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The thread revolves around a user, Mike, experiencing issues with his desktop loading from an external hard drive due to folder redirection, which he resolves by restoring default folder locations. He also addresses a space shortage on his C: drive, which he clears by deleting large files, enabling Windows updates and fixing system performance. Additionally, Mike encounters keyboard quirks and program installation challenges, receiving detailed troubleshooting advice on adjusting folder paths, managing startup items, fixing the lowercase "r" key issue, and reinstalling software correctly, with overall positive progress and helpful guidance from the community.
MikeHawthorne

MikeHawthorne

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Thread Author #1
That's the problem, every time I log in it goes to my external hard drive and I want it to load to my Desktop?
I want it to just load to my Desktop, it has been doing this for quite a while but I haven't found what is causing it!

Mike
 

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WindowsForum AI
Hi Mike,
This is a classic case of Windows redirecting your Desktop (or possibly your user profile folders) to a location on your external hard drive. This often happens by accident—sometimes after using the "Location" tab in folder properties, or when using backup/restore, or even after some troubleshooting in the past.
Why does this happen?
  • The Desktop folder’s path can be configured to a different location (like your external HDD), and Windows will "follow" it every login.
  • If the external drive isn't present, you may even see errors/missing files.
  • This doesn’t mean your whole profile is on the external drive—it just means Windows is opening a folder from there as your Desktop (similar symptoms can occur for...
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#2
Hi Mike,
This is a classic case of Windows redirecting your Desktop (or possibly your user profile folders) to a location on your external hard drive. This often happens by accident—sometimes after using the "Location" tab in folder properties, or when using backup/restore, or even after some troubleshooting in the past.
Why does this happen?
  • The Desktop folder’s path can be configured to a different location (like your external HDD), and Windows will "follow" it every login.
  • If the external drive isn't present, you may even see errors/missing files.
  • This doesn’t mean your whole profile is on the external drive—it just means Windows is opening a folder from there as your Desktop (similar symptoms can occur for Documents, Pictures, etc..

How to Check and Fix​

1. Check Desktop Folder Location​

  • Open File Explorer.
  • In the left sidebar, navigate to: This PC > Desktop (or find Desktop under your user directory).
  • Right-click the Desktop folder and choose Properties.
  • Go to the Location tab.
  • See if the path is on your external drive (e.g., E:\ or whatever your external drive letter is).
  • If it is, click Restore Default, then Apply and OK.
  • You will be offered to move the files. Accept if you want your current Desktop contents moved back to your real Desktop.

2. Check Other User Shell Folders​

If your Documents, Pictures, etc. are also being redirected, repeat the above steps for those folders under your user profile.

3. Registry Involvement (Advanced)​

If the GUI fix doesn’t work (e.g., the option is grayed out or throws an error), you might have to edit the registry:
  • Open regedit.
  • Go to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders
  • Look for the Desktop value. Default should be %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
  • If it points to your external drive, change it to %USERPROFILE%\Desktop.
Important: Always backup your registry first.

4. Restart​

After fixing, restart your computer and verify that logging in brings you to your real Desktop.
Why does this happen?
  • "Folder redirection" is a built-in Windows feature, often changed by accident or during restore operations. It’s harmless but confusing until fixed.
If you run into issues during these steps, let me know what you see (errors, grayed out fields, etc. and we can dig deeper, including command line or registry fixes if needed.
Let me know how it goes, or if you need step-by-step screenshots!
And don’t worry—you’re definitely not the only one to get tripped up by this sneaky setting. Thankfully, it’s usually a straightforward fix once found.
—Mike (but not that Mike)
References for similar cases and deeper troubleshooting:
  • Fixes on changing Desktop folder path and registry validation:
  • Further reference about issues caused by redirected folders and restoring default locations:
 

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Solution
datawizard0103

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#3
Hi Mike, Try these fixes -
  1. Check Startup: Look in your Startup folder (Windows: Win + R > shell:startup; Mac: System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items) for anything opening from the external drive.
  2. External Drive Settings: See if your external drive automatically opens on login in Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (Mac).
  3. Desktop Settings: Make sure your Desktop is the default location for saving files.
  4. File Explorer Settings: In File Explorer, set it to open to This PC instead of Quick Access.
  5. External Drive Software: Check if any software on your external drive is starting up automatically.
  6. Test Without Drive: Unplug the external drive and log in to see if the problem stops.

Let me know if that helps!
 

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#4
Great troubleshooting checklist! Here’s a quick recap for clarity, plus a bonus pointer:
  1. Check Startup Apps:
    • On Windows, open Run (Win + R), type shell:startup, and review if any shortcuts point to programs or files on your external drive.
    • On Mac, review Login Items in System Preferences > Users & Groups.
  2. External Drive Auto-Launch:
    • Open Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (Mac) and see if the external drive is set to initialize or mount a specific way at login.
  3. Default Save Location:
    • Ensure your desktop, not the external drive, is set as the default save location—for both user profile and any applications likely to launch at login.
  4. File Explorer Default Folder:
    • In File Explorer, go to View > Options, and set "Open File Explorer to:" as This PC rather than Quick Access (sometimes Quick Access triggers unwanted folder or drive popups).
  5. Check External Drive Bundled Software:
    • Some drives come with preinstalled utilities that start automatically—check for and disable unnecessary ones.
  6. Test Without the Drive:
    • Disconnect the drive and restart. If your desktop/login weirdness disappears, you’ve narrowed the cause to the external drive or its contents.
Bonus:
  • Also check for Task Scheduler items or third-party software (e.g., backup, sync apps) that might be triggering at login.
If any step turns up a culprit or you notice something unusual, let me know what you find! I can help you drill down further or walk you through any advanced fixes.
 

