title: Windows Using Symbolic Link in Shortcut property
body: <p>When the Java runtime is installed on a Windows PC, a folder <code>C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath</code> is created. It contains <code>javaw.exe</code> a SYSMLINK (not a .lnk file) to javaw.exe for the current verion of Java, such as <code>C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.8.0_51\bin\javaw.exe</code>.</p>
  
  <p>This link can be used from the command line, and also in the registry (handy to add right click actions on files in explorer).</p>
  
  <p>However if I create a shortcut (.lnk) file and set the properties/target to run a java program, I have to use the proper path to javaw, for example:</p>
  
  <pre><code>"C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.8.0_51\bin\javaw.exe" -cp S:\JavaClasses\production\WindowsTools Clippo /NS 
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>If I use the SYMLINK file, when I double click on the .lnk shortcut a dialog asks me which program I would like to use to open the file.</p>
  
  <p>Keeping the proper path in the shortcut is a pain, because when a new version of Java is installed and the old version removed, I have to update the links.</p>
  
  <p>I could make my own <strong>hard</strong> link, and then I would only have to change that after updating Java, but is there a way to use the links provided by Oracle?</p>
  
  <p>I realise I could use <code>cmd /C</code>, but I don't want a console flashing up (hence I am using <code>javaw.exe</code> and not <code>java.exe</code></p>