How to utilize the Backup of my User Shell Folders

Hi, the tenforums tutorial about using the Location tab specifically warns that this is a potentially risky procedure, and (on my request) advises that a system inage/disk image be created before attempting this.

It's all to easy to specify the wrong new location.

tenforums members endlessly recommend the routine and regular use of disk imaging.

Do you have such an image? E.g. created using Macrium Reflect (free/paid) or similar.

A system restore point would replace the registry with a previous version, but not move data.

Hello, @Jujoe

Welcome to TenForums!

   Warning

Before proceeding with this tutorial, it's recommended of you to backup your registry. Click File > Export.. and find the location to save this to.

OPTION ONE

Using the Command Prompt

You can do what you describe through an elevated command prompt window.

1. In the start menu, type 'cmd'
2. Click CTRL + SHIFT + ENTER
3. Click 'Yes'

Here is the syntax for the reg command:

Code:

REG COPY KeyName1 KeyName2 [/s] [/f]

  KeyName    [\\Machine\]FullKey
    Machine  Name of remote machine - omitting defaults to the current machine.
             Only HKLM and HKU are available on remote machines.
    FullKey  ROOTKEY\SubKey
    ROOTKEY  [ HKLM | HKCU | HKCR | HKU | HKCC ]
    SubKey   The full name of a registry key under the selected ROOTKEY.

  /s         Copies all subkeys and values.

  /f         Forces the copy without prompt.

Here is an example of how the command can be used:

Code:

reg copy HKLM\SOFTWARE\ODBC\ODBC.INI\dsname HKLM\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\ODBC\ODBC.INI\dsname /s

OPTION TWO

Using a .reg file

1. Right click on the top level key
2. Export the key on your desktop / downloads folder, anywhere on the machine you like
3. Right click the downloaded file and edit with Notepad
4. Change the path mentioned within the square brackets []
5. Save the file
6. Double click the file, this will try to Run the file
7. If asked for User Account Control, click Yes and you are done

OPTION THREE

Using third-party software

In contrary to the two above options, you can use third-party software.

For example, Registry Finder or Registry Workshop.

Hopefully this helps,
-James

I didn't have any important data on my user shell folders so I found a .reg file that just completely resets them.

Such reg files are available from the relevant tenforums tutorial e.g.

Restore Default Location of Personal Folders in Windows 10

Saves having to search generally.