Missing Root Group Folder - Unsorted Issues

[laurenfisher404]

We originally had a Root Group Folder. Somehow it got deleted. We've noticed that our Unsorted Folder has gotten large and when new developers come on to our project, a lot of stuff go into the Unsorted Folder. We were told that it could be due to the root group missing. 

Is there a way we can add the root group folder back or create one in the existing workarea? 

@DirkManuel @ShaneLipke 

[DirkManuel]

You're sure Root was deleted? First go to Server Workarea > Check Out Objects and see if it is listed there. if it is, select it, and then Set as Root.

Check Unsorted really carefully in case it is in there (try searching on 'root'). If it is, then right-click on it and select Group Options > Set As Root.

Check the server trash and see if it is in there (probably, even if it was deleted, as people rarely empty the server trash). If it is, restore it (and find out who deleted it and punch them). You'll then likely have to get all your authors to go through the first step above, again.

If it absolutely has been deleted (and then deleted from the server trash as well) then sure, create a new Group directly under the Workarea, call it root, and get all your authors to check it out and set as root. I don't know what designates it as 'root' (so that Producer says "you have checked out the server root...". Shane may know.

But again, I'd be surprised if it has actually been permanently deleted.

Stuff will go into Unsorted if Authors do not select a 'permanent home' for it (i.e. somewhere under Root). If there is no common root they will likely be just working in local Groups, or Groups that are currently in Unsorted (because their ultimate parent Root is missing). You may need to do some 're-education there, once you re-establish Root. 

[laurenfisher404]

Where is the server trash? I just see local. I have looked at all the other options and I created a new one. And agree, we have a new team coming in so education is needed.

[DirkManuel]

In Manager.

[ShaneLipke]

Hi Lauren,

I would do as Dirk mentions and try and restore the folder from the Trash.  If you cannot, you can tag a new folder as the 'root' group folder.  To do that:

1. Create the new folder that is to act as the root group folder - you need the folder in Producer so you can create it there if you like
2. In Producer, right click the folder, that is to be the new root group folder, and select Group Options > Set Root
3. Synchronize the changes back to Manager

If you are still having issues with content going into the Unsorted Folder, just make sure that authors are not retaining the editing control of individual folders.  When they finish editing an option, they should return editing control, including editing control of any folders that they have editing control over.

Regards
Shane

[mani_rathnam]

Hi @DirkManuel 

When I tested, I am unable to delete the Root group from either manager or producer. In Producer, I can locally remove the root group. In Manager, I can delete only the contents below root group with the option "Delete Tree".

I think in laurenfisher404 case, someone might have renamed it...

[laurenfisher404]

@mani_rathnam so I believe someone did rename it. I see our main folder has "root group" in the description. Based on best practices. What should I do? Rename it root and create another folder underneath to house our content? @DirkManuel

[DirkManuel]

@laurenfisher404Yes, that would probably be the best course of action. You can probably check to confirm that this one was originally called "root group" by going to Versions/Tags in Manager, and Show Version 1. Then, like I say, go see who changed it and castigate them severely!

Note that root doesn't need to actually be named "root" but I find it is easier for people to understand what it is if you leave it called that (especially when you initialize Producer and get the message about checking out "server root").