Problems with User Profiles and My Documents Folder (195110)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 98
This article was previously published under Q195110

SYMPTOMS

When you are using user profiles, you may experience any of the following symptoms:

  • When you open the My Documents folder on the desktop or on the Documents menu, you cannot see documents from other users.
  • When you click Start and then point to Documents, the My Documents folder does not appear on the Documents menu.
  • When you double-click the My Documents folder on the desktop, nothing happens.

CAUSE

These behaviors can occur for any of the following reasons:

  • The My Documents folder is not properly copied to the C:\Windows\Profiles\<Username> folder when user profiles are enabled.
  • The My Documents folder has been moved or deleted.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, follow these steps:

  1. Right-click the My Documents folder on the desktop, and then click Properties.
  2. In the Target box, type

    C:\Windows\Profiles\<Username>\My Documents


    where <Username> is the user name of the currently logged on user.
  3. Click OK.
  4. Log off Windows, and then log back on to Windows as a different user.
  5. Repeat steps 1-4 for each user who uses the computer.
NOTE: If a new user logs on to the computer, he or she will also need to follow these steps. The default path for the My Documents folder for new users is C:\My Documents.

MORE INFORMATION

You must copy the C:\My Documents folder as described above. Creating a new folder does not work.

If you delete the C:\My Documents folder, you can create a new one by following these steps:

  1. Log on as a new user.
  2. Right-click the My Documents folder.
  3. Click Find Target.
  4. Click Apply.
  5. When Windows prompts you to create a new C:\My Documents folder, click Yes.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:12/16/2004
Keywords:kbenv kbprb kbui KB195110
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.