Windows 7: Public folders

Hi people.



I just found out that the libraries - and presumeably other "shared" stuff - sit in C:\Users\Public. Now... what are the ramifications of deleting the \Public\ folder from C:\Users?

I simply dislike the whole "soft links"/junction/libraries concept. I prefer if I put file A into folder B, I can trust that it is actually in folder B instead of folder B being a virtual redirect to folder C which also happens to be sharing the "same space" as folder D. All this additional obfuscation only confuses me.

Don't use Libraries then.

Create your own file hierarchy any where you desire. Leave the rest alone.

A program you desire to install might depend on the native Windows 7 file structure and, if you muck it up, you'll muck up your opportunity to install such aforementioned programs.

If you're worried about the "Public" folder, don't put any files in it.

The list for your user Libraries can be found in -

C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Libraries

The public folders contain items shared by user accounts, e.g., when installing a program, if the selection for "install for all users" is made, the desktop shortcut is placed in c:\users\public\desktop.

Info on Windows 7 Libraries -

Libraries: frequently asked questions

Libraries - Windows 7 features - Microsoft Windows

Inside Windows 7:Introducing Libraries

Regards. . .

jcgriff2

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i don't use public folders either, i prefer classic shared drives.

i remember deleting them a while back on a previous install (can't remember which build now), and i ran into a problem. sorry, i can't remember exactly what the problem was, but i had to reinstate public folders to fix it.

apologies for the lack of details, but i wouldn't delete them if i were you.

however, if you plan to learn your own way, and do delete them, and find that they need reinstalling, here's a tutorial to reinstate them.