Many development tasks require the deployment of files into the “12 hive”. This is the part of the web server file system where SharePoint stores its configuration files.  Whenever we want to develop a new feature, custom column or custom lists etc we need to create new  XML configuration files in the 12 hive.

 

The problem is, the “12 hive” is normally located at some long winded path like “C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\web server extensions\12\” and repeatedly navigating there in windows explorer soon becomes a serious “pain in the bum”.

 

The answer is to create a task bar shortcut to the 12 hive. All credit to Todd Bleaker for documenting this approach in his excellent book  “Developer's Guide to the Windows SharePoint Services V3 Platform”

 

1.       To create the shortcut, right click the windows taskbar and select new toolbar.

 

 

2.       Expand the My computer option in the dialog to navigate to the location of the “12 hive” – normally “C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\web server extensions\12\”

 

 

 

 

3.       Click OK – a shortcut to the “12 hive” will appear in the right hand side of the taskbar.

 

 

4.       To access the “12 hive” simply click the shortcut.