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Changed Download Folder path, now all my downloads are gone.

Anonymous
2018-06-01T17:15:33+00:00

Hi there,

I wanted to change my default downloading location for a major media download for work. I did this by viewing the Properties panel of the Download Folder, then the Location tab, and changed the download path to a different hard drive. I only clicked Apply, then closed the window.

Later on, I checked to see if my download completed. I checked my new download folder and found a file called "Unconfirmed 605181.crdownload". Now all my files are missing from my old download folder and replaced with the same "Unconfirmed 605181.crdownload" file.

Checking my download status, it said there was a server error. This may be unrelated to the Download Folder issue and my have been my router cutting out briefly.

My main concern is why where all my download files deleted (if they were) without a prompt? Or are they moved into the depths of the system? My second concern is how can I fix this issue? I only wanted to make a new temporary download path so I wouldn't have to spend the time to copy a bunch of media from one drive to the other. That, as well as my Boot Drive is a smaller SSD and might not fit all the data before I have a chance to copy it over.

Thanks for any help,

  • Rob
Windows for home | Windows 10 | Files, folders, and storage

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Anonymous
2018-06-01T19:09:51+00:00

Great news. If the problem is resolved, you can provide a rating to close the thread.

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  1. Anonymous
    2018-06-01T18:36:08+00:00

    Hi Greg,

    I found that I made the silly mistake by clicking on the "Quick Access" link to my downloads folder, which turned out to be my new one. I have found my old files by following through my Users folder.

    Thanks for your reply, my downloads are working as they should and I just made a silly mistake.

    • Rob

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-06-01T18:34:21+00:00

    Hi Andre,

    Thank you for the reply. I had changed the Download folder before starting my downloads. I found I was making a silly mistake. I was clicking on the "Quick Access" link to my Download Folder which also revealed my "new" downloads folder. Thus, I thought one folder were two separate ones, the new and old Download Folders. I followed the path through "Users" to my old download folder and found my files.

    I have successfully downloaded some test files to my new Download Folder as well. So everything is working as it should, I had just overlooked a simple mistake on my part.

    Thanks again for the reply.

    • Rob

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  3. Greg Carmack 24,770 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2018-06-01T17:19:58+00:00

    Hi Cordy. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 8 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

    If you moved Location of the shell Downloads folder and didn't accept it's offer to move the files, too, then those files remain in the old Downloads folder that remains until it is deleted by you.

    Try browsing to C:\Users\Your User name to see if the old Downloads folder is there beside the new shell Downloads folder, so you can copy your files to the new one or move the new one's location back to the old one.

    If not do a search for Downloads folders and try to find it. As I said it does not go away until you delete it and should be there as an unofficial Downloads folder without the shell icon and with the files in it if they were not moved also.

    I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

    ________________________________________________________

    Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

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  4. Anonymous
    2018-06-01T17:19:38+00:00

    Question, were you modifying the download location while the download was in progress?

    Did you restart then check if the downloads show up on the other drive?

    Press Windows key + R

    Type: %userprofile%

    Hit Enter

    Double click the Downloads folder.

    Does it open?

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