Cannot copy a file from USB to desktop in Windows 10

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  1. Posts : 20
    Windows 10 unfortunately
       #1

    Cannot copy a file from USB to desktop in Windows 10


    Hi everyone.

    I just want to copy a folder with some files from a USB stick to my desktop. Windows 10 refuses to do it.

    I get an error message saying "This is no longer located in D:\. Verify the item's location and try again."

    I can open the folder. I can see the contents. I can even save files onto the USB stick.
    But if I drag and drop even that new file onto the desktop, it will not let me copy it from the USB stick to the desktop. I get the same error message.

    Brand new laptop. Brand new Win10. Copying some files from my Windows 7 laptop. Even formatted the USB stick in Win10. Still didn't work. Same error message.

    Anyone know how to solve this? See images for details.

    Thanks


    Cannot copy a file from USB to desktop in Windows 10-screen-shot.pngCannot copy a file from USB to desktop in Windows 10-screen-shot-2.png
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 30,120
    Windows 11 Pro x64 Version 23H2
       #2

    Can you drag and drop it in your documents folder?
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 20
    Windows 10 unfortunately
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Caledon Ken said:
    Can you drag and drop it in your documents folder?
    No, doesn't work.

    I tried from two different memory sticks, and an SD card. Won't copy to desktop or Documents folder.

    Even tried copying (drag and drop) a folder from the desktop to the Documents folder. Same error message.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 20
    Windows 10 unfortunately
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V to copy paste from one to the other doesn't work either.

    Says it cannot find the file. WTF? The file is right there!
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 20
    Windows 10 unfortunately
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Re-starting the PC with the memory stick inserted, I was able to copy (DnD) a folder onto the desktop.

    Re-started the PC withOUT the memory stick inserted, and I get that error message again.

    Any thoughts what could be wrong?
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 2,899
    Windows 10 Pro for the Bro
       #6

    You probably need to set the Permissions on that USB device.

    Add Take Ownership to Context Menu in Windows 10 User Accounts Tutorials

    Take Ownership of the files in there. Assuming that it worked and you were able to create a copy of that folder to your computer, make sure that it copied over, reformat that USB Device, and put back that folder on there (if you want to).
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 30,120
    Windows 11 Pro x64 Version 23H2
       #7

    You aren't using Windows CFA

    Change Windows Defender Controlled Folder Access Settings - Windows 10

    or something similar like Bitdefender ?

    You might disable you AV and see if it is "Protecting" you.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 30,530
    Windows 10 (Pro and Insider Pro)
       #8

    Another possibility is Security software or settings from laptop manufacturer. Can you tell us manufacturer and model?
      My Computers


  9. Posts : 20
    Windows 10 unfortunately
    Thread Starter
       #9

    You aren't using Windows CFA

    Change Windows Defender Controlled Folder Access Settings - Windows 10

    or something similar like Bitdefender ?

    You might disable you AV and see if it is "Protecting" you.

    Yes, that was the solution.
    I turned off "Controlled Folder Access"

    Thanks Caledon Ken!

    So how, then, am I supposed to be protected from Malware? Controlled Folder Access says "Protect your files and folders from unauthorized changed by unfriendly applications."

    I turned it on, to be protected from Malware etc. But if I can't do anything simple as copying a file into a folder that's 'protected' then it's pretty pointless.

    And why can't Windows give a reasonable error message that would alert someone to the real problem?
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 30,530
    Windows 10 (Pro and Insider Pro)
       #10

    Hoffl said:
    Yes, that was the solution.
    I turned off "Controlled Folder Access"

    Thanks Caledon Ken!

    So how, then, am I supposed to be protected from Malware? Controlled Folder Access says "Protect your files and folders from unauthorized changed by unfriendly applications."

    I turned it on, to be protected from Malware etc. But if I can't do anything simple as copying a file into a folder that's 'protected' then it's pretty pointless.

    And why can't Windows give a reasonable error message that would alert someone to the real problem?
    Something isn't working right there. I have controlled Folder Access turned on and never have problems copying from USB to hard drive. Did you add root folder Protected folders?
      My Computers


 

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