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What is an alternate data stream?
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A.
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Alternate Data Streams (ADS) is a feature of the NTFS file system. It means that with 1 file node, you can associate multiple associated files of data.
In other words, ADS allows data to be stored in hidden files that are linked to normal visible file names. Streams are not limited in size and there can be more than one stream linked to a normal file name.
To create an alternate data stream yourself, simply follow these steps:
1) Create a file c:\test.txt with some random text in it.
2) Go to command prompt and type:
c:\> echo testing hidden data > c:\test.txt:dataStream2
3) In the command prompt, again type:
c:\> notepad c:\test.txt:dataStream2
4) The new file data should show up. If you try to open just c:\test.txt the old file data the you created will show up.
By following these 4 steps you have linked 2 files to the same file path. The second file is hidden, but can be accessed by typing the same name that you created it with.
If you move the file from let's say c:\test.txt to c:\test2.txt then you will also be moving the attached hidden data stream. I.e. you will be able to access the second data stream via the path c:\test2.txt:dataStream2
If you move the path to a FAT32 volume, you will lose all alternate data streams attached to the main file.
Some files such as thumbs.db hold multiple alternate data streams for each thumbnail.
You should check to make sure your backup software supports ADS.
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