SharePoint 2013 Development machine: C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop error message

Issue: While installing Windows server 2012 in dual boot mode in my laptop and upgrading my client i.e. Widows 7 to Windows 8.1 I received the below error message.  

Error message: C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop refers to a location that is unavailable. It could be on a hard drive on this computer, or on a network. Check to make sure that the disk is properly inserted, or that you are connected to the Internet or your network, and then try again. If it still cannot be located, the information might have been moved to a different location.

Background: I had a Windows 7 enterprise installed on machine and wanted to give a try to windows 8.1. It allowed me the smooth transition but gave me error later. I wanted to build a SharePoint Server 2013 Development machine using the HYPER-V client.

Troubleshooting:

Ø  Tried rebooting my machine.

Ø  Have uninstalled Windows Server 2012.

Ø  Tried to stop some third party services in safe mode and restart the machine normally and it did not fixed the issue.

Ø  There are couples of solution suggested over the internet but the one worked me is below.

Resolution:

Open location by typing in Run command ‘C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile’ and verify if it has the Desktop folder there. If the Desktop folder does not exist, then create a new folder and rename it to Desktop or copy it from C:\users\Default\Desktop location.

Products Applied to:

·         Windows 7

·         Windows 8.1

·         Windows Server 2012

·         SharePoint Server 2013