targetpath

TargetPath is a software utility developed by Microsoft that allows users to create shortcuts to files, folders, or applications on their computer. It is commonly used in the context of Windows operating systems, particularly in batch scripting and system administration tasks. The utility is part of the Windows Resource Kit Tools and is available for download from Microsoft's official website.

The primary function of TargetPath is to retrieve the target path of a shortcut file (.lnk). This can be useful in various scenarios, such as verifying the integrity of shortcuts, troubleshooting issues with shortcuts, or automating tasks that involve shortcuts. For example, administrators might use TargetPath to ensure that all shortcuts on a network point to the correct locations, or to identify and fix broken shortcuts.

TargetPath operates from the command line and can be used in batch scripts or directly in the Command Prompt. The basic syntax for using TargetPath is as follows:

targetpath <shortcut file>

When executed, TargetPath will display the target path of the specified shortcut file. If the shortcut file is invalid or does not exist, TargetPath will return an error message.

In summary, TargetPath is a valuable tool for anyone working with Windows shortcuts, providing a straightforward way to retrieve and verify the target paths of shortcut files. Its command-line interface makes it suitable for use in scripting and automation tasks.