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The Copy as Path shell command that’s built into Windows Vista inspired me to write a script that copies the target hyperlink of an .URL file when passed as a parameter. After following the steps in this article, you’ll see a Copy Target URL context menu option when you right-click on an Internet Shortcut (.URL) file. Clicking this option copies the hyperlink of the file to the Windows 7/Vista Clipboard.
Add "Copy Target URL" command to the context menu
1. Download CopyURL.vbs and save to Desktop.
2. Move the file CopyURL.vbs to your Windows directory.
3. Double-click CopyURL.vbs to run it.
4. To add the Copy Target URL, type INSTALL when you see this dialog
5. Press ENTER and you’ll get the confirmation message.
The Copy Target URL command should be available in the right-click menu.
Note to Windows 7 Users
In order for this script to work in Windows 7, follow these steps first:
Click Start, Default Programs
Click Set your default programs
Select Internet Explorer
Click Set this program as default, and click OK.
Removing the Option
To remove the Copy Target URL context menu option, double-click CopyURL.vbs in your Windows folder. Type the word UNINSTALL in the input box that will be presented. After you see the confirmation message, simply delete the file CopyURL.vbs from your Windows directory.
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@Greg: See the Windows 7 note added in the article.
This does not work on my Windows 7 :(.
this is very useful for links that are re-routed. I need to get the original link before opening the page.
Thank you!
very nice work! thank you for this :)