Windows XP Pocket Reference

Name

Subst — \windows\system32\subst.exe

Synopsis

Subst creates a new drive letter and actively links it to an existing folder on your hard disk. For example, type:

subst m: c:\downloaded music\oldies\metallica

to create a new drive letter, m:, and link it to the folder, c:\downloaded music\oldies\metallica. When you open drive m: in Explorer, you'll see the contents of the linked folder, useful if you access a particular folder frequently but find Windows Shortcuts too limiting. For example, a drive created with Subst allows you to access a file in the folder, like this: m:\astronomy.mp3. To disconnect a Subst'd drive, type subst z: /d.

TIP

Drive letters created with Subst are forgotten when the computer shuts down. To have drives re-Subst'd every time you turn on your computer, write a batch file or WSH script and place it in your Startup folder.