can't redirect into reparse point please choose different target path

[dhainlin]

So, I uninstalled Dropbox. Now I find that my folders; Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures, and God knows what else are all set to my Dropbox folder. When I go to 'restore' these folders to their correct, default Windows 10 path, I get the above error message. This is outrageous. What is the solution?

[Emmet · Accepted solution]

Hello everyone, 

Our engineer's have looked into this and have provided a solution that should assist. If you follow the steps below, this should ensure that your folders are restored to the default for your PC. If you have any other issues, feel free to create a new thread and we will follow up with you shortly. 

1) Make sure the Dropbox desktop application is running (re-download if you have already deleted the application)
2) Click on the Dropbox icon in the system tray and then click your profile picture or initials
3) Select ‘Preferences’
4) Click on the ‘Account’ tab, and then click in the window under the tab (just anywhere will do)
5) Hold down the ‘alt+H’ keys
6) select the option to “reset OS folders”

[EdNewbold]

Worked perfectly for me.  Thank you!

[KennethDotsey]

There is no one that can answer this question Basically if things with a computer do not work you either have to format the hard drive and reinstall the operating system 

[EdNewbold]

No... do not do that.  It's way too drastic.  The Dropbox engineers came up with the correct answer above, and it works.  If you're stuck, ask them for assistance in working through the necessary steps.

[kraknx7]

I have this problem too. It's so annoying. I don't want my folders moved when I install Dropbox

[fdsafgasdfgas]

Hello. I have this same issue but i cant do this solution because i deleted my original dropbox account i used

[damnfdh]

re-downloaded the dropbox app and It only created a new path "2022 Dropbox (Old)". What should I do? 

[Hannah]

Hey @damnfdh, thanks for the nudge and sorry to hear you're having trouble.

Can you let us know what the issue is exactly? So more details, would be really helpful.

And if you can also describe the steps you followed, after you came across it, that would also be great.

Is anybody else perhaps still having issues with this?

Thanks!

[anthonymassis]

I made an account just to say this feature is one of the stupidest features to ever exist. I uninstalled dropbox and noticed it was still integrated into my registry. I deleted the folder not knowing it held my entire desktop, and wiped my whole drive. I system restored, and I still lost 80% of my files. I had no idea dropbox was so terrible, and literally a VIRUS. If you want some constructive feedback, tell your dropbox engineers to automatically have the OS folders reset when you go to uninstall. 

[rudinskyla]

I am also having trouble redirecting the reparse point. When I try it says unable to redirect, please choose different target path. I have redownloaded the dropbox app but am unable to sign in since it was through a company account and they changed the password when I departed the company. Now my connections to personal folders, like downloads won't work. Can I get some assistance?