diff --git a/backend/amazonclouddrive/amazonclouddrive.go b/backend/amazonclouddrive/amazonclouddrive.go
index 2341c8b9a..ebe5c51d5 100644
--- a/backend/amazonclouddrive/amazonclouddrive.go
+++ b/backend/amazonclouddrive/amazonclouddrive.go
@@ -514,10 +514,6 @@ func (f *Fs) listAll(dirID string, title string, directoriesOnly bool, filesOnly
 // This should return ErrDirNotFound if the directory isn't
 // found.
 func (f *Fs) List(ctx context.Context, dir string) (entries fs.DirEntries, err error) {
-	err = f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, false)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
 	directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
@@ -665,7 +661,7 @@ func (f *Fs) Put(ctx context.Context, in io.Reader, src fs.ObjectInfo, options .
 		return nil, err
 	}
 	// If not create it
-	leaf, directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindRootAndPath(ctx, remote, true)
+	leaf, directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, remote, true)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
@@ -696,13 +692,7 @@ func (f *Fs) Put(ctx context.Context, in io.Reader, src fs.ObjectInfo, options .
 
 // Mkdir creates the container if it doesn't exist
 func (f *Fs) Mkdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
-	err := f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, true)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	if dir != "" {
-		_, err = f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, true)
-	}
+	_, err := f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, true)
 	return err
 }
 
@@ -724,10 +714,6 @@ func (f *Fs) Move(ctx context.Context, src fs.Object, remote string) (fs.Object,
 	}
 
 	// create the destination directory if necessary
-	err := f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, true)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
 	srcLeaf, srcDirectoryID, err := srcObj.fs.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, srcObj.remote, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
@@ -797,54 +783,24 @@ func (f *Fs) DirMove(ctx context.Context, src fs.Fs, srcRemote, dstRemote string
 		return errors.New("can't move root directory")
 	}
 
-	// find the root src directory
-	err = srcFs.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, false)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-
-	// find the root dst directory
-	if dstRemote != "" {
-		err = f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, true)
-		if err != nil {
-			return err
-		}
-	} else {
-		if f.dirCache.FoundRoot() {
-			return fs.ErrorDirExists
-		}
-	}
-
 	// Find ID of dst parent, creating subdirs if necessary
-	findPath := dstRemote
-	if dstRemote == "" {
-		findPath = f.root
-	}
-	dstLeaf, dstDirectoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, findPath, true)
+	dstLeaf, dstDirectoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, dstRemote, true)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 
 	// Check destination does not exist
-	if dstRemote != "" {
-		_, err = f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dstRemote, false)
-		if err == fs.ErrorDirNotFound {
-			// OK
-		} else if err != nil {
-			return err
-		} else {
-			return fs.ErrorDirExists
-		}
+	_, err = f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dstRemote, false)
+	if err == fs.ErrorDirNotFound {
+		// OK
+	} else if err != nil {
+		return err
+	} else {
+		return fs.ErrorDirExists
 	}
 
 	// Find ID of src parent
-	findPath = srcRemote
-	var srcDirectoryID string
-	if srcRemote == "" {
-		srcDirectoryID, err = srcFs.dirCache.RootParentID()
-	} else {
-		_, srcDirectoryID, err = srcFs.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, findPath, false)
-	}
+	_, srcDirectoryID, err := srcFs.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, srcRemote, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
@@ -890,10 +846,6 @@ func (f *Fs) purgeCheck(ctx context.Context, dir string, check bool) error {
 		return errors.New("can't purge root directory")
 	}
 	dc := f.dirCache
-	err := dc.FindRoot(ctx, false)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
 	rootID, err := dc.FindDir(ctx, dir, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
@@ -1037,7 +989,7 @@ func (o *Object) readMetaData(ctx context.Context) (err error) {
 	if o.info != nil {
 		return nil
 	}
-	leaf, directoryID, err := o.fs.dirCache.FindRootAndPath(ctx, o.remote, false)
+	leaf, directoryID, err := o.fs.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, o.remote, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		if err == fs.ErrorDirNotFound {
 			return fs.ErrorObjectNotFound
diff --git a/backend/box/box.go b/backend/box/box.go
index d5388c5c6..bdb75f465 100644
--- a/backend/box/box.go
+++ b/backend/box/box.go
@@ -329,7 +329,7 @@ func shouldRetry(resp *http.Response, err error) (bool, error) {
 // readMetaDataForPath reads the metadata from the path
 func (f *Fs) readMetaDataForPath(ctx context.Context, path string) (info *api.Item, err error) {
 	// defer fs.Trace(f, "path=%q", path)("info=%+v, err=%v", &info, &err)
-	leaf, directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindRootAndPath(ctx, path, false)
+	leaf, directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, path, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		if err == fs.ErrorDirNotFound {
 			return nil, fs.ErrorObjectNotFound
@@ -617,10 +617,6 @@ OUTER:
 // This should return ErrDirNotFound if the directory isn't
 // found.
 func (f *Fs) List(ctx context.Context, dir string) (entries fs.DirEntries, err error) {
-	err = f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, false)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
 	directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
@@ -661,7 +657,7 @@ func (f *Fs) List(ctx context.Context, dir string) (entries fs.DirEntries, err e
 // Used to create new objects
 func (f *Fs) createObject(ctx context.Context, remote string, modTime time.Time, size int64) (o *Object, leaf string, directoryID string, err error) {
 	// Create the directory for the object if it doesn't exist
-	leaf, directoryID, err = f.dirCache.FindRootAndPath(ctx, remote, true)
+	leaf, directoryID, err = f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, remote, true)
 	if err != nil {
 		return
 	}
@@ -717,13 +713,7 @@ func (f *Fs) PutUnchecked(ctx context.Context, in io.Reader, src fs.ObjectInfo,
 
