Why does Start8 create folders in "Public Documents"?

from Stardock Forums

I just noticed, when installing the latest update to Start8 (1.45) that it creates a Stardock folder and Start8 sub-folder with two further sub-folders ("Round7" and "Shadow") in my Public Documents folder.  As Start8 is the only Stardock product I have installed on this computer -- a recent desktop running Windows 8.1 -- I cannot figure out the necessity for Stardock to access any of my Public folders.

I have never used Public folders in all the years I've used Windows and, in fact, have always had Public Folder access turned off in network settings.

Can anyone tell me why Stardock finds it necessary to create these folders in the "public" area and what they have to do with Start8?

Thanks.

start8
1,838 views 3 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

Those are Start8 skins.  They have to go in public docs so they can be used by multiple user accounts.  So they and any user installed skins would go in that location.

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

Thanks, that's helpful to know (it just took me by surprise when I saw those folders being referenced as the update installation details scrolled by).

Multiplicity - Control multiple PCs using one keyboard and mouse
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

Because Stardock's developers, like many out there, simply don't understand what the %AppData% and %ProgramData% folders are for, or that public folders should not contain system items because they may be "public" and therefore hackable. (;P)

Sorry to niggle, but I maintain "My Documents" are mine, not yours or anyone else's. (;P)

My PC: Now with 99% of the folders in My Documents unwanted (should have been in %AppData%) and set to +H +S to ensure usability and sanity.