Can’t move the folder because there is a folder in the same location that can’t be redirected

Wondering how to fix “Can’t move the folder because there is a folder in the same location that can’t be redirected” error? We can help you.

This error occurs when we try to change the location of a personal folder the second time in Windows. And this error is not specific to a certain Windows version.

Here at Bobcares, we handle requests from our customers using Windows servers to fix similar issues as a part of Server Management Services.

Today, let us see how our Support techs resolve this issue for our customers.

How to fix ‘Can’t move the folder because there is a folder in the same location that can’t be redirected’

Before going into the steps for fixing this error, we will see how the error looks like and what causes it.

A typical error looks like the one given below:

We will see some of the causes for this error.

What causes this error

Before getting the error, Windows will actually warn us that we will encounter the issue if we move a personal folder into SkyDrive, OneDrive, or in any similar location.

A message pops up saying that if we go ahead with the redirection, we will not be able to restore it to the default location.

This is because Windows cannot reverse this modification automatically when redirection proceeds.

Now we will see how to fix this issue.

Steps to fix this error

We will be using the Registry Editor to fix this error.

Following are the steps for fixing this error:

1. Firstly, we have to type “regedit” in the Run prompt and press Enter to open the Registry Editor utility.

2. Inside the Registry Editor, navigate to the following location:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer/User Shell Folders

3. After that locate the personal folder that is displaying the error, and double-click on it.

4. Now, replace the current value data with the corresponding Default Value using the list below:

Desktop - %USERPROFILE%\Desktop

Favorites - %USERPROFILE%\Favorites

Music - %USERPROFILE%\Music

Pictures - %USERPROFILE%\Pictures

Videos - %USERPROFILE%\Videos

Documents - %USERPROFILE%\Documents

Downloads - %USERPROFILE%\Downloads

The corresponding registry key for the Downloads folder is {374DE290-123F-4565-9164-39C4925E467B}.

5. Once we replace the value data using the list above, press OK to save the changes, then close Registry Editor.

6. Finally, restart the system. This will fix the error.

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Conclusion

In short, we saw how our Support Engineers fix ‘Can’t move the folder because there is a folder in the same location that can’t be redirected’ error for our customers.