Vista Tutorial - help with user folder shortcut name change

I accidentally changed my user folder shortcut name in Windows Explorer under Desktop.



It was changed when I tried to save a file to the desktop and accidentally create new folder while highlight the user folder shortcut. It might be a bug in the system, since I can’t duplicate the change again.



I have tried to rename it but nothing happens.



I deleted it but it came back after refresh (F5).



There is no property available since this is a special folder or shortcut like network shortcut in Windows Explorer.



I briefly went through the registry and search for ‘shell’ related value but find none to resolve the issue. Did the search on Google and this forum, I have found nothing related to this problem. Maybe I use the wrong word for the search. Does anybody know how to reverse the change or edit in the registry? Thanks.

I am using Vista Home Basic came with IBM / Lenovo ThinkPad.

George

George,

A lot of people would be interested if you could reproduce renaming the User folder. Interesting, but I cannot reproduce what you described either.

Normally the only way to change this is to create a new user account and delete the old one, or reinstall Vista.

Shawn

Can you "restore" a previous version ?
Right Click > Properties > Previous Version ?

Shawn,

I have tried to reproduce it several time but failed. I remember when it happens, when I tried to save the file to the desktop, the 'Save As' Windows was still loading and folders and files are keep appearing (I have a lot of folders & files on my desktop). At that split second before load was completed, I hit 'New Folder' button and accidentally highlight the user folder shortcut. I was creating new 'London' folder for my file and only letter 'L' been taken while load was completed. When I realize that, it was too late. Ctrl-Z won’t help to undo it. There got to be a registry value where I can change that. 'L' is too hard to do the search in the registry. Millions result will turn up. I saw your desktop user folder icon change tutorial, maybe that's where I should start looking in the registry.

Gomjaba,
Not sure how to restore previous version. Right click on L user folder shortcut? There is no property available. Or you are referring to something else?

George

George,

That will not work on the main user folder, C:\Users\(your username) . In your case L. Normally the only way to change this is to create a new user account and delete the old one, or reinstall Vista. You can see why people would be interested in this if it can be reproduced.

Sorry,
Shawn

George,

I just had the same thing happen to me today. Searched Google like you did... nothing at all! Worked through the reg to finally find this :

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CLSID\{59031A47-3F72-44A7-89C5-5595FE6B30EE}

Just edit the Data field and there you go

Knew it was possible to change it back since we had not modified the main user folder, just a shortcut.

This is a serious bug and I will report it to MS.

Mark.

Great! It works. Thanks, Mark.

Thank you very much for that answer. Yes is a nasty bug and should be reported. Else windows vista ultimate 64 should have more freedom for experienced users.

I really don´t understand how this people can´t see the difference between creating a more comfortable software, and building one that turns people more stupid.

I almost surrender on this one. Sad.