A file or directory can contain a reparse point, which is a collection of user-defined data. The format of this data is understood by the application which stores the data, and a file system filter, which you install to interpret the data and process the file. When an application sets a reparse point, it stores this data, plus a reparse tag, which uniquely identifies the data it is storing. When the file system opens a file with a reparse point, it attempts to find the file system filter associated with the data format identified by the reparse tag. If a file system filter is found, the filter processes the file as directed by the reparse data. If a file system filter is not found, the file open operation fails.
For example, reparse points are used to implement NTFS file system links and the Microsoft Remote Storage Server (RSS). RSS uses an administrator-defined set of rules to move infrequently used files to long term storage, such as tape or optical media. It uses reparse points to store information about the file in the file system. This information is stored in a stub file that contains a reparse point whose data points to the device where the actual file is now located. The file system filter can use this information to retrieve the file.
Reparse points are also used to implement mounted folders. For more information, see Determining Whether a Directory Is a Mounted Folder.
The following restrictions apply to reparse points:
- Reparse points can be established for a directory, but the directory must be empty. Otherwise, the NTFS file system fails to establish the reparse point. In addition, you cannot create directories or files in a directory that contains a reparse point.
- Reparse points and extended attributes are mutually exclusive. The NTFS file system cannot create a reparse point when the file contains extended attributes, and it cannot create extended attributes on a file that contains a reparse point.
- Reparse point data, including the tag and optional GUID, cannot exceed 16 kilobytes. Setting a reparse point fails if the amount of data to be placed in the reparse point exceeds this limit.
- There is a limit of 31 reparse points on any given path.
In this section
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
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Each reparse point has an identifier tag so that you can efficiently differentiate between the different types of reparse points, without having to examine the user-defined data in the reparse point. | |
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Describes the reparse point operations that you can perform by using DeviceIoControl. | |
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Describes how reparse points enable file system behavior that departs from behavior most Windows developers expect. |
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Build date: 4/17/2012
Hi guys,
I think the reason why you are unable to use Windows 7 Backup is eihter because the files are being used by Windows or because of reparse points. I suspect that the libraries of Windows 7 use reparse points to point to the real location of the files.
Lets say you check marked on Windows Backup and Restore for Libraries\Images that point to your hard disk in e:\MyStuff\images and another check mark on e:\mystuff.
Now we have Windows Backup trying to save the same files twice while libraries\images is only a link to the real files..this must be causing some confusion. So try to select only the files on libraries or the files on the real location cause they may be mutually exclusive.
If you thing you are having this trouble because the files are being used by Windows it may be because the shadow copy service is not enabled. I think the default setting for the: "Volume Shadow Copy" is start "Manually" from this state Backup and Restore will be able to start it if needed.
So good luck to all of you who are having trouble to make backups and remember that you can also make the backup manually by copying and pasting your data or by using command line tools like: copy, move, xcopy and robocopy.
This explanation does nothing for me or for that mater many of us Windows 7 users. So pissed, I only wish there was another OS out there.
Thanks for nothing
[tfl] Thank you for your feedback. For these kinds of questions, please try the Microsoft forums: http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en
No idea what they mean by removing Reparse Points from The Library. I've never created any Junctions, Reparse Points or mount points. The Junctions I find using dir /AL /S are Recent, My Music, My Pictures and My Videos - they do not match the explanations I've found here or other places.
Clicking on any of these Junctions works as expected.
Microsoft is ignoring the problem and stalling with confusing explanations to avoid the fact that their backup program doesn't work.
I'm going to post this complaint everywhere to see if Microsoft will address this issue.
[tfl] Thank you for your feedback. For these kinds of questions, please try the Microsoft forums: http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en
I ended up here trying to discover why I could not complete a backup. The "explanation" and instructions are completely beyond my level of understanding. All I want is a successful backup.
Andy
[tfl] Thank you for your feedback. For these kinds of questions, please try the Microsoft forums: http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en