Cannot install programs after redirecting documents folder to mapped drive

Question

After changing the location of the documents folder in Vista to a mapped drive, I am no longer able to install programs - the OS attempts to redirect the install to the location of the documents folder and the install fails.

If I revert the documents folder to its default location, the install of new software is successful.

Vista Business - SP2

Answer 1

In Vista, as previous o/s a custom installation of a program allows you to specify where its being installed

Answer 2

Yes, I finally found a solution for this! What worked for me was to redirect the folder using the UNC path instead of a mapped drive letter. I would love to know if this works for others also.

Answer 3

I have the same issue in Windows 7.  I redirected the "My Documents" folder to network drive "U:"

When I try to download Adobe Acrobat it will not download as it says U: is not a valid drive.  I'm not even getting to the install screen yet to tell it to install on the C: drive.  I'm just in the download mode.

There must be an issue redirecting the My Documents folder.  Please help!

Thank you,

-Karol

Answer 4

Samhrutha,

Certainly not attempting to install programs on the network.  Yes, of course, programs are typically installed on the local drive.  I would be hard pressed to understand, however, how the location of the documents folder would or should affect the defaul install location of any software program begin installed - but it does, I guarantee you.

As I clearly stated in my initial post:  I do indeed have to revert the docunments folder to its default location on the C drive to install ANY program, then remap the folder to the desired location after the install.

-Brent

Answer 5

Hi Brentivey

Welcome to Microsoft Vista Answers Forum!

We would like to know which the program you are trying to install?

You will not be able to install programs on network, because the computer on which you are installing the program does not recognize if the other computer which is in network is switched on or if it is compatible so you can install programs only on computers which are not in network or in domain.

By default programs are installed on drive C.  In some cases you may have the option to choose a different path for installation. Moving a folder to another location should not affect the installation of a program except there is a relationship between the folder being moved and the program installed.

As workaround install the program before moving the folder and check if that works.

Hope this information is helpful.

Let me know if this worked.

All the best!

Thanks and Regards:

Samhrutha G S - Microsoft Support.

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