What Can I Do About Links That Point to the C:\ Drive of an Individual User?
Modified on: Wed, 11 Mar, 2026 at 11:46 AM
When links point to files stored on an individual user’s local C:\ drive, it can create significant challenges. Because these files reside on a specific user’s machine, other users on the network typically cannot access them. As a result, the links will appear broken for anyone who does not have access to that local path.
For LinkFixer Advanced to locate and process these links, it may be necessary to install and run an instance of the software on the user’s machine where the files actually reside. Running LinkFixer Advanced locally allows those links to be inoculated, which prepares them for relocation and later repair.
Once the links have been inoculated on the local machine, the referenced files can then be moved to a shared network location. After the move, LinkFixer Advanced can be used to cure the links, updating them to point to the new network-based location.
Best Practice Considerations
Linking to documents stored on an individual user’s desktop or local drive is generally considered poor practice in shared environments. Such links will always appear broken for other users who attempt to access the file.
Ideally, documents that need to be linked or shared should be stored in centralized network locations that are accessible to all relevant users. Unfortunately, once local links have already been created, correcting them often requires additional planning and effort.