Unable to rename or move folders. "The file or folder does not exist."

I am currently unable to rename or move folders in Windows 8.1.

I'll right-click the folder and enter a new name, then I'll receive the following error: "Can't find the specified file. Make sure you specify the correct path and file name." Clicking "Try Again" will result in another error: "The file or folder does not exist."

Attempting to move the folder either by dragging or cutting-and-pasting will also result in the first error.

Additional notes:

- This problem occurs when attempting to rename or move any folder on either of my two hard drives, as well as on any USB drives or network drives connected to my PC.

- The problem only occurs when renaming or moving folders. I can rename or move files just fine. I can also copy-and-paste folders just fine.

- I am logged in as an Administrator. The problem occurs regardless of which account I am logged into. It also occurs in safe mode.

- This problem is happening on both of my PCs. They have both been running Windows 8.1 since its release. As far as I know, the problem only began today. (11/24/13)

- Rebooting does not solve the problem. Scanning with AVG Free, Windows Defender, and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware revealed 0 threats to my PC.

- I am able to rename folders just fine from the Command Prompt.

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Answer

Jon999_999_99999-999_99

Did you find a solution? I have the same problem

This worked for me, although it's a bit of a kluge:

1) Remove (or rename) the following 5 Registry keys from HKLM\Software\Microsoft\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FolderDescriptions\:

{2112AB0A-C86A-4ffe-A368-0DE96E47012E}
{491E922F-5643-4af4-A7EB-4E7A138D8174}
{7b0db17d-9cd2-4a93-9733-46cc89022e7c}
{A302545D-DEFF-464b-ABE8-61C8648D939B}
{A990AE9F-A03B-4e80-94BC-9912D7504104}

2) Hide desktop Libraries icon by adding/setting the following 4 Registry keys:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\HideDesktopIcons\NewStartPanel]
"{031E4825-7B94-4DC3-B131-E946B44C8DD5}"=dword:00000001
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\HideDesktopIcons\ClassicStartMenu]
"{031E4825-7B94-4DC3-B131-E946B44C8DD5}"=dword:00000001
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\HideDesktopIcons\NewStartPanel]
"{031E4825-7B94-4DC3-B131-E946B44C8DD5}"=dword:00000001
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\HideDesktopIcons\ClassicStartMenu]
"{031E4825-7B94-4DC3-B131-E946B44C8DD5}"=dword:00000001

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Answer

dazzo31

In my case, I downloaded the pack of default registry entry and applied the Default Folder.reg. Once I had reset the windows default for opening Folders my issue of rename and cut resulting in The file or folder does not exist. resolved instantly.

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Unable to rename or move folders. "The file or folder does not exist."

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Unable to rename or move folders. "The file or folder does not exist."

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