# I have to share this tip - custom location of Windows ‘Favorites’ Folder

> Markdown version of https://brajeshwar.com/2003/damn-i-have-to-share-this-tip/ — 2003-09-18

The way I organize my files, folders and everything else on my desktop, including my laptop, is that I keep all data files and everything else on a different drive than the operating system & program files. This definitely helps me in doing a very easy, click-clack-click format of my primary installation drive and be up and running fast enough with every of my data intact and all setting in place in a considerable quick time. Actually, I have a whole drive just for the program installation and another separate drive for my data files (40 GB for the Programs/OS + 80 GB for the data drive, with my current desktop configuration).

Before going further, let me add that I am on a windows box and this post is invalid for other operating system.

`My Documents` can always be assigned a different location by just firing its properties > and giving a desired target location and so also for `Temporary Internt Files`. In fact, I really do not like default of a program installation. I even have my Actionscript syntax file loaded everytime [Textpad](http://www.textpad.com/) starts from a different location. The only hiccup that I usually stumble upon is the `Favorites` of my bookmarks in Internet Explorer which I miss in some way or the other during a fresh installation. But today I just figured this out too and damn I am happpy to find this out, thus share the same with you.

> Be warned : It is said that the Windows Registry is not to be played around and not intended for the weak heart, so back up your registry before you do that. I am not responsible for anything stupid you do.
> But if you follow the steps, no need to worry, everything will be a breeze.

Steps to changing the `Favorites` folder location;

1. Start > Run and type "regedit"
2. Go down to `"HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Explorer\User Shell Folders"`
3. You will see many other customizable folder besides the `Favorites`, now change the `Favorites` folder location by double clicking on the `Favorites` value name on the right pane.

That is it, close the Registry and open a new IE window, you have your Favorites folder pointed to where you wanted. You may wish to create a folder called `Favorites` on another driver or location before doing the whole steps.