Hello Jorg,
Thank you for posting question on Microsoft Windows Forum.
Based on this error message "the black desktop issue" and the "D:\Data\Desktop cannot be opened" error. This problem occurs because your desktop folder is redirected to an inaccessible location (D:\Data\Desktop), likely due to a missing drive, corrupted path, or failed hardware. You can follow the below steps to resolve the issue.
1.Reconnect the Drive (If Applicable):
- External Drive: If your "D:" drive is an external hard drive, ensure it is properly connected to your computer. Check the USB or data cables and the power supply if it has one. Try a different USB port to rule out a faulty port.
- Internal Drive: If "D:" is an internal hard drive, it's possible it has become disconnected or has failed. If you are comfortable doing so, you can open your computer case to check the data and power connections to the drive.
- Drive Health: Listen for any unusual noises coming from the hard drive, which could indicate a mechanical failure.
2.Reset Desktop Folder to Default Location:
- If the drive is unavailable or the folder is corrupted, reset the desktop path:
- Open File Explorer:
- Press Win + E.
- Navigate to This PC > Local Disk (C:) > Users > Your Username.
- Reset Desktop Path:
- You should see a "Desktop" folder. Right-click on it and select "Properties".
- Go to the "Location" tab.
- Click on the "Restore Default" button. The location should change back to C:\Users\YourUsername\Desktop.
- Click "Apply" and then "OK".
- You may be prompted to move files from the old location to the new default location. Click "Yes".
- Restart your computer.
3.Using Registry Editor (If Desktop Reset Fails):
- If you are unable to open File Explorer or the above method doesn't work, you can directly edit the Windows Registry. Please note: making sure to back up your registry before making any change to it by following the instruction of this article. In case, something go wrong. You can swiftly reverse it.
- https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/how-to-back-up-and-restore-the-registry-in-windows-855140ad-e318-2a13-2829-d428a2ab0692
- Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
- Go to File > Run new task > Type regedit > Check "Create this task with admin privileges" > OK.
- Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders
- Double-click the Desktop entry in the right pane.
- Change its value data to: %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
- Restart your PC.
Hope the above information is helpful!