[SOLVED] How can I save a file linked on the desktop without destroying the link?

[dnl]

I am sorry if this is a duplicate question -- I did not find anything on this question after a bit of searching.

Using ctrl+shift in nemo, I created a link on my desktop (Mint 18 Cinnamon) to a file that is stored on an NTFS volume on a remote server (SAMBA). I can access the file without any problem. If I double-click the link, the appropriate program is launched and it opens the file.

If I modify the file and save it, the new file is saved on my Desktop rather than on the remote server. The link is replaced by the modified file. I have tried this with document and spreadsheet files using LibreOffice and using Word and Excel running under CrossOver, and with the text editor on text files. All behave the same.

I can use SaveAs and navigate through the file system to save it on the server but this is very inconvenient and I know I will eventually forget and do a save instead.

Is there a way to setup a desktop shortcut or link to a file that can be doubled-clicked to launch the appropriate program, and that allows the modified file to be saved on the server rather than the desktop? (In other words, can a shortcut be created on the Cinnamon desktop that behaves the same way that a Windows desktop shortcut behaves?)

[catweazel]

This is the way I do it:

Start a terminal and:

Code: Select all

cd Desktop/
ln -s <networkfile> <localname>

Where <networkfile> is the full path to the file on the network, and <localname> is the name I want to have appear on the desktop. This works as expected for me.

Cheers.

[dnl]

This is the way I do it:

Start a terminal and:

Code: Select all

cd Desktop/
ln -s <networkfile> <localname>

Where <networkfile> is the full path to the file on the network, and <localname> is the name I want to have appear on the desktop. This works as expected for me.

Cheers.

Thanks for the tip catweazel. It works.

With the benefit of your suggestion I searched again and discovered a soft link can be created in nemo with a right-click (exposing addition functions as needed) and then clicking on Make Link. This really helps when the file has a long path name.

[catweazel]

Thanks for the tip catweazel. It works.

You're most welcome.