Networker's apps
cpath.exe is a corporate file sharing utility. Not exactly a networker only tool, but certainly can
save you time for bigger challenges.
Unless desktop management and security groups combine efforts and watch closely after mapped drives and their
availability sooner or later they go out of sync.
Your “Y:” is your teammate's “Z:” or
“X:\corporate\”. Emailing them a path copied from file explorer is
useless – they won't find the file you are referring to.
What to do? I used to open cmd prompt and run net use, combined that with what file explorer shows, open that
constructed UNC in a separate explorer window, append the file name, test again and then email. 3-4 minutes if
you move very fast. Let's cut that to 3-4 seconds without even moving fast.
A new right-click on any file system object produces two additional context menus:
cpath will try to deliver what was asked for if it's available. If it's not - cpath will give you what is. If you choose “Copy Path” in the example above the folder path copied to the clipboard would be: C:\music It's a local path, so you get what you ask for. If you choose “Copy UNC” (which doesn't exist) you'd get the same string – local path. It works in reverse with a UNC that's not mapped. A UNC that is - offers both options.
Suppose you want to refer a colleague to a file that you see as “X:\big_projects\project_plan.docx”, but your “X:” is mapped to a UNC path “\\BIG_SERVER\share\corporate\”.
Choosing “Copy Path” would give you: “X:\big_projects\project_plan.docx” while “Copy UNC” would put on the clipboard: “\\BIG_SERVER\share\corporate\big_projects\project_plan.docx” - which is the absolute path to the file of interest for all corporate users. You can email that path without checking and constructing.
cpath is not a service, it gets invoked only at the moment you use it, puts on the clipboard desired string and exits. Installation doesn't require admin privileges. It installs and uninstalls equally easy:
cpath.exe –install
cpath.exe –remove
License
Cpath is licensed under the WebX LLC Software License, distributed in
LICENSE.txt with the download. The license permits free use, including
commercial use by individuals, consultants, managed service providers and
any organizations of any size. It prohibits redistribution, resale, and
inclusion in products or services sold to third parties.
By downloading or using Cpath, you agree to the terms of the license.
Full license: LICENSE.txt