Creating a copy of a folder that is populated with shortcuts.

For what it is worth. I managed to get the xxmklink to work as needed. It will create everything (except empty folders).
The end result: OUT is populated by every folder with data in it and there is a shortcut to every data-file. The proper subfolder structure (except for empty folders or subfolders)
In the end: I had to run the Xcopy part of your script -- i.e. xcopy /t /e d:\in\ d:\out\:
to create ALL folders whether empty or not.
I then used xxmklink to fill them with the correct shortcuts. Still not sure why mklink doesn't work

I just made this script and put it as attachment. I call it "Shortcut Structure Creater" See if it works for you, but you have to run it as admin.

SSC.bat

Kudo's to nice clean work. Unfortunately i know you wont believe this but
run as admin with Original folder this time C:\mm Output c:\mm9
it DID a clean run no errors That was some of the cleanest and carefully laid out batch scripts i have seen. Nothing wrong and everything planned and documents. You did many things i often skip like assuming "what if he user makes a mistake in entry"

I KNOW you did everything right
total numbers looked correct at 548 files in 381 folders in both original and copy
then i looked at the size and almost cried.
i wish i could attach a screenshot,
Size : 0 bytes
Size on Disk 0 bytes

BUT THIS TIME It DID work just not in the way I expected
AND I would like to ask some questions if you don't mind.
Please check your PM's . This is getting out of hand for the Forums so i am accepting your Answer as The Solution!
I just would appreciate it if you and i could carry this a little further but not where it is in the way of others. I am sure we will just raise more questions of Why Bother.
Thanks for A solution to a weird problem (or theory)

Mike