 // Mkdir creates the container if it doesn't exist
 func (f *Fs) Mkdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
-	err := f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, true)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	if dir != "" {
-		_, err = f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, true)
-	}
+	_, err := f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, true)
 	return err
 }
 
@@ -748,10 +738,6 @@ func (f *Fs) purgeCheck(ctx context.Context, dir string, check bool) error {
 		return errors.New("can't purge root directory")
 	}
 	dc := f.dirCache
-	err := dc.FindRoot(ctx, false)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
 	rootID, err := dc.FindDir(ctx, dir, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
@@ -967,45 +953,20 @@ func (f *Fs) DirMove(ctx context.Context, src fs.Fs, srcRemote, dstRemote string
 		return errors.New("can't move root directory")
 	}
 
-	// find the root src directory
-	err := srcFs.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, false)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-
-	// find the root dst directory
-	if dstRemote != "" {
-		err = f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, true)
-		if err != nil {
-			return err
-		}
-	} else {
-		if f.dirCache.FoundRoot() {
-			return fs.ErrorDirExists
-		}
-	}
-
 	// Find ID of dst parent, creating subdirs if necessary
-	var leaf, directoryID string
-	findPath := dstRemote
-	if dstRemote == "" {
-		findPath = f.root
-	}
-	leaf, directoryID, err = f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, findPath, true)
+	leaf, directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, dstRemote, true)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 
 	// Check destination does not exist
-	if dstRemote != "" {
-		_, err = f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dstRemote, false)
-		if err == fs.ErrorDirNotFound {
-			// OK
-		} else if err != nil {
-			return err
-		} else {
-			return fs.ErrorDirExists
-		}
+	_, err = f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dstRemote, false)
+	if err == fs.ErrorDirNotFound {
+		// OK
+	} else if err != nil {
+		return err
+	} else {
+		return fs.ErrorDirExists
 	}
 
 	// Find ID of src
@@ -1330,7 +1291,7 @@ func (o *Object) Update(ctx context.Context, in io.Reader, src fs.ObjectInfo, op
 	remote := o.Remote()
 
 	// Create the directory for the object if it doesn't exist
-	leaf, directoryID, err := o.fs.dirCache.FindRootAndPath(ctx, remote, true)
+	leaf, directoryID, err := o.fs.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, remote, true)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
diff --git a/backend/drive/drive.go b/backend/drive/drive.go
index 252ab5081..5fb4a62cf 100755
--- a/backend/drive/drive.go
+++ b/backend/drive/drive.go
@@ -1589,10 +1589,6 @@ func (f *Fs) findImportFormat(mimeType string) string {
 // This should return ErrDirNotFound if the directory isn't
 // found.
 func (f *Fs) List(ctx context.Context, dir string) (entries fs.DirEntries, err error) {
-	err = f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, false)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
 	directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
@@ -1814,10 +1810,6 @@ func (f *Fs) listRRunner(ctx context.Context, wg *sync.WaitGroup, in chan listRE
 // Don't implement this unless you have a more efficient way
 // of listing recursively that doing a directory traversal.
 func (f *Fs) ListR(ctx context.Context, dir string, callback fs.ListRCallback) (err error) {
-	err = f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, false)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
 	directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
@@ -2026,7 +2018,7 @@ func (f *Fs) itemToDirEntry(remote string, item *drive.File) (entry fs.DirEntry,
 //
 // Used to create new objects
 func (f *Fs) createFileInfo(ctx context.Context, remote string, modTime time.Time) (*drive.File, error) {
-	leaf, directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindRootAndPath(ctx, remote, true)
+	leaf, directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, remote, true)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
@@ -2189,13 +2181,7 @@ func (f *Fs) MergeDirs(ctx context.Context, dirs []fs.Directory) error {
 
