What method is used to delete a folder from the navigation pane in Windows Explorer?
What method is used to delete a folder from the navigation pane in Windows Explorer?
I dislike when companies don’t offer a reliable uninstaller that fully removes their software. It gets worse when they alter system settings, like adding folders to Explorer without deleting them during uninstallation. I tried installing Zoho Docs on my test system to check if it could solve the issue. I expected it to be as straightforward as reinstalling and then uninstalling. Instead, it leaves the folder behind. The folder shown in the left side of Explorer is saved in the registry, so just deleting the file won’t work.
I also tried restarting Windows Explorer in the hope it would help. It didn’t.
That wasn't successful, the folder isn't a user folder—it's simply an empty, non-removable one. Let me know if you're mistaken.
I dislike when companies fail to offer a reliable uninstaller that fully removes their software. It gets worse when they alter system settings, like adding folders to Explorer without deleting them during uninstallation. I tried installing Zoho Docs on my test machine to check if a simple reinstall and uninstall would solve the issue. I expected it to be as straightforward as a full reinstall. Instead, it leaves the folder behind. The folder shown at the left of Explorer is saved in the registry, so just deleting it won’t work.
I also tried restarting Windows Explorer in the hope it would fix the problem. That didn’t help either.
I partially understood the situation but realized it involves registry editing. Such changes should only be made if you feel confident doing so. Always back up before proceeding and know how to restore if necessary.
Read all the details below carefully before deciding whether to continue.
First, create a complete registry backup. Here’s the guidance:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help...in-windows
The steps I followed were:
I launched regedit.exe and navigated to the following key (you can paste this into the toolbar at the top):
Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\
I clicked on CLSID, selected Export, and saved it as Backup.reg on the Desktop for a temporary copy.
Then I moved to another registry path:
Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{8EDE8175-25AA-4460-ADF9-80D330C0EE64}
I right-clicked on System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree and chose Modify.
Changed the Value data from 1 to 0 (zero) and pressed OK.
The Zoho Docs should vanish immediately from the left side of Explorer as you adjust it. But you’ll likely still see it in browsing dialogs or elsewhere (as shown in the picture I shared when saving Backup.reg). I’m not ready to tackle that complexity yet. My first try didn’t succeed.
I would consider reaching out to the company and requesting a proper uninstall tool.
Thank you for the assistance, although it isn't ideal—it has resolved the issue at this point.
I would still contact the company and request a complete working uninstall. Inform them that the process left a mess on your PC and describe what you are observing. Good luck.
Hi, I've had the same issue before but only found this forum after deleting the folders. (Whoops) I'm not sure how to remove those blank icons. Can you assist?