New folder issue

Question

When I right click on the desktop to create a new folder, the system will not allow me to rename the folder. I get an error that states, "Can't find the specified file. Make sure you specify the correct path and file name." The system allows the folders to be named "New folder" and "New Folder (2)" etc.

CoPilot claims that it is an issue from my HP Wolf Security. This can't be so, because I have a laptop with the same software that works just fine.

I don't know how long this has been an issue as I didn't find out about it until I asked AI if I could backup my laptop to my desktop. AI said yes to this question and one of my first tasks would be to assign a new folder called "Laptop Backup" to my desktop. CoPilot walked me through every possible Windows troubleshooting and eventually wanted me to start poking around the innards of HP Wolf Security.

Can anyone help?

Answer 1

Please try the accepted answer in the following thread.

rename folder says folder dosent exist. - Microsoft Q&A

Answer 2

AI gave me a new answer to my 'new folder' quandry -- using the 5.1 PowerShell type mkdir "" and fill in whatever you want between the quotes.

This fix works for me so this is what I will use.

Answer 3

This is one of the solutions that I was given by AI in the troubleshooting we've already done -- it did not work for me.

Answer 4

The behavior is consistent with a damaged or incorrect registry value for the shell “New” context menu handler, which controls creating and renaming new items from the desktop or File Explorer.

To fix it, verify and, if needed, correct the registry entry for the New command:

1. Back up the registry first, as incorrect changes can cause serious problems. For guidance, see article 322756 referenced in the documentation.
2. Open Registry Editor (regedit.exe).
3. Navigate to: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\New
4. In the right pane, check the value of (Default).
5. Set (Default) to: {D969A300-E7FF-11d0-A93B-00A0C90F2719}
6. If the New key or (Default) value does not exist, create them and set the value as above.
7. Close Registry Editor and restart Explorer (or sign out and back in) and then test creating and renaming a new folder on the desktop.

This registry entry exists only if the Windows Desktop Update component is installed; if missing, it must be added with the correct value.

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References:

• New command missing in Windows Explorer
• Operation to change a personal folder location fails in Windows
• How to back up and restore the registry in Windows