Moving files saved to a user's Desktop 1

[DotNetter]

I tried moving the "Desktop" folder from its default location to another place (where I'd like it) - but then the files no longer appeared on the users Desktop. How do I move the folder and have XP point to my new location?

Thanks,
Dot

 

[Xaqte]

Take a look here:

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_shell_folders.htm

Post back if you have any more questions!

X

 

[DotNetter]

Yes, I've seen that and couldn't get it to work...

 

[DotNetter]

Is there more to it than just moving the folder in Windows Explorer? When I did that, the files were no longer on the Desktop, and to top it all off, the OS created a new (empty) "Desktop" folder where the old one was!

Am I missing something?

Thanks!
Dot

 

[wolluf]

Yes there is more to it. XP's tweakui has a feature to let you do this (Under My Computer, special folders - just google to find where to download).

 

[DotNetter]

Wolluf,

I did download it. The problem is I need to move all users' Desktops on my PC. TweakUI only modifies the account that it's running on at the time. I need to move the Desktop folder of even my "limited users" (non-admins)...

So I don't think TweakUI will work...

Dot

 

[wolluf]

So you've tried changing the entry Common Desktop under
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders

to something other than %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Desktop? (ie, to the location where you movedt he all users desktop folder to?)

why do you need to move the all users desktop? Is it just the desktop - what about rest of all users profile?

 

[linney]

These are just for a general overview of what you are toying with. It is not something I would personally recommend but that is just my conservative opinion.


Cannot Move or Rename the Documents and Settings Folder

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;q236621

An error message informs you that you cannot move or rename the Documents and Settings folder

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;314843&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

Moving Docs/Settings folder in windows xp pro
thread779-763308

HOW TO: Create a Custom Default User Profile (Q305709)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q305/7/09.asp

 

[DotNetter]

Wolluf, I do not want to move the "All users desktop". I want to move every users' Desktop into a different folder within the Documents and Settings folder.

If, for example, I want to move it to "C:/Documents and Settings/All users desktops/" - exactly how do I modify the registry?

[ Linney, you're scaring me... I do realize that was the intent. ]

Thanks,
Dot

 

[bcastner]

http://windowsxp.mvps.org/folderredirector.htm

Oh, and linney is not that scary. You have seen too many movies starring Paul Hogan. I admit it is a little rough in the beginning talking to a guy with a 160# alligator wrapped around his neck...

 

[linney]

I think Crocodile is the animal in question.

I wish Dot all the best, at the very least it is a good learning experience, whatever the outcome.

 

[DotNetter]

"A reptile is a reptile by any other name." - DotNetter

Bill, regarding the link you posted

http://windowsxp.mvps.org/folderredirector.htm

- will that help me redirect the folders of my restricted users?

Thanks,
Dot

 

[linney]

You might have to logon as that particular user to use the tool. I'm not sure how you logon as the "All User" or "Default User" though?

 

[DotNetter]

My concern with a restricted user is that they don't have permissions to do everything an admin does...

 

[wolluf]

Dot - tweakui does work for limited users - so you can just run it from each user in turn (if it didn't, you could temporarily change user status while you make the change, then change it back).

Linney - you can't log on as All Users or Default User - and it sounds like Dot doesn't want to move the all users desktop. If you overwrite the Default User profile with a profile where desktop location has been amended, presumably all new profiles will be created with that new desktop location.

 

[DotNetter]

I ended up just "cheating" and using "1st Security Agent" (

http://www.softheap.com/newadmin.html)

to move the users' Desktops.


Dot

 

[DotNetter]

[ Reviving an old thread... ]

After configuring it with that "1st Security Agent" - everything worked fine for months. All of a sudden, with no apparant cause, one of my non-admin user's (whose Desktop I moved with that utility) disappeared. That app still is showing their Desktop is set to the same folder. That folder exists and the user has full rights on it.

Any ideas how to get their Desktop pointing to where it's supposed to?

Thanks,
Dot

 

[linney]

What has disappeared, the Desktop or the user profile?

What is listed in Computer Management (compmgmt.msc)/ Local Users and Groups/ Users?

811151 - How to copy data from a corrupted user profile to a new profile

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;811151&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

Error Message: Windows Cannot Load Your Profile Because It May Be Corrupted (Q318011)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q318/0/11.asp

HOW TO: Create a Custom Default User Profile (Q305709)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q305/7/09.asp

HOW TO: Delete a User Profile in Windows 2000

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q313918&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP (Q308421)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q308/4/21.asp

 

[DotNetter]

Linney, thanks for replying.

What has disappeared, the Desktop or the user profile?

I don't know; is that determined by the second thing you wrote:

What is listed in Computer Management (compmgmt.msc)/ Local Users and Groups/ Users?

How do I run that [tt]compmgmt.msc[/tt] - or navigate to it? Sorry, I didn't understand...

Thanks,
Dot

 

[linney]

Type compmgmt.msc in the Start Run box. You are checking to see if the username still exists.

Can this missing user logon?