File System Structure

Windows 96 has a unique file structure, which has gone through many changes in each major version.

Default Volumes

Upon boot, the kernel mounts 4 default volumes, which are deemed essential to the operation of a Windows 96 session.

Letter	Description
B:	A hidden cache drive, which is commonly used to store boot logs, etc.
C:	The root drive of a Windows 96 installation, containing the files needed for a successful startup.
W:	A file system representation of the true system files (the files which boot Windows 96 in in browser)
Z:	A ramdisk used to store files which are only needed for the current session.

General Purpose Locations

Path	Description
c:/user	Personal home folder.
c:/user/appdata	Application data.
c:/user/desktop	The desktop folder, which contains the files shown on the desktop.
c:/user/documents	A generic folder for document storage.

System Locations

Path	Description
c:/trash	Where deleted files go before being permanently deleted.
c:/local	A directory which stores programs/program data local to the current installation (e.g. packages from Package Manager).
c:/system	System files. Usually configuration files, boot scripts, app registration files, etc.
c:/system/boot	Where boot scripts are stored (scripts that run before startup).
c:/system/startup	Where startup scripts are stored (scripts that run on startup).
c:/system/config	Where configuration files are stored.
c:/system/etc	Where system configuration files are stored.
c:/system/resource	A folder which can store custom themes, icon and sound packs.
c:/system/local	Local system programs/binaries/libraries. Also stores modules used for WRT.
c:/system/log	A folder where log files are usually stored.
c:/system/packages	A folder which contains package manager data.
c:/system/programs	Shortcuts which are displayed in the start menu.
c:/system/temp	Temporary files are stored here. They are removed on reboot.
c:/system/wallpapers	Where wallpapers are stored.