issue with deleting duplicate Desktop folder

The OP is gone. Cindi was not the thread starter.

Keith,
Thank you for responding to my remaining concerns. I performed the things you requested and posted them below.

[ 1. Code snippet #1 -- clear read-only on folders so desktop.ini isn't processed. THat was intended to make sure folders displayed their actual file sytem names in your UserProfile folder. But if you saw red text fly by, there was some sort of error (not sure what), so it's quite likely the folders have their read-only attribute set. But this may not be necessary. As long as you can match up all folder names under your UserProfile when comparing an Explorer view of your UserProfile folder with a listing of c:\users\<username>, you're ok.

Explorer view and listing of c:\users\<username>...... snip below.


[2. This is the important step, and you can proceed with it.]

Just to clarify that you are referring to the following, even though I cannot keep Read Only unchecked (see #3 below).

[ Then, you can safely delete the following GUID-named values from the User Shell Folders registry key:
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders

• {754AC886-DF64-4CBA-86B5-F7FBF4FBCEF5} ThisPCDesktopFolder
• {f42ee2d3-909f-4907-8871-4c22fc0bf756} Local Documents
• {7d83ee9b-2244-4e70-b1f5-5393042af1e4} Local Downloads
• {a0c69a99-21c8-4671-8703-7934162fcf1d} Local Music
• {0ddd015d-b06c-45d5-8c4c-f59713854639} Local Pictures
• {35286a68-3c57-41a1-bbb1-0eae73d76c95} Local Videos

[3. This is when the second code snippet should have been run. But if the first errored out, this will be unnecessary. Until I can check that code, you can go with an alternative route --- add the Attributes column to a Detals view of your UserProfile folder in Explorer.]

I have an Attributes column in the Details view of my UserProfile in Explorer. Because this was a concern that Read Only was checked—I unchecked Read Only, selected for it to be applied to all folders and files, it asked for Admin Permission halfway through processing—which I granted, and the Read Only box was then unchecked. I went out and back in to see the Attributes status, but Read Only was rechecked again.


I know that this is taking immense patience. I appreciate anything that you can think of to fix this. You will notice from the snip that the Downloads shortcut in ThisPC is still missing too. Thank you again Keith. Cindi

Thanks Denis. You suggested that before, but I didn't understand where I was supposed to right click. Great suggestion! Cindi

Ken Cindi G said:

Keith,

Just to clarify that you are referring to the following, even though I cannot keep Read Only unchecked (see #3 below).

You mean this god-forsaken, countless-lives-have-been-wasted-checkbox that IS NOT A STATUS INDICATOR --- NOR DOES IT CONTROL THE READ-ONLY ATTRIBUTE OF THE FOLDER

I'm sorry you, like so many, mis-undertood that checkbox. In terms of wasted time, it's the single greatest evil MIcrosoft has ever thrust upon the world.

There is no UI control to set or clear the Read-only attribute on folders ---- that's why I posted a code snippet.

and, as I said before:

But this may not be necessary. As long as you can match up all folder names under your UserProfile when comparing an Explorer view of your UserProfile folder with a listing of c:\users\<username>, you're ok.

and, yes, Downloads is still missing from This PC. There's no reason to attempt to restore it until you delete those reigstry values !!!! Loal Downloads still pointing to your Desktop folder What are you waiting for???

Do you know what you did to remove the folder when it appeared to be a "duplicate"??? Did Denis refer you to a tutorial? THer are several ways to remive/hide folders under This PC so that would help in bringing it back.

Try3 said:

Keith,

I believe that she removed them all from ThisPC using the procedure in
Add or Remove Folders from This PC - TenForumsTutorials
and then added them all back again.

Denis

Thanks. Hopefully Cindi will know which was run.

KeithM,

1) Firstly, the problem is solved. See snips below.


2) I deleted the folders you suggested below. I would have deleted the "GUID-named values from the User Shell Folders registry key" earlier, but wasn't sure how to proceed after the red code error. Thank you for suggesting to continue to delete those.

[Then, you can safely delete the following GUID-named values from the User Shell Folders registry key:
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders]

• {754AC886-DF64-4CBA-86B5-F7FBF4FBCEF5} ThisPCDesktopFolder
• {f42ee2d3-909f-4907-8871-4c22fc0bf756} Local Documents
• {7d83ee9b-2244-4e70-b1f5-5393042af1e4} Local Downloads
• {a0c69a99-21c8-4671-8703-7934162fcf1d} Local Music
• {0ddd015d-b06c-45d5-8c4c-f59713854639} Local Pictures
• {35286a68-3c57-41a1-bbb1-0eae73d76c95} Local Videos

3) After deleting the above, I still had the Desktop Folder in ThisPC with the Downloads icon. I went back to the Add/Remove through Add or Remove Folders from This PC - TenForumsTutorials, removed and added the Desktop Folder, and after restarting my laptop, everything was correct? I was a little hopeful when I tried it, but was surprised when everything fell into place and all folders were showing in ThisPC with the correct icons. I felt that this was my only recourse, after trying the many things that you had suggested.



4) I was unaware of the Read Only poisoned apple Microsoft had created Keith. I'm glad that I've not had to work with it!



5) I applied "Expand to Current Folder" per your suggestion, if you happen to read this Denis. Thank you for the tip.


Thank you immensely for your help here on TenForums. For your sake, I'm glad that this little problem has been resolved. I can't thank you enough! Cindi

Glad everything is good. Did you restart after deleting the registry keys? That should have done the trick, but icons are cached and sometimes delayed in updating.

Yes, after deleting reg keys, as well as Remove/Add Folders, and had a Windows Update after all of that. I should be good. Thank you again! Cindi