Method and apparatus for exchanging sub-hierarchical structures within a hierarchical file system

A method for replacing a first sub-hierarchy of a New Technology File System hierarchical filesystem (NTFS HFS) with a second sub-hierarchy is disclosed. The first sub-hierarchy includes a first root directory having at least one special system file, and a first plurality of files. The second sub-hierarchy includes a second root directory located in a second location of the HFS, a second plurality of files and at least one placeholder file corresponding to the at least one special system file. The method includes the steps of configuring the first plurality of files to branch from the first root directory once the first root directory is accessed through the second location, exchanging the first plurality of files with the second plurality of files, and exchanging at least one directory pointer corresponding to the at least one special system file with at least one directory pointer corresponding to the at least one placeholder file.