Cannot create a file when that file already exists error message

I get this message when I try to change windows 10 update download location. The steps I performed were:


1. Stop wuauserv in Task Manager > Services tab.
2. Rename C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution to C:\Windows\OldSoftwareDistribution
3. Create new folder on external harddrive: D:\WindowsUpdateLocation
4. Open command prompt - Run as administrator and type in mklink /j c:\windows\softwaredistribution d:\WindowsUpdateDownload and hit enter.

I get 'Cannot create a file when that file already exists' . What am I doing wrong here? It should say Junction created for C:\Windows\OldSoftwareDistribution <<=>> D:\WindowsUpdateLocation but I get the error message instead.

Make sure WindowsUpdateDownload folder does not exist.

https://www.2brightsparks.com/resour...olic-Links.pdf

FreeBooter said:

Make sure WindowsUpdateDownload folder does not exist.

I deleted the folder but I still get the same error message.

Code:

mklink /J Link Target

So, for example, if you wanted to create a hard link at C:\LinkToFolder that pointed to C:\Users\Name\OriginalFolder, you’d run the following command:

Code:

mklink /J C:\LinkToFolder C:\Users\Name\OriginalFolder

FreeBooter said:

https://www.2brightsparks.com/resour...olic-Links.pdf

So I need to create a symbolic link(mklink /D) instead of a junction(mklink/J)? Not sure I get what you are saying here.

Execute mklink /j d:\WindowsUpdateDownload c:\windows\softwaredistribution command.

FreeBooter said:

Execute mklink /j d:\WindowsUpdateDownload c:\windows\softwaredistribution command.

It worked.

Thanks