"Open file location" or “Save image as” opens to Desktop folder instead of target folder.

Basically, trying to ‘save to a target folder’ or ‘open from a target folder’ goes to the Desktop folder instead of the target folder.

Examples:

• Enter a file name in desktop search bar. List of possible files, desired file is in a target folder within another folder. Right click on desired file, then ‘Open file location’. Result is Desktop folder instead of target folder.
• Right click on a folder from the Taskbar File Explorer jump list, it (as normal) gives me a list of Frequent folders I have used. Then, when I right click on one of the frequent folder names, I get the list. The first entry is ‘Open’; the second entry is ‘Open file location’. Left clicking on either of those entries opens the Desktop folder instead of the target folder.
• When I am downloading an image from a browser, I have selected the target location folder, but it defaults to the Desktop folder. This happens in both Chrome and Edge, each of which has a target (not Desktop) download location selected in their Settings section.

It seems like the target folder is momentarily opened (perhaps ½ second), then immediately closes and then the Desktop folder shows.

P.S. This thread is a reworked version of a previous thread with a more descriptive title in hopes of getting a wider audience. Apologize for duplication.

Update...
Additional test: When in File Explorer, say, Recent section, right clicking on the item, then Open file location does correctly take me to the Target folder (not to the Desktop folder). And after searching for an item within File Explorer, right clicking on the item, then Open file location works properly (takes me to the Target file location). So, within File Explorer, Open file location works ok, but outside of File Explorer, Open file location defaults to the Desktop folder instead of target location. Still a mystery...

A possible line of investigation was suggested on another forum.

“Create a new user account: Sometimes, user profile issues can cause these types of problems. Try creating a new user account and see if the issue persists when using the new account. If the problem doesn't occur in the new account, it may indicate that there is an issue with your original user profile. You can migrate your files and settings to the new account and continue using it.”

I have created a separate, new user account and do find that the 'Open file location', etc. commands do find the target folder correctly instead of the Desktop Folder. Evidently there is a problem with my old/existing user profile which causes this problem. Not sure if I am going to migrate to the new user account, as I do not want to create new problems.

I am wondering why or how my existing user account developed this issue. I have not heard from anyone (here or elsewhere) who had this type of problem, so evidently it is something peculiar to my user account.

This (wrong 'open folder location' target) as posted above is still a problem for me. I am wondering if it may resolve when my system is upgraded (eventually) to 23H2. Or if anyone has new advice for me. Thanks.