How to write a SharePoint (2007) Enhancement to allow ShortCuts / Links in Document Libraries?

Question

Hi Right now it seems impossible to add a regular "link" or "shortcut" in Share Point built in Document Libraries. the need for shortcuts is clear, as you might want to have references from related folders / categories

Is there a way to write an addon / modify this web part / inherit it so it will allow regular .lnk windows shortcuts? (or any other alternative to references)

And while at it, how can I modify this web part and add an "UP" folder button. (and potentially also a tree view).

I guess I'm trying to make it behave more like Windows Explorer

I'm new to SharePoint programming, but have some .NET experience

Answer 1

It appears SharePoint does allow links (not .lnk files but built in document links), it just hides it well

To enable it:

• Go to a document library,
• Click Settings
• Then Document Library Settings
• And then Advanced Settings
• Set Allow Management Of Content Types to Yes,

Then go back to Document Library Settings:

• Select Add From Existing Site Content Types
• Add the Link To a Document content type

Now you can add links to other documents (just name the document and supply a URL)

Answer 2

If you want your document library to behave like Explorer, I suggest you just use Explorer to open the document library using WebDav. Start at \servername\DavWWWRoot\ or \servername\DavWWWRoot\subsitename and navigate from there.

If you try to put a .lnk file in there it will probably be blocked and you will need to remove it from the list of blocked file types (think carefully before doing this).