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Path to "My Documents" changes

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4 replies

by anastasio

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lately, i've noticed that in some desktops, WinXP Pro SP1, the path to "My Documents" changes from the profile (c:\documents and settings\username) to c:\My Documents and when the end-user clicks on the "My Documents" icon on the Desktop, it is empty. does anybody know what causes this problem?

4 replies

by edlockett

If you have a domain there is probably a group policy in place that is affecting this.
Otherwise, it can be changed manually by the user or directly by editing the registry.
Also, check your task manager and msconfig for malware.
If you need advice on how to go about that let me know.

by edlockett

Okay. If the path keeps changing then one of these things MUST be causing it :-

1. Malware - you say you have already eliminated this possibility. I suggest you be sure by checking task manager and msconfig manually for anything you do not recognise.

2. Group Policy - I think this is the most likely reason. You should definitely check your policies if you have not already done so.

3. A User - is there a possibility that a user is changing this setting for some reason?

4. A legitimate program - this is speculation but it might be that if you had an older program designed to work on win98 say, it might decide to change the path for its own purposes.

The easiest way to narrow down your possibilities is to get a freshly installed machine in a test environment. Boot it up and see what the documents path is. Then load your software one application at a time and keep checking to see if it changes. Ensure no users can touch the system except for you. Then you will be able to determine the source of the problem. If like I said it is group policy then you will find that the change will affect even the fresh install the first time you log on.

Good luck :-)

by anastasio

thank you very much for your answer. yes, these desktops connect to a domain, but don't believe this is causing the problem. in regards to changing the path manually, we've being doing that, but it changes back. we also have spyware removal install on these desktops.

by tksolway

In your GPO you can setup a default path that the account will use for My docs, (usually so you can put it on their home dir). Check it to make sure it is point to the right thing.

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