Mystery Link! Someone please explain.

  • Thread starter Thread starter Max
  • Start date Start date
M

Max

There is a mystery link that is at work in Windows XP's
Windows Explorer. Could someone explain this or how to
fix it?

I open Windows Explorer and browse to Documents &
Settings\All Users

I copy the All Users Folder and place it in the root
directory. I then rename my "c:\All Users\Start Menu"
to "Start MenuXP"

I then close and reopen Windows Explorer.

Browsing to "Documents & Settings\All Users" I examine
the "Start Menu" folder. It also has changed from "Start
Menu" to "Start MenuXP" Browsing to "Documents &
Settings\Default User" (or ANY OTHER USER PROFILE for
that matter) I examine the "Start Menu" folders. They
also have changed to "Start MenXP".

I then open the DOS command prompt and examine "c:\All
Users\Start Menu". The "c:\All Users\Start Menu" should
have been the ONLY ONE renamed "Start MenuXP", However,
it has not responded to the rename attempt which
it, and IT ALONE should have done.

I rebooted the computer in case this is a transient bug
and reexamined Start Menu folders. All still hold the
same name "Start MenuXP".

Note: This phenomenon would occur even if other user
profiles were used in this experiment instead of the "All
Users" folder. I also have observed this phenomenon in
other folders and sub folders also besides the "Start
Menu folder".

Does this mystery link mean that if I delete the "C:\All
Users" folder or delete or alter any of its contents that
the original "Documents & Settings\All Users" folder or
its contents would be affected also?

I have not read anything about it in Windows XP help,
also I have not succeeded in finding any thing about it
in the Microsoft Knowledge base. I have no idea where
else this mystery link exists on my computer. As a result
of this, I am afraid to rename or delete files or folders
fearing that some important folder or file somewhere may
get altered, renamed or deleted without my intention.

What gives? Please someone explain!

Thanks.
Max
 
What you don't say is why you are moving the folder in the first place -
sounds like self inflicted misery to me!!!
 
I suspect that most (or all?) the folders in All Users are special "system
folders" that look like ordinary folders but aren't really. The Favorites
folder that each user has is also "strange".

I recommend you don't mess with these (eg don't move or rename them).

If anyone can explain exactly what is different about these folders and how
to find out which is and which isn't a system folder please let us know.
 
Back
Top