Windows 10: Problem with the Downloads folder in Explorer

Hi, I have a persistent issue with the Downloads folder in Windows Explorer.

I used a program called Winaero Tweaker to re-organize the left-hand side pane in Windows Explorer.
To test it out I chose the option to remove the Downloads folder, and then put it back quickly thereafter...

At first glance this worked as it should be, but closer inspection showed that the default icon in the navigation pane of Explorer changed to a common folder.





Yet when I go to C:\Users\My Profile the Download folder looks fine.





I can live with a different icon, tho my issue arises when I work with files in the Downloads folder, accessed via the left hand side navigation pane. The latter is important, because when I access the Downloads folder thru my Profile I can open a .zip file, cut or rename a file I'm working on with no problem at all.

Like I said when I'm working in a random folder and have to use a file stored in the Downloads folder I access it via the navigation pane of Explorer and then that folder hangs for a while and then I can work on it, or just freezes and I have to end that process and restart Explorer.

I also notice that my PC has to work very hard during the phase I'm working in that folder. Windows usually works smoothly, and I like to work fast, so its really frustrating to have to wait many seconds, or even minutes before I can continue working.

Suffice to say that Winaero Tweaker screwed things up, and if you ask me it might have something to do with permissions. Then again, if I knew the root cause of my problem I wouldn't be here eh *Wink So all things said I would appreciate it if someone more knowledgeable then me to assist me and offer adequate help...

Thanks for reading my plight this far and hopefully you can mend my problem...

Regards Carlos.

:)

 

downloads folder in Internet Explorer 11

Hi Ronnie,

Thank you for posting your query on Microsoft Community.

If you delete files from the downloads folder your files will be deleted from the device.

Hope the information helps. Let us know if you need further assistance. We will be happy to help.

Thank you.

 

downloads folder in Internet Explorer 11

OT- ronnie

what happens if i remove a download from the list of 'downloads' - do i lose the programme?

 

Run a system restore to before the issue pal, just one of those things lol.

 

System Restore is not an option because I have this problem for a while and I don't have any restore points from before my issues came to light.

Also replacing the Downloads folder with a previous version, via Properties of the Downloads folder doesn't help.

And yes I already did a "sfc/scannow" & "DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth" to na avail at all...

 

I do have an Image stored as backup, and if my problem was just the Downloads folder in My profile I could replace that easily, but since my problem occurs within Explorer I don't know how to tackle this...

 

Have you tried an in place upgrade/repair install?

 

I use the latest version of Windows 10, so I don't see how I could upgrade, which leaves us with a repair install.
No I haven't thought of that, because I figured there might be a less drastic option than this.
Haven't said that I recently installed the latest major update (Fall Creators update, or something like that) and that didn't resolve my issue.

 

In Winaero Tweaker there is a button to Reset to Default after every action. Have you tried this?
Also, you can Right click the Downloads folder on the Left panel, choose Properties/Previous Versions tab. Or go to the Customize tab and choose Restore Default or Change Icon

 

A repair install is an in place upgrade.
But you might want to try.
Just mount an ISO in file explore, and be very sure to select keep programs and files, otherwise it will become a clean install.
I was careless once, but was lucky and had a system image to go back on.

You could also try running this in an admin command prompt to set if it reverts the changes Tweaker made:

Dism /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup&sfc/scannow&Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth&sfc/scannow&pause

 

"Right click the Downloads folder on the Left panel, choose Properties/Previous Versions tab.
Or go to the Customize tab and choose Restore Default"
Tried these options already and it didn't cure my problem.
But this one nailed it buddy!"In Winaero Tweaker there is a button to Reset to Default after every action. Have you tried this?"
Worked like a charm, thanks a lot man!
Also thanks to the other participants in this thread.
Best wishes for 2018 guys ;-)