Windows 10: AppData is being written to the wrong place

I recently had my Windows 7 desktop PC upgraded to Windows 10 by a local computer shop. I had them do it because they had built the machine and were familiar with the hardware. They recommended doing a clean install of Windows 10, so when I got the machine back it was necessary to re-install all my programs.

Here is the most important detail: On this machine, the OS is on C: (a 512 GB SSD) and my user profile is on D: (a 4TB HDD).

Here's the problem: programs are writing their application data to C:\Users\John\AppData rather than D:\Users\John\AppData. I know this because all the AppData on D: is dated before the upgrade, and all the AppData on C: has been created since the upgrade. I should have noticed the problem when I found it necessary to reset preferences in programs like Lightroom and Photoshop. These programs should have used the existing preferences!

I assume some environment variable was either not set, or was not set properly, by the technician who did the upgrade. If so, I'm hoping that the fix is as easy as (1) setting the variable properly, and then (2) moving C:\Users\John\AppData to D:\Users\John.

I'm not confident enough to attempt to fix this myself. I'll take the PC back to the shop and have them do it. But I'm hoping for some assurance from the community that the fix will be simple.

:)

 

deleted AppData Account Picture file

Hi,

Thank you for posting your query on Microsoft Community.

I understand your inconvenience. We will assist you with it.

I suggest you to refer the following Microsoft help article to about AppData folder.

What is the AppData folder?

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/what-appdata-folder

Note: This link is also applicable to Windows 10 as well.

I suggest you to perform System Restore on your computer and check if you are able to get back the AppData folder.



System Restore brings a system to an operable condition after a disaster so that it can again accept and process data.



To perform System Restore follow the step provided below.

• Press Windows Key + R Key
• Type rstrui and press Enter.

Hope this resolves your issue. Do let us know if it helped. For further assistance, feel free to contact us.

Thank you.

 

How to access appdata folder

Hi Jaden,

Thank you posting your query in Microsoft Community.

We would be glad to help you with the issue you are facing today. I understand the difficulty with the problem.

I would suggest you to follow the below steps.

• Write in the search box the following: “%appdata%” .
• After the search is finished left click or tap on the folder that the search feature found.
• If it takes you to the following path: “C:\Users\The user that you are logged in with\AppData\Roaming”.
• It means that your folders are still there but they are hidden.
• Click on “View”.
• Check the box “Hidden items”

Also you refer to the below link.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/what-appdata-folder

Note: Above link also refers to the Windows 10.



Hope this helps in resolving the issue. If issue persists, do get back to us. We will be happy to assist you.

Thank you.

 

How to recover deleted appdata file

Hi Michelle,

The AppData folder would have data regarding the applications in the computer. If its contents are deleted, data would be lost and you may not be able to use some applications as well. To isolate your concern, answer the following question:

• What error message are you getting after you deleted an AppData file?
• What troubleshooting steps have you tried so far?

Here are the steps on how to restore files:

• Type Restore files in the search box on the taskbar, then, select
  Restore your files with File History.
• Look for the file you need, then use the arrows to see all its versions.
• When you find the version you want, select Restore to save it in its original location. To save it in a different place, press and hold (or right-click)
  Restore, select Restore to, and then choose a new location.

It's always good to have a backup of your files on another drive in case something happens to the originals. Check this

link on how to Back up and restore your files.

Let us know if you need more help.