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Option to Disable Automatic Creation of Media Folders

šŸ“‹ Summary

Add an option in LaunchBox to disable automatic creation of media folders, allowing users to fully control custom folder structures, especially when using external storage such as NAS setups.


ā— Problem

When using custom media locations outside the default LaunchBox directory:

  • LaunchBox automatically creates missing media folders (e.g., Steam Artwork, region folders)

  • This happens even when users intentionally manage their own folder structure

  • Read-only setups (such as NAS) can cause issues or crashes when LaunchBox attempts to create folders

  • Users who repurpose media folders for other workflows lose control over how folders are structured

LaunchBox currently assumes ownership of the media directory structure, even when it is externally managed.


šŸ’” Proposal

Add a setting such as:

  • Disable Automatic Media Folder Creation

When enabled:

  • LaunchBox will not create missing media folders

  • Only existing folders will be used for reading and writing media

  • Missing folders will be ignored rather than created


šŸ“¦ Benefits

  • Gives users full control over custom media structures

  • Improves compatibility with NAS and read-only setups

  • Prevents unwanted folder clutter and structure changes

  • Reduces risk of crashes when write access is restricted


šŸ’” Notes

  • Default behavior should remain unchanged for standard users

  • Clear messaging may be needed if media cannot be saved due to missing folders

  • Especially useful for advanced users managing media outside the LaunchBox install directory

Status: Open To Community1 comment

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Comments1

  • AstroBob changed status to Open To Community
    Team•

    Mar 23

    Pinned

    Hi there!

    Thanks so much for submitting this request and for taking the time to explain your use case — that context is always super helpful.

    I’ve gone ahead and fleshed out the main idea using the info you provided, and I’m opening it up to the community for further discussion and feedback. Please let me know if this fleshed-out version doesn’t match your original intended request.

    Feel free to let me know if you have any extra thoughts, examples, or edge cases you think might be relevant!

    Cheers,
    The LaunchBox team