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Resolved Question

I HAVE DUPLICATE DOCUMENT FOLDERS IN WINDOWS 7

May 12, 2015 1:50PM PDT

Recently I had to reinstall my Windows 7 Operation System. Everything works OK, but when doing computer scans with SuperAntiSpyware and AVG Antivirus I notice that the scans take longer and when finished, they are hundreds of thousands of documents too large. My Documents appear in two places at the top and again at the bottom of the folder menu.
I tried deleting one set, but it comes back again the next time I start my computer.
This is from the top of my Folders listing

http://i62.tinypic.com/10giwcl.jpg

This is from the bottom of my Folders listing

http://i57.tinypic.com/2akioa0.jpg

This is a new type of problem to me. If anyone has an idea of how I can correct this, please contact me. I would appreciate the help! Mike B

Discussion is locked

mike281 has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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I fixed one like that years ago.
May 12, 2015 2:33PM PDT

You won't like it. I created a new user account and moved to the new account.
Bob

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I HAVE DUPLICATE DOCUMENT FOLDERS IN WINDOWS 7
May 13, 2015 3:05AM PDT

Thanks for the info, Bob! That would be a hard pill to swallow! Mike

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Well at least you have your stuff on backups.
May 13, 2015 3:11AM PDT

You could check you have the required 2 or more backups complete, then from another admin account reach over and clean it up.

Since Windows can be pretty persnickity about that I use a Linux boot CD. Here's something from a little while ago. http://tips.oncomputers.info/archives2004/0401/2004-Jan-11.htm

That let's me see the TRUE FOLDER STRUCTURE without Windows Explorer naughtiness. Then I can see if it needs fixing.

There are so many reasons for the display you shared. From oops, malware to registry cleaners. Since we can't guess what it is, backups, then diving in from another account or OS usually can avoid the move to another account.

-> In parting here's where Microsoft needs to do better. Look at this KB article that claims to repair a corrupt profile (which could be a factor here.) >>>> http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/fix-corrupted-user-profile#1TC=windows-7

WHAT? They never fixed it. They copied over the files and abandoned the old account. Microsoft needs to do better.
Bob

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Well at least you have your stuff on backups.
May 14, 2015 12:26PM PDT

Bob, Thank you for the suggestions. This is stuff that I have not tried before, though. I'll have to read it over a few times. Right now I am out of new CD's or DVD's so i'll have to get them. (i can't drive anymore, so i won't be trying this right away.) At the present time, even with the duplicated folders, my PC is still operating normally but I'm up to using a little less than 70% of my Free Space. I do have some Aviation VIDs (cockpit videos) and music VIDs backed-up on my Drive, that are taking up some space. I could put them on my External Drive, if I need more room.
Thank you for your help! Mike B

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Well at least you have your stuff on backups
May 23, 2015 9:40AM PDT

I have been tied up with other stuff, but have read up on some of the references you provided. I have CD-R Discs, not CD-RW's like mentioned in the article. Some of the instructions I read indicate that a CD can be used.

My Disc Image Burner says DVD R Drive (GHappy G would be my next drive, F is my Seagate External.
This is the 'box' i have on my desktop for KNOPPIX.

http://i57.tinypic.com/2hxrdxi.jpg

I am not sure how to use KNOPPIX, even after reading about it a few times.
My C drive is short on space. I have only 97.8GB Free. I am concerned that with adding two more User Names, I will be short on memory. My FS9 is 49.2GB, I have copied it to my external drive in case i need more room on C to create the new User Profile and copy files to it. I could delete FS9 from C:\ if absolutely necessary.
Thank You! Mike B

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There's not much to learn.
May 23, 2015 10:17AM PDT

Knoppix and others have a file/folder/drive explorer so similar to windows that I don't call that something to learn.

I supplied something I pointed to folk I kibitzed with years ago as proof this is a very old system. And they were not Linux users at all.

So make the bootable CD (CDR is fine), boot, press return a lot and then explore.
Bob

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There's not much to learn
May 23, 2015 11:35AM PDT

When I go into the BIOS screen I get multiple paths to use. I don't know which one to select.
4thBoot USB CD/DVD:HL-DT-S...
3rdBoot CD/DVD:PLDS DVD+/...
Thank You, Mike

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That's all of 4 choices to try.
May 23, 2015 12:11PM PDT

There are folk scared of picking the wrong one. For those folk maybe its time to have a buddy that runs other OSes come over.

I would write about BART PE Windows but we need a view without corrupted view of the folders.
Bob

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That's all of 4 choices to try. - New!
May 23, 2015 1:38PM PDT

i tried both using F2 and going to Boot in Menu and navigating to the two possibilities, one at a time, logging out and restarting in BIOS. Nothing happens.
Maybe I will export my file contents to external drive and try over again installing WIN7 from the Original CD and use new User Name, etc. Maybe I'll get lucky.
Don't know anyone who can help me.

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Have someone test your BOOT CD
May 23, 2015 3:08PM PDT

I've lost count how many times...

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Have someone test your BOOT CD
May 31, 2015 3:45PM PDT

I was able to solve my problem, with your help. I decided to first try the suggestion of creating two more User Names, as suggested in the reference to which you referred me. I'm a much older guy now, so i took my time with it and it worked fine! I now have a User Account without any duplicate files or folders! Thank you so much for "hanging in there" with me!!! Mike B

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And now much wiser.
May 31, 2015 11:00PM PDT

What a way to learn about this area. At least you didn't melt down or lose all you stuff.

Good to read,
Bob