Downloads Folder messed up in 8.1 64-Bit

[GearHead]

Hi guys!
First off,i have tried doing some research as to a fix to my problem and have not been able to find a solution.
The problem is as follows:
I have no idea what exactly i have done to cause this,but my downloads folder in the navigation pane as well as in the "This PC" window links to the Desktop Folder,whenever i try to change Location via Properties,one changes with the other.The Icon is still that of the Downloads folder,the contents are exactly those of the Desktop folder though and every change inside the folder like adding a file is applied to the other "Location" as well. I do intend on having the Downloads folder on a seperate HDD from the System,as my SSD space is limited and i expect a lot of traffic to come through that folder.

Almost forgot to mention this:Both Folders are named Desktop in the Nav Pane under This PC.It does not let me change the name in Properties and i also don't know how to remove/add folders to that specific section.


It is kind of annoying as i use that navigation pane quite a lot! I would like to avoid a full reinstall if possible.
I have tried workarounds like using the Favorites section and the Libraries section in the Nav Pane but those aren't really satisfactory.
I have also tried deleting the Registry Key for the Downloads Folder under "NameSpace" and importing the one from my Laptop running the exact same OS,which wasn't successful either.

I believe i may have accidentially made some kind of Link happen between these two folders during my last fresh installation,i am absolutely clueless as to what exactly that was or how to fix it. Maybe someone here can advise?

Thanks in advance to anyone taking the time and having the willingness to help!

PS: I wanted to include screenshots made with LightShot,but am unsure whether the links are permitted or entailed in the forum rule concerning links.

 

[SCANNERMAN]

I didn't even know it was possible to redirect your downloads folder. Isn't this messing with the Windows architecture a little more than Microsoft allows? I mean, I could be wrong and it could be a handy trick in some situations if done wisely. Methinks it would be easier to simply move the downloads onto another drive after they were downloaded and keep that folder to a minimum. As for files with duplicate names I would save what personal files I deemed valuable onto a separate drive and attempt System Restore. Failing that there's Windows Backup, third party backups, and ye olde factory reset. Sometimes File History helps and I've had to use it a few times. I realize this is an old post but perhaps this information could come in useful. A small SSD will require the user to rely on short cuts to other drives where capacity intensive files such as media, music, videos will need to be accessed apart from the main drive. It's only a matter of time.

 

[TechnoMage]

Duh! In any browser I use, I can go into 'Options' and, I can specify where I want to put any downloads. For simplicity, I've told my browsers and my "Download Manager" to just put everything I download on my Desktop, where I can easily find it, and then put it where I want it. Being in some "Downloads" folder, avails me Nothing, and only adds to confusion.
That's as simple as i can make it, and even my customers like it too.
Cheers mate!
TM

 

[SCANNERMAN]

Gearhead was talking about redirecting his downloads by altering the registry. That can run into complications. Downloads to the downloads folder makes perfect sense to me. Duplications of the downloads folder doesn't sound that practical. I suppose it is a matter of personal preference. I prefer a neat desktop but I don't keep much in my downloads folder as it usually all gets moved to designated folders when I'm done with it or it gets deleted. I don't even like shortcuts on my destop because they look ugly. Then again, I use a taskbar and a real start menu with Windows 8.1 because it's practical. To each their own, I suppose.