

Windows uses 'shortcuts' represented by icons on the Desktop to launch programs without having to actually go to the folder where the program resides.

In some cases, you may need to go to the folder where the program resides, in order to make a change, update or get to the actual data files that are created by the program (for backup purposes).

To see where a program resides, right-click on the shortcut then select 'Properties'. When you click on the 'Find Target' button, it will take you to the folder where the 'executable' (startup file for the program) resides. Data files associated with this program will generally be in that folder or a sub folder that will be visible from this screen.

It's a quick way to get to the program and data files for any shortcut!

Author

Posted by Ken of Data Doctors on July 28, 2001