What is the actual Favorites file location on my computer hard drive?
Depending on which version of Windows your computer runs, the Favorites file
location will either be located under C:\Users\[User Name]\Favorites
(Windows 7 and Windows Vista) or C:\Documents and Settings\[User
Name]\Favorites (Windows XP).
While Windows places your Favorites folder in the default location, some
computer users move the folder to an alternate location. In addition, it's
not unheard of for the file to disappear. For example, if your kids use your
computer, they may have moved it by accident. Inexperienced mouse users have
been known to lose files during drag and drop operations. For example,
someone may have stopped pressing the mouse button while dragging and
mistakenly dropped the file into another folder.
One way to find the Favorites file location for your particular Favorites
folder is to use the Windows search bar that's available in Windows Vista
and Windows 7. Simply go to Start and enter the word Favorites into the
search bar just above the Start button. Windows will then list your
Favorites folder under Programs. If you right-click it and choose "Open
folder location," Windows will launch Windows Explorer and take you to the
actual Favorites file location on your computer.
If you have Windows XP, you will need to first launch Windows Explorer
(right-click Start and choose Explore). Enter "favorites" into the search
bar at the top. Windows will then search your computer and list any matching
files or folders.
Either way, look at the results to see the exact location. If you are
satisfied with the location, then make a mental note of it for future
reference. If you'd rather move it to its original default location, you can
do that easily enough. Right-click the file and choose Properties. Next,
click the Location tab. Click on the Restore Default button. This will place
the file back where it belongs in the Users folder.
When in the Location tab, you can also opt to move the file to a different
location. For example, some users prefer having this folder located on their
desktops. Instead of clicking Restore Default, click the Move button. Browse
to the desired location and follow the prompts to change the Favorites file
location.
You can also copy the Favorites folder to another user's folder or to a
removable storage device for use on a different computer. If you are moving
to another user's folder, you will likely be prompted to overwrite the
existing folder. Make sure you have permission before overwriting the other
person's folder.