Changing Root Directory in
Dreamweaver MX 2004

Here are some instructions for recreating your local web folder. This will fix the problem and allow you to work on your site again.

1. Open Dreamweaver and click 'Sites' at the top of the screen (near File/Edit/View).

2. Click 'Manage Sites.'

3. Double-click on your web site listing to open the settings.

4. Make sure the 'Advanced' Tab is selected at the top of the box that opens up.

5. You will see a field for 'Local root folder.' Click the folder icon to the right of this and navigate to the My Documents section of your hard drive.

6. Click the folder icon with the sparkle on it to create a new folder. Name it 'web files' or something similar.

7. Click 'Open' and then 'Select' at the bottom of the dialogue box.

8. Click 'OK' and then 'Done.'

9. Allow Dreamweaver to "rebuild the site map" if needed.

You are now using your local hard drive to store your web files, instead of the Z: or G: drive.

It is largely unnecessary to work on network space or to download large portions of the web site; it is preferable to work from the remote files (those on the server) so you use the most recent version of files. That way, you are not overwriting anyone else's work, and no one is overwriting yours. (It is a common problem for areas of the site that have more than one web curator.)