A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for use in an operating system for managing requests for files. A request for a switch file from an application is received. The application points to the switch file. Many files may point to the same switch file. Location information for the switch file points to a set of files. A file from the set of files based on system information to form an identified file is identified. The identified file passes to the application. The system information may be already present within the system or passed to the system by a user or process.