 // Mkdir creates the container if it doesn't exist
 func (f *Fs) Mkdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
-	err := f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, true)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	if dir != "" {
-		_, err = f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, true)
-	}
+	_, err := f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, true)
 	return err
 }
 
@@ -2368,11 +2354,11 @@ func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context) error {
 	if f.opt.TrashedOnly {
 		return errors.New("Can't purge with --drive-trashed-only. Use delete if you want to selectively delete files")
 	}
-	err := f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, false)
+	rootID, err := f.dirCache.RootID(ctx, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
-	err = f.delete(ctx, shortcutID(f.dirCache.RootID()), f.opt.UseTrash)
+	err = f.delete(ctx, shortcutID(rootID), f.opt.UseTrash)
 	f.dirCache.ResetRoot()
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
@@ -2565,55 +2551,25 @@ func (f *Fs) DirMove(ctx context.Context, src fs.Fs, srcRemote, dstRemote string
 		return errors.New("can't move root directory")
 	}
 
-	// find the root src directory
-	err := srcFs.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, false)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-
-	// find the root dst directory
-	if dstRemote != "" {
-		err = f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, true)
-		if err != nil {
-			return err
-		}
-	} else {
-		if f.dirCache.FoundRoot() {
-			return fs.ErrorDirExists
-		}
-	}
-
 	// Find ID of dst parent, creating subdirs if necessary
-	var leaf, dstDirectoryID string
-	findPath := dstRemote
-	if dstRemote == "" {
-		findPath = f.root
-	}
-	leaf, dstDirectoryID, err = f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, findPath, true)
+	leaf, dstDirectoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, dstRemote, true)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 	dstDirectoryID = actualID(dstDirectoryID)
 
 	// Check destination does not exist
-	if dstRemote != "" {
-		_, err = f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dstRemote, false)
-		if err == fs.ErrorDirNotFound {
-			// OK
-		} else if err != nil {
-			return err
-		} else {
-			return fs.ErrorDirExists
-		}
+	_, err = f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dstRemote, false)
+	if err == fs.ErrorDirNotFound {
+		// OK
+	} else if err != nil {
+		return err
+	} else {
+		return fs.ErrorDirExists
 	}
 
 	// Find ID of src parent
-	var srcDirectoryID string
-	if srcRemote == "" {
-		srcDirectoryID, err = srcFs.dirCache.RootParentID()
-	} else {
-		_, srcDirectoryID, err = srcFs.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, srcRemote, false)
-	}
+	_, srcDirectoryID, err := srcFs.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, srcRemote, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
@@ -2878,11 +2834,10 @@ func (f *Fs) makeShortcut(ctx context.Context, srcPath string, dstFs *Fs, dstPat
 	isDir := false
 	if srcPath == "" {
 		// source is root directory
-		err = f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, false)
+		srcID, err = f.dirCache.RootID(ctx, false)
 		if err != nil {
 			return nil, err
 		}
-		srcID = f.dirCache.RootID()
 		isDir = true
 	} else if srcObj, err := srcFs.NewObject(ctx, srcPath); err != nil {
 		if err != fs.ErrorNotAFile {
@@ -3111,7 +3066,7 @@ func (f *Fs) getRemoteInfo(ctx context.Context, remote string) (info *drive.File
 // getRemoteInfoWithExport returns a drive.File and the export settings for the remote
 func (f *Fs) getRemoteInfoWithExport(ctx context.Context, remote string) (
 	info *drive.File, extension, exportName, exportMimeType string, isDocument bool, err error) {
-	leaf, directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindRootAndPath(ctx, remote, false)
+	leaf, directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, remote, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		if err == fs.ErrorDirNotFound {
 			return nil, "", "", "", false, fs.ErrorObjectNotFound
diff --git a/backend/fichier/api.go b/backend/fichier/api.go
index d58f58626..c67d05259 100644
--- a/backend/fichier/api.go
+++ b/backend/fichier/api.go
@@ -148,11 +148,6 @@ func (f *Fs) listFolders(ctx context.Context, directoryID int) (foldersList *Fol
 }
 
