Runtime error (ar84:75) Internal Error: Failed to expand shell folder constant "userdocs".

Question

I have a related problem.  I did the same thing - relocated my "Documents" folder to a external hard drive - but did it by dragging and dropping the contents - I was clueless to the whole "Location" process.

I then moved back to the C Drive - again my dragging and dropping.  But now I'm trying to load a software package from Illium Software - and keep getting an error trying to install the software.  The error message I get is a "Runtime error (ar84:75)  Internal Error:  Failed to expand shell folder constant "userdocs".  The support staff at Illium says it is because I moved my Documents folder.  They instructed me to use the "Location" in the Property box to reset to defaults.

But there lies the problem.  My "Documents" folder doesn't have the "Locations" tab.  It only has General, Sharing, Security and Customize.

Where do I turn to clean up the mess I have made?

Answer 1

Hi Jill McD,

Thank you for taking the time to post.

Just to be sure, you are browsing to c:\Users<Username> and right-clicking Documents here and not the start menu? Are you even able to open the Documents folder?

We need to check a Registry key.

Modifying REGISTRY settings incorrectly can cause serious problems that may prevent your computer from booting properly. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the configuring of REGISTRY settings can be solved. Modifications of these settings are at your own risk.

We are going to browse to the following location.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders

·         Click the Start Orb on the Desktop

·         In the Search field type regedit (do not hit enter)

·         Right-click regedit and select Run as administrator

·         Expand each of the folders above till we get the end of the locations above

Once “User Shell Folders” is highlighted, right click that key and select export and save that to your computer as a backup.

Once you have exported that key, select “User Shell Folder” and on the right pane locate Personal and see what the path is set to. Set it to the default which will be %USERPROFILE%\Documents (Double click Personal to change the Value). If the Personal is missing from there you are going to create it. Follow the steps below.

While User Shell Folders is still highlighted, in that right pane right click an open area and select new, then Expandable String Value. Once that Value is created (Personal), right click that new Value and select modify. In the Value data field type or copy and paste the following as the Value %USERPROFILE%\Documents and click ok.

Please let us know the results.

Thanks,

---

Keith

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

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