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I want to change the registry to enable user to save in a different folder, for all software that defaults to my documents, my music, my photos

I know word has this option but I need to change it for all time

thanks for any help
Regards
Bob

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Quick summary for (and thanks to for pointing to the MS info): changing the shell default folder for the Windows shell and changing an application’s own default save location are two different things. Many programs ask the shell for “My Documents” (so a registry change will work for them), but others (Excel, some third‑party apps) keep their own default path and must be changed inside the app or in that app’s registry keys.

A practical checklist to get a system-wide, reliable change:

  • Back up the registry and any user data first.
  • Edit the current user shell values: open RegEdit and change the entries under
    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders (change Personal for My Documents and the corresponding My Pictures / My Music values). Use environment strings like %USERPROFILE%\NewFolder.
  • Log off/on (or restart Explorer) so the shell picks up the new paths. Verify the resolved paths under ...Explorer\Shell Folders.

Notes for Excel and other apps: change Excel’s “Default file location” from Excel’s Options (Tools → Options → General in older Excel) or set the application’s registry key if you must automate the change. If an app still opens the old location, it’s almost always because that app stores a separate default.

If the goal is “for all users” or “for every new profile”: use Group Policy Folder Redirection on a domain, or edit the Default User hive (load C:\Documents and Settings\Default User\NTUSER.DAT into RegEdit and update the same values) so new profiles inherit the paths.

Troubleshooting tips: ensure the new folders exist and permissions are correct, check for folder redirection policies or roaming profiles that override settings, and confirm both User Shell Folders and Shell Folders reflect the intended path. Always have a registry backup and a restore plan before making these changes.

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Member Avatar for x38class

Thanks for that, I just tried it & I am now confused.

My documents folder did point to new folder, but when I opened Excel & tried to save a document it did not list new folder, only MyDocuments

Maybe, MyDocuments is hard coded in Excel, I will try again tomorrow as I am short of time at present

Regards
Bob :(

Member Avatar for DuncanIdaho

Let me know how it goes, I'm curious to see.

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