 func (f *Fs) listDir(ctx context.Context, dir string) (entries fs.DirEntries, err error) {
-	err = f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, false)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
-
 	directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
diff --git a/backend/fichier/fichier.go b/backend/fichier/fichier.go
index 26dba8340..b8689a8d5 100644
--- a/backend/fichier/fichier.go
+++ b/backend/fichier/fichier.go
@@ -264,7 +264,7 @@ func (f *Fs) List(ctx context.Context, dir string) (entries fs.DirEntries, err e
 // NewObject finds the Object at remote.  If it can't be found
 // it returns the error ErrorObjectNotFound.
 func (f *Fs) NewObject(ctx context.Context, remote string) (fs.Object, error) {
-	leaf, directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindRootAndPath(ctx, remote, false)
+	leaf, directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, remote, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		if err == fs.ErrorDirNotFound {
 			return nil, fs.ErrorObjectNotFound
@@ -334,7 +334,7 @@ func (f *Fs) putUnchecked(ctx context.Context, in io.Reader, remote string, size
 		return nil, err
 	}
 
-	leaf, directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindRootAndPath(ctx, remote, true)
+	leaf, directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, remote, true)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
@@ -389,13 +389,7 @@ func (f *Fs) PutUnchecked(ctx context.Context, in io.Reader, src fs.ObjectInfo,
 //
 // Shouldn't return an error if it already exists
 func (f *Fs) Mkdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
-	err := f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, true)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	if dir != "" {
-		_, err = f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, true)
-	}
+	_, err := f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, true)
 	return err
 }
 
@@ -403,11 +397,6 @@ func (f *Fs) Mkdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
 //
 // Return an error if it doesn't exist or isn't empty
 func (f *Fs) Rmdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
-	err := f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, false)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-
 	directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
diff --git a/backend/onedrive/onedrive.go b/backend/onedrive/onedrive.go
index 202433742..d3a030761 100755
--- a/backend/onedrive/onedrive.go
+++ b/backend/onedrive/onedrive.go
@@ -498,13 +498,13 @@ func (f *Fs) readMetaDataForPath(ctx context.Context, path string) (info *api.It
 	var dirCacheFoundRoot bool
 	var rootNormalizedID string
 	if f.dirCache != nil {
-		var dirCacheRootIDExists bool
-		rootNormalizedID, dirCacheRootIDExists = f.dirCache.Get("")
+		rootNormalizedID, err = f.dirCache.RootID(ctx, false)
+		dirCacheRootIDExists := err == nil
 		if f.root == "" {
 			// if f.root == "", it means f.root is the absolute root of the drive
 			// and its ID should have been found in NewFs
 			dirCacheFoundRoot = dirCacheRootIDExists
-		} else if _, err := f.dirCache.RootParentID(); err == nil {
+		} else if _, err := f.dirCache.RootParentID(ctx, false); err == nil {
 			// if root is in a folder, it must have a parent folder, and
 			// if dirCache has found root in NewFs, the parent folder's ID
 			// should be present.
@@ -813,10 +813,6 @@ OUTER:
 // This should return ErrDirNotFound if the directory isn't
 // found.
 func (f *Fs) List(ctx context.Context, dir string) (entries fs.DirEntries, err error) {
-	err = f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, false)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
 	directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
@@ -864,7 +860,7 @@ func (f *Fs) List(ctx context.Context, dir string) (entries fs.DirEntries, err e
 // Used to create new objects
 func (f *Fs) createObject(ctx context.Context, remote string, modTime time.Time, size int64) (o *Object, leaf string, directoryID string, err error) {
 	// Create the directory for the object if it doesn't exist
-	leaf, directoryID, err = f.dirCache.FindRootAndPath(ctx, remote, true)
+	leaf, directoryID, err = f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, remote, true)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, leaf, directoryID, err
 	}
@@ -895,13 +891,7 @@ func (f *Fs) Put(ctx context.Context, in io.Reader, src fs.ObjectInfo, options .
 
