Windows 7 How to create a link/shortcut from network/mounted drive to START menu?

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pstein

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Normally I can create shortcuts in START menu to a file on local harddrives without any problem.

However when I want to do this with a file on a volume/network drive which is later (after bootup) mounted then this is NOT possible.

When I drag a file e.g. from WinExplorer //192.168.0.45/work/test.log
to START menu then it is not accepted and not embedded in START menu.
Instead while dragging a tiny red "no go" indicator is shown.

The same applies to shortcuts which are on a TrueCrypt mounted volume.

How can I create shortcuts otherwise?

Peter
 
Solution
To create shortcuts on the Start menu to files located on network drives or volumes that are mounted after bootup, you can use a workaround to achieve this. Here are a few alternative methods you can try to create shortcuts in the Start menu for files on network drives or mounted volumes:

Method 1: Create a Shortcut on the Desktop First​

  1. Locate the file on the network drive or mounted volume.
  2. Right-click on the file and select "Create shortcut."
  3. Move this shortcut to your desktop.
  4. Then, drag this shortcut from the desktop to the Start menu.

    Method 2: Using Command Prompt​

  5. Open Command Prompt.
  6. Use the mklink command to create a symbolic link to the file on the network drive.
    Code: 
    cmd mklink...
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To create shortcuts on the Start menu to files located on network drives or volumes that are mounted after bootup, you can use a workaround to achieve this. Here are a few alternative methods you can try to create shortcuts in the Start menu for files on network drives or mounted volumes:

Method 1: Create a Shortcut on the Desktop First​

  1. Locate the file on the network drive or mounted volume.
  2. Right-click on the file and select "Create shortcut."
  3. Move this shortcut to your desktop.
  4. Then, drag this shortcut from the desktop to the Start menu.

    Method 2: Using Command Prompt​

  5. Open Command Prompt.
  6. Use the mklink command to create a symbolic link to the file on the network drive.
    Code: 
    cmd mklink "C:\Users\YourUserName\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Test.lnk" "\\192.168.0.45\work\test.log"

    Method 3: Task Scheduler​

  7. Open Task Scheduler.
  8. Create a new task with an action to open the file using the appropriate program.
  9. Set this task to run on user logon. By using these methods, you should be able to create shortcuts on the Start menu to files located on network drives or volumes that are mounted after bootup. If you encounter any issues or need further assistance, feel free to ask!
 
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