[mdlug] smbmount and links

[Robert Meier]

Tony,

> I am mounting a smb share that has a link in it that goes to another
> folder.  my computer is trying to follow the link to the location on my
> computer not the smb computer file system.

Is the link in question a windows "shortcut"?
  or an actual link (= file with string and type l)?

What is the smb computer file system? [NTFS] [VFAT]

How is the smb share mounted (e.g. what does /proc/mounts report)?

What is the "link" value?

> Does anyone know if it is [possible] to get it to [follow] the links?

I suspect not, a computer only has direct access to that information which
is attached to it (i.e. mounted).  Indirect access (e.g. nfs, smb, ...)
operates as a daemon (eternal program) that (per prior agreement)
asks the remote computer to send a copy (for local direct access)
or asks the remote computer to make changes (on data directly attached to
the remote computer).  Your local computer cannot follow a link nor shortcut
to a remote file without the support and prior consent of the remote
computer.

I suspect you need to mount the shares (i.e. get prior agreement)
that correspond to the linked files.



Imagine each computer as an automated warehouse for a chain of stores
selling shop-by-mail catalogs (directories).  Each warehouse (computer)
automatically sends copies of its own catalog (via smb share).
Your local warehouse will satisfy any request from its local catalog
(mounted locally).  For things seen in remote warehouse catalogs (smb shares)
your local computer can submit the request to the remote warehouse,
but without prior (payment?) agreement, the remote warehouse will not
satisfy the request.

Hopefully helpful,
-- 
Bob

  "My private keys are mine alone.
   My public keys to many shown.
   My secret keys with some are shared,
   But with only one message paired."
     -- Robert Meier 2001 excerpt from "Open-PGP Polka"