On XP and higher, you could mount filesystems into folders (similar to Linux/Unix). I'm not sure if that helps in any way, just showing the possibility: Microsoft KB307889
If the files were on the same filesystem but changed folders, it would also be possible to create hardlinks: XP fsutil
I tested the mounting option, but i didn't try fsutil. But AFAIR it works.
Don't use '#ff0000':
use Acme::AutoColor; my $redcolor = RED(); All colors subject to change without notice.