Writing UDF Formatted Disks with Hard Links and Symbolic Links

[Kevin Myers]

Windows 98/Me, Windows 2000, and Windows XP all include the ability to read
CDs and DVDs that are created using some version of the UDF file system
specification. For 98/Me it is UDF version 1.02, for 2K it is 1.5, and for
XP it is 2.01 I believe. The UDF (ECMA 167) specifications (version 2.5,
and earlier?) include the ability to create hard links (Level 1) and
symbolic links (Level 2).

Windows XP also includes the ability to write to CDs and DVDs, but doesn't
yet support writing UDF formatted disks. Numerous Windows based third party
applications (e.g. Easy CD Creator, Nero) do include the ability to write
UDF formatted disks. However, none of the Windows based applications that I
have looked at so far appear to have the ability to create hard links and/or
symbolic links.

1. When is support for writing directly to UDF formatted disks planned for
the Windows OS?

2. Will Windows support for writing UDF formatted disks include the ability
to create mulitple hard links to the same file or folder (required by the
Level 1 UDF spec), and/or the ability to create symbolic links (required by
the UDF Level 2 spec)?

3. Are there any existing Windows based third party applications that
currently support creating multiple hard links to the same file or folder,
and/or the ability to create symbolic links on a UDF formatted disk?

Thanks,
s/KAM

 

[Mark R. Blain]

1. When is support for writing directly to UDF formatted disks planned for
the Windows OS?

I am no expert, but I thought Microsoft planned to implement support
for Mt. Rainier into newer Microsoft operating systems. This places
firmware support for "floppy-style" cd writing within the burner
itself, greatly simplifying the operating system's job and
(eventually) eliminating the need for third-party UDF software (which
can have reliability and cross-compatibility issues).

3. Are there any existing Windows based third party applications that
currently support creating multiple hard links to the same file or folder,
and/or the ability to create symbolic links on a UDF formatted disk?

In WinXP and Windows Server 2003, FSUTIL will create hard links.
<http://www.microsoft.com/resources/...erv/2003/enterprise/proddocs/en-us/fsutil.asp>
Here are some third-party tools to do the same.
http://mrmills.arsware.org/HardLink/ (both gui and command-line)
http://www.bearcanyon.com/tools/ (command-line)
http://www.losoft.de/fs_lstools.html (command-line)

To create junction points, which link directories rather than files:
http://www.sysinternals.com/ntw2k/source/misc.shtml#junction
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;q205524