How to setup the personal common folders back to default?

[Steve Karsidi]

I've 2 logical drives with D: meant for for data. C: was running out of
space, so I moved all the Common Folders (Documents, Pictures, Videos, Links
etc) onto D: drive (eg D:\Documents)...but accidentally for Downloads it was
direct in D:\ root.

So when I open my personal folder, for Downloads it is replaced with the D:
drive icon (replaced the usual green/blue Downloads folder icon) consisting
of every data folders plus the recently moved Common Folders. So messy.

I wanted to restore the Downloads common folder back to default
"C:\Users\Steve\Downloads" but Vista won't let me with an error message:
Failed to build the list of regular subfolders under "D:\System Volume
Information" Access is denied.

It's driving me nuts, no one including MS tech support can help. I need an
easy solution, can you help me please?

 

[Steve Karsidi]

Shawn,

Thank you for the insight. That's how I got myself into trouble by using the
Move command. It seems stuck that "D:\" is the Downloads folder so instead of
seeing the usual personal folder icon for Downloads, I see the D: drive icon.

I know a little about changing the registers, but only confident enough just
to follow exactly as per tutorial. However am not sure as to how apply the
"Shell" command. What do you mean using Shell:download, where?

Once I know more about the application of the Shell command I will try it.

 

[Macca]

Hi Shawn

I have the same problem as Steve with the location of the Downloads folder
location. I followed your advice but searching for "shell:downloads" does not
return any results.

Following the instructions on the URL you provided (if I right click and
select properties for my E:\ which is appearing in my personal user folders)
only results in the error Steve has.

I'm a complete novice when it comes to the registry but I had a look anyway
to perhaps narrow down the problem.

There is no value for downloads in
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User
Shell Folders

There is a value name of "{3D644C9B-1FB8-4f30-9B45-F670235F79C0}" with value
data of "%PUBLIC%\Downloads" in
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell
Folders

I have moved all of the files out of my so-called Downloads folder to a
temporary folder to lessen the complication and am wondering if I can fix the
problem by changing the registry?

Thanks!

 

[Steve Karsidi]

Hi All,

I am still in same situation. I am just a novice, so not really good with
manipulating registers. But I tried and somehow cannot find registers just
like Macca and I really am worried I might make it worse. I think I am
resigned to having the D: drive as the official Download folder.

Can any one else pls help us out? Whatever is the solution, pls be precise
and user-friendly.

 

[joannelyall]

Hi All,

I am still in same situation. I am just a novice, so not really good with
manipulating registers. But I tried and somehow cannot find registers just
like Macca and I really am worried I might make it worse. I think I am
resigned to having the D: drive as the official Download folder.

Can any one else pls help us out? Whatever is the solution, pls be precise
and user-friendly.
--
Steve











- Show quoted text -

I came across this thread while looking for the solution - I directed
my documents to the root of D drive. Seems quite common! I found the
solution on another site. After selecting the folder you actually want
(if its not there, make a new one where you want it called documents
and move stuff into it later) and clicking move, it asks if you want
to move all the files. I was clicking yes, but actually, this is
saying you want to move your entire drive into the documents folder.
So if you click "no", it just changes where the button links to,
problem solved!