the-Automator

Use AutoHotkey to get Path from explorer and sharefull path with others

Working on multiple computers, in multiple environments, and with teams of people can be a challenge when wanting to share files.

I have quite a few network folders that I’ve “mapped” so they look like drives.  This always causes issues when copying the path and sharing with others.   I also have a “b:” drive that I’ve created which, in reality, is a shortcut to the root of where my DropBox folder is located.

The 1st thing I’m going to recommend is that you backup your registry!!!     After doing so, navigate to this key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\DOS Devices

Then right click on the right and create a new String.  This is where you’ll put in the letter of the drive you want (for instance I put in B: ).  After you’ve done that, right click on the B: and  add the path to the folder you want mapped.  Here’s an example  “\??\C:\\Dropbox\test\”  Please note the second \ after the c:\   It is not a typo!   For some weird reason you need two there however everywhere else after you just need one!

The next time you boot up you’ll have the new drive (this isn’t creating any sort of copies of files, it is merely giving you a convenient shortcut to a folder)   Here’s a screenshot of my settings.

Mapping network drives are easy and you can follow this guide here.

Okay, now that we’re done setting up our computer, let’s get to the AutoHotkey script

Copy Path from explorer and replace with UNC (for sharing and to get around security issues)

Here’s a video demonstrating getting the Path from explorer