Option to Disable Automatic Creation of Media Folders
š 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.
š” 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
š¦ 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
š” 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

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Comments1
Mar 23
PinnedHi there!
Thanks so much for submitting this request and for taking the time to explain your use case ā that context is always super helpful.
Iāve gone ahead and fleshed out the main idea using the info you provided, and Iām opening it up to the community for further discussion and feedback. Please let me know if this fleshed-out version doesnāt 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