A system and method is provided for exchanging a first sub-hierarchy of at least two sub-hierarchies of a hierarchical file system (HFS) with a second sub-hierarchy of the at least two sub-hierarchies, the HFS being accessible by at least one processor and having a root directory that is a parentless directory. The method includes the steps of providing for the first sub-hierarchy to include a first root directory stored in a first location occupied by the root directory of the HFS and a first plurality of files configured to branch therefrom; providing for the second sub-hierarchy to include a second root directory stored in a second location of the HFS that is not occupied by the root directory of the HFS and a second plurality of files configured to branch therefrom; and providing for relocation of the second root directory to the first location. In preferred embodiments the method further includes the steps of providing for configuration of the second plurality of files to branch from the second root directory while the second root directory is located in the first location; providing for relocation of the first root directory to the second location; and providing for configuration of the first plurality of files to branch from the first root directory while the first root directory is located in the second location.