Cannot Create Soundtoys Version Root Folder At Soundtoys 5 Link [2021]

The error "cannot create soundtoys version root folder" typically indicates a permission or directory conflict where the Soundtoys installer or plugin cannot access the required system folders to establish its file structure. This often occurs when default paths are modified or restricted by administrative settings. Core Causes

Administrative Restrictions: The installer lacks the necessary permissions to write to public or shared document folders.

Symbolic Link/Hardlink Conflicts: If you have previously moved your plugin or preset folders using symbolic links (shortcuts) to a different drive, the installer may fail to resolve the path.

Incorrect Temp Folder Path: Setting the system's "Temp" folder to a drive other than the main system drive (C:) can cause the Soundtoys installation to fail during folder creation. Recommended Solutions

1. Reset the Windows Temp FolderIf you are on Windows and have moved your temporary files, reset the path to the default: C:\Users\[Your_Username]\AppData\Local\Temp. Many users report this immediately resolves folder creation errors during installation.

2. Verify and Repair Default PathsEnsure the following root folders exist or are not blocked: The error "cannot create soundtoys version root folder"

Windows: C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Soundtoys\Soundtoys 5. macOS: /Users/Shared/Soundtoys/Soundtoys 5.

If these folders are set as symbolic links to another drive, delete the link and let the installer create a standard folder first. 3. Run with Full Permissions Close your DAW completely before running any installers.

Right-click the Soundtoys installer and select "Run as Administrator".

Ensure the iLok License Manager is updated to the latest version, as licensing issues can sometimes trigger generic file access errors.

4. Perform a Clean ReinstallIf the issue persists, manually delete existing Soundtoys folders and the preference files before reinstalling: Open File Explorer

macOS: Remove the Soundtoys folder from /Library/Application Support/ and the "InstalledAAXPlugIns" file from ~/Library/Preferences/Avid/ProTools if using Pro Tools.

Windows: Delete any "Soundtoys" folders in C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3 or C:\Program Files\VstPlugins.

For further assistance, you can consult the official Soundtoys Troubleshooting Guide or contact their support directly with your specific OS and DAW version. Soundtoys FAQ - Sweetwater

5. Incomplete Previous Uninstallation

If you previously uninstalled SoundToys 5 but remnants remain (e.g., registry keys or the SoundToys 5 Link service), a new installation may conflict with these ghosts, throwing the root folder error.

Method 4: Manually Create the Root Folder

If the installer cannot create the folder, you can create it yourself. go to View &gt

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. In the address bar, type C:\ProgramData and press Enter. (Note: ProgramData may be a hidden folder. If you can’t see it, go to View > Show > Hidden items.)
  3. Inside ProgramData, look for a folder named SoundToys. If it exists, delete it (only if you have no existing projects using old presets; back it up first if unsure).
  4. Create a new folder named SoundToys (exact case-sensitive spelling).
  5. Right-click the new SoundToys folder, select Properties > Security.
  6. Under “Group or user names,” select Users and ensure Full control is allowed. If not, click Edit, select Users, check Allow for Full control, then Apply > OK.
  7. Run the SoundToys installer as administrator again.

What Does This Error Actually Mean?

Unlike most plugins that are just a single .vst3 file, SoundToys 5 uses a shared component architecture. All five (or seven) plugins rely on a central resource folder called the SoundToys Version Root Folder. This folder stores presets, impulse responses, licenses, and common code.

The error appears when the installer is blocked from creating that master folder at your chosen location.

3. A Corrupt Previous Installation

If you had an older version of SoundToys and didn’t fully clean it out, leftover registry entries or plist files can confuse the new installer.

Solution 4: Disable Antivirus Real-Time Protection Temporarily

Some antivirus programs (especially McAfee, Norton, and even Windows Defender’s "Controlled Folder Access") block applications from creating symlinks because malware can use them maliciously.

For Windows Defender:

  1. Go to Windows Security → Virus & threat protection.
  2. Click Manage settings under "Virus & threat protection settings."
  3. Turn off Real-time protection (temporarily).
  4. Turn off Controlled Folder Access (if enabled).
  5. Run the Soundtoys installer as administrator.
  6. Re-enable protection after successful installation.

For third-party AV: Consult your software’s guide to disable real-time scanning for 15 minutes.