Module 2 – Shortcut Files

Module 2 – Shortcut Files

Shortcut files might be:

• User created
  • Such as an App or file shortcut on the Desktop for fast access to the item
• System created
  • In the background without knowledge of user

User created shortcut files

• Can be found in any location selected by the user
  • For example – on the Desktop for quick access to the file, directory or application
• A Shortcut file is indicated by an ↗ (arrow) on the left down corner of the file icon

Target File information within a link file includes

• Original path
• Timestamps (MAC)
• Size
• Name
• Attributes(hidden, read only, archieve, etc

Practical:

1. Place the provided “Important.pdf” file to the “Documents” folder
   • a.) Target file location: Users/User/Documents/Important.pdf
2. Create a shortcut file
   • a.) Right click on the file and Select “Create shortcut”
   • The “Important – Shortcut” file will appear in the directory.
     • Move it to the Desktop.
3. Investigate the shortcut file properties
   • a.) Shortcut file location: Users/User/Desktop/Important – Shortcut
   • b.) Right click – “Properties”
   • c.) Investigate the shortcut file properties

Shortcut file creation

Shortcut files :

• System Created (without user knowledge)
• User Created
• Unique and specific to each user
• LNK files can be removed by user!

Location for the Shortcut files:

• Windows XP:
  • C:\Documents and Settings\USER\\Recent
• Windows 7/8/10/11:
  • C:\USER\\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Recent
• Microsoft Office documents:
  • C:\USER\\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Office\Recent\

• AppData folders:
  • Local: Local Settings (maps to local settings in XP)
  • LocalLow: low integrity process can store data, like Internet Explorer running in protective mode (not in XP)
  • Roaming: Application Data

Practical

• Navigate to the Recent Items folder and analyze the contents: C:\Users\\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Recent
• Right click on the file ”Important.pdf”
• Click “Properties” from the menu