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I just installed Opera Portable 12.16 on my flash drive from PortableApps.com.

When I start it up, a blue Downloads folder is created in my User's Favorites folder.

I have set up the Downloads path in Opera's Preferences for my User's Downloads folder as follows:

C:\Users\UserName\Downloads

The blue Downloads folder inside the Favorites folder is exactly the same as the "real" one just above the Favorites folder.

If I close Opera, delete the Downloads folder inside the Favorites folder, then reopen Opera, the Downloads folder is created again inside the Favorites folder. The create date/time for the Downloads folder inside the Favorites folder is when I opened Opera.

When I download something from the Internet, Opera tries to download it to my Documents folder. So, it is ignoring the path I set up and the new Downloads folder it created.

I am running Vista Home Premium.

I read on the Opera website forum that there is an option for installing a portable version from that website. It is version 16.0.1196.80. I tried installing and running that from my flash drive. I got the same results: The Downloads folder is created when I run that portable version.

Ha! I am glad you insisted on getting a screenshot. I found something else. In addition to the new blue Downloads folder inside the Favorites folder, there is also a new blue Downloads folder being created by Opera above the Favorites folder. (I marked all the blue Downloads folders with orange arrows in a paint program.) (Original screenshot)

Screenshot

The first (from the top) Downloads folder's Location is: C:\Users\UserName\Favorites\Downloads This is not correct.

When I delete the Downloads folder inside the Favorites folder, press F5 to refresh, this folder outside the Favorites folder disappears.

The second Downloads folder Properties does not have a Location tab. The Location field on the General tab shows: C:\Users\UserName

The Downloads folder inside the Favorites folder has a Location of: C:\Users\UserName\Favorites\Downloads

I should add that I tried adding a Downloads folder on my flash drive and then pointing the Downloads path in Opera to that folder on my flash drive. That did not help. I still get the extra blue Download folders on my hard drive. G:\Opera_Portable\Downloads

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  • 1
    Can we see a screenshot of that blue folder? Add the link to your question. Also, what OS do you use?
    – nixda
    Oct 3, 2013 at 17:15
  • 1
    @nixda - The operating system is going to be Windows. Since this problem would be on any version its not that important to know the specific version of Windows.
    – Ramhound
    Oct 3, 2013 at 17:33
  • You can upload it to imgur.com and add the link in your post.
    – Rik
    Oct 4, 2013 at 19:36
  • Screenshot: See above at the end of the initial posted text.
    – Ken
    Oct 4, 2013 at 21:20
  • Could you specify the "real"-locations of all those "downloads" folders? (Should be under Right-click and "Properties") I expect they all point to the same folder but these are "shortcuts" in the left-pane and not actually created folders. (I tried the portable version in Windows 7 Ultimate and had no problems with this)
    – Rik
    Oct 4, 2013 at 21:32

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
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Wow, for a portable App, Opera seems to be doing a lot of poking around my system.
It even scans my dropbox-folder.

@Ken, could you do a registry search for Favorites\Downloads and \Downloads to see if you have the Favorites\Downloads somewhere in your registry? That could be the reason why Opera thinks it needs to create it?

For example, look in:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders

I have a key there named {374DE290-123F-4565-9164-39C4925E467B} pointing to %USERPROFILE%\Downloads.

I changed the value to %USERPROFILE%\Test\Downloads (as a test) and Opera Portable created this Test directory (because it didn't exist) in C:\Users\Username. If you have the value %USERPROFILE%\Favorites\Downloads that's the problem and you'll need to change it. Of course Opera shouldn't touch the files on your harddrive in Portable mode, but it does.

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  • I just want to add/clarify for others, that this Registry key is not created by Opera. Windows uses this key to know where your official downloads location is
    – nixda
    Oct 8, 2013 at 17:57
  • Rik: I checked my registry in the location that you suggested. I did not have a Downloads folder listed. I did have a branch with a name of numbers like yours. The path was Favorites\Downloads. I changed it to just \Downloads and renamed it to Downloads. Thanks. I won't mess with Opera anymore. I am trying Chrome portable. I do appreciate your answer. Ken -- p.s. I am able to edit your answer here on superuser.com. Is that correct?
    – Ken
    Oct 9, 2013 at 21:14
  • You shouldn't rename it to Downloads. The {374DE290-123F-4565-9164-39C4925E467B} as a special meaning (meaning Downloads). Maybe Windows will re-create it on its own but then it will also point to the correct location. (The renamed key Download will now not be used by Windows) p.s. With a reputation of 8 you could only edit your question. You shouldn't be able to edit an answer.
    – Rik
    Oct 9, 2013 at 21:16
  • That's not good. I changed the name back. Hope it's OK. (Not a good thing to say when you are dealing with computers, I know.) When I download something from the Internet, it is going into the Downloads folder like it did before.
    – Ken
    Oct 9, 2013 at 23:04
  • Yep. If you changed the name back and the download-location is ok, everything is fine.
    – Rik
    Oct 9, 2013 at 23:23

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