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MikeHawthorne

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Thread Author #6
I think the problem had to do with not having enough space on my C:\ dive. It took me ages but I finally go it to 24 gigs of f ee space, but all of a sudden the * key wont p int.

It was viRtually full. I only have Windows installed on my C:\ dive and it was down to about 4 gigs of open space. My compueR is Running mush betteR now that theRe is some fRee space.


I haven't gotten the p oblem fixed yet but the message now say that if I Run it again its going to fix the pRoblem files.
I also just figuRed out that the capital R woRks.

To moRRow I'll tRy it again. and tRy and finguRe out why the loweR caee R wont woRk.

If anyone knows why only the lowecase R doesn't woRk let me know?
 

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#7
Glad to hear you freed up more space and your system’s running better! Windows really struggles when the C:\ drive is nearly full—updates, performance, and even basic stability can all tank when you drop below 10 GB free.

About the Lowercase “r” Key​

That’s a quirky keyboard issue! If uppercase R works but lowercase r does not, the physical key itself is registering, so this is likely a software/driver or accessibility setting issue—not a stuck key or plain keyboard failure.

Possible Causes:​

  1. Sticky Keys / Accessibility Features
    • Sometimes Windows accessibility options (like Sticky Keys or Filter Keys) can mess with specific keyboard input.
    • Try turning them off:
      • Go to Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard.
      • Make sure “Sticky Keys” and “Filter Keys” are off.
  2. Keyboard Layout/Language
    • Sometimes an accidental hotkey changes the keyboard layout.
    • Press Win + Space to cycle layouts, or check in Settings > Time & Language > Language.
  3. Corrupted Keyboard Driver
    • Try unplugging and replugging the keyboard (if USB).
    • In Device Manager, right-click the keyboard under "Keyboards" and select "Uninstall device," then reboot.
    • Windows will automatically reinstall the driver.
  4. Physical or Firmware Issue
    • If it’s a laptop, try an external keyboard to rule out hardware.
    • If it’s an external keyboard, plug it into another PC or device to test.
  5. Testing in Another App
    • Test “r” in Notepad, Word, or even in the BIOS (if you dare) to see if the issue is universal or just in one app.

Quick Test:​

  • Open Notepad and rapidly press r, R, and other keys to see what registers.

After the Update Attempt​

The new Windows message saying it "will fix problem files" is promising! That means Windows Update's component repair or rollback mechanism kicked in and may resolve whatever was blocking the install—maybe your new free space will let it complete.

TL;DR:​

  • Try the “Sticky Keys” and “Filter Keys” settings first.
  • Test an external keyboard or another PC if you can.
  • Let us know if the update succeeds after your next attempt.
Let me know if the key acts up in Safe Mode or other places—if so, it’s probably hardware, otherwise we’ll chase settings/software further. Good luck with the update, and let me know how both issues go!
 

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MikeHawthorne

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Thread Author #10
After hours of working I finally got over 20 gigs of space freed up on my C:\drive.

After deleting or moving many small files that I knew I didn't need I found a folder in my Users Public folder that was 30 GB.

It was placed there by one of my graphics programs. So I deleted it and now had 47.2 gigs of free space.

I went back to Windows update which was now telling me to reinstall Windows.

So I went ahead and told it to go. It worked fine, so I now have a fresh install and all up to date with no updates pending.

Now I want to reinstall the program,(Poser) that created the folder I deleted, it still works but I'm getting messages that it can't find things like some .OBJ files.

I wanted to move Photoshop and Premier off of C:\ to but it won't let me install it anyplace else, because it sees it already installed there.

I think that's how it got on C:\ to begin with! So I guess I'll have to uninstall it first.
 

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#11
Great work on clearing out all that space and resolving your Windows update issues—sounds like a marathon session, but a fresh, fully-patched install is worth it!

Regarding Poser​

If Poser was looking for content you deleted from the Public folder, that’s likely why those .OBJ (3D model/object) files are now missing. Many creative programs dump large libraries in the Public or Documents folders, so if there’s a way to change Poser’s content library location in its settings, now would be the time to adjust it—either before or after reinstalling.

Moving Adobe Photoshop & Premiere​

You’re absolutely right—Adobe apps (including Photoshop and Premiere) don’t support simply moving their folders. They require an uninstall followed by a reinstall if you want them on another drive.
Here’s how to do it cleanly:
  1. Uninstall via Creative Cloud:
    • Open the Adobe Creative Cloud app.
    • Uninstall Photoshop/Premiere from there.
    • (Optional but recommended) Run the Adobe Cleaner Tool if you run into weird leftovers: Adobe Cleaner Tool Link
  2. Change Default Install Location:
    • In Creative Cloud, click the profile icon > Preferences > Apps.
    • Under “Installing,” change the default folder to your preferred drive (e.g., D:\Adobe).
    • All future installs now default to this location.
  3. Reinstall the apps.
    • When you reinstall, they’ll be placed on the drive you selected.
Note: Even when installed elsewhere, Adobe stashes some settings and contents on C:\ (user profiles, preferences, some temporary files). But the big program/data folders will be on your preferred drive.

Next Steps for Poser​

  • If you want Poser’s content somewhere else: Look for a “Content Library” or similar setting in Preferences. Most 3D programs let you set a custom library path for assets.
  • Reinstalling Poser should prompt you to select or confirm a library/content location—pick a drive with space.
Let me know if you need step-by-step screenshots for Creative Cloud or Poser’s settings. Congratulations again on wrangling your system back into shape!
If you hit any errors during the uninstall/reinstall sequence, just say the word—I’m here to help!
 

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