This was originally reported in: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/xdg-user-dirs/+bug/556933 (which, I'm afraid, someone turned into a mess) xdg-user-dirs tries to rename standard folders (e.g. Desktop to Bureau (French), among other languages and folders). Renaming standard folders is incorrect because : - there may exist references to their files that would become invalid if renamed - if such files exist, xdg-user-dirs quite rightly does not rename the folder but just creates the new name - but then the user's files seem to disappear - and, for the same reason, the user cannot move his files harmlessly - similarly, there may be references to the folder itself, even if empty - and in fact, the Internet is full of references to ~/Desktop (which introducing xdg-user-dirs made invalid) (that's why those folders are called "standard": their names mustn't change) The correct way is obviously: - to create symbolic links such as Bureau -> Desktop (instead of renaming) - to never remove the symbolic link afterwards (in case references have been made to it) Temporary workaround: it almost already works: this is a proof of concept: If, before xdg-user-dirs comes to play, - one creates the symbolic link (Bureau -> Desktop) - one makes sure to keep the folder (Desktop) nonempty (e.g. with hidden file), then xdg-user-dirs will not modify any name and the system will work superbly.
*** Bug 15765 has been marked as a duplicate of this bug. ***
PLEASE carefully read Bug 15765 for a description by Tim Miao of the problem in practical terms.
I've just stumbled upon this: http://henrich-on-debian.blogspot.com/2015/03/localized-directory-name-is-harmful.html And that reminded me of the darn whitespace in russian Desktop localization. Links should be the answer! I think, it is time to revive this bug.
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