 // Mkdir creates the container if it doesn't exist
 func (f *Fs) Mkdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
-	err := f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, true)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	if dir != "" {
-		_, err = f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, true)
-	}
+	_, err := f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, true)
 	return err
 }
 
@@ -924,10 +914,6 @@ func (f *Fs) purgeCheck(ctx context.Context, dir string, check bool) error {
 		return errors.New("can't purge root directory")
 	}
 	dc := f.dirCache
-	err := dc.FindRoot(ctx, false)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
 	rootID, err := dc.FindDir(ctx, dir, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
@@ -1182,31 +1168,8 @@ func (f *Fs) DirMove(ctx context.Context, src fs.Fs, srcRemote, dstRemote string
 		return errors.New("can't move root directory")
 	}
 
-	// find the root src directory
-	err := srcFs.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, false)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-
-	// find the root dst directory
-	if dstRemote != "" {
-		err = f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, true)
-		if err != nil {
-			return err
-		}
-	} else {
-		if f.dirCache.FoundRoot() {
-			return fs.ErrorDirExists
-		}
-	}
-
 	// Find ID of dst parent, creating subdirs if necessary
-	var leaf, dstDirectoryID string
-	findPath := dstRemote
-	if dstRemote == "" {
-		findPath = f.root
-	}
-	leaf, dstDirectoryID, err = f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, findPath, true)
+	leaf, dstDirectoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, dstRemote, true)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
@@ -1226,15 +1189,13 @@ func (f *Fs) DirMove(ctx context.Context, src fs.Fs, srcRemote, dstRemote string
 	}
 
 	// Check destination does not exist
-	if dstRemote != "" {
-		_, err = f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dstRemote, false)
-		if err == fs.ErrorDirNotFound {
-			// OK
-		} else if err != nil {
-			return err
-		} else {
-			return fs.ErrorDirExists
-		}
+	_, err = f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dstRemote, false)
+	if err == fs.ErrorDirNotFound {
+		// OK
+	} else if err != nil {
+		return err
+	} else {
+		return fs.ErrorDirExists
 	}
 
 	// Get timestamps of src so they can be preserved
diff --git a/backend/opendrive/opendrive.go b/backend/opendrive/opendrive.go
index 6e89bcca6..c06b96314 100644
--- a/backend/opendrive/opendrive.go
+++ b/backend/opendrive/opendrive.go
@@ -280,13 +280,7 @@ func errorHandler(resp *http.Response) error {
 // Mkdir creates the folder if it doesn't exist
 func (f *Fs) Mkdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
 	// fs.Debugf(nil, "Mkdir(\"%s\")", dir)
-	err := f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, true)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	if dir != "" {
-		_, err = f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, true)
-	}
+	_, err := f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, true)
 	return err
 }
 
@@ -312,10 +306,6 @@ func (f *Fs) purgeCheck(ctx context.Context, dir string, check bool) error {
 		return errors.New("can't purge root directory")
 	}
 	dc := f.dirCache
-	err := dc.FindRoot(ctx, false)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
 	rootID, err := dc.FindDir(ctx, dir, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
@@ -492,45 +482,20 @@ func (f *Fs) DirMove(ctx context.Context, src fs.Fs, srcRemote, dstRemote string
 		return errors.New("can't move root directory")
 	}
 
-	// find the root src directory
-	err = srcFs.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, false)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-
-	// find the root dst directory
-	if dstRemote != "" {
-		err = f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, true)
-		if err != nil {
-			return err
-		}
-	} else {
-		if f.dirCache.FoundRoot() {
-			return fs.ErrorDirExists
-		}
-	}
-
 	// Find ID of dst parent, creating subdirs if necessary
-	var leaf, directoryID string
-	findPath := dstRemote
-	if dstRemote == "" {
-		findPath = f.root
-	}
-	leaf, directoryID, err = f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, findPath, true)
+	leaf, directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, dstRemote, true)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 
 	// Check destination does not exist
-	if dstRemote != "" {
-		_, err = f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dstRemote, false)
-		if err == fs.ErrorDirNotFound {
-			// OK
-		} else if err != nil {
-			return err
-		} else {
-			return fs.ErrorDirExists
-		}
+	_, err = f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dstRemote, false)
+	if err == fs.ErrorDirNotFound {
+		// OK
+	} else if err != nil {
+		return err
+	} else {
+		return fs.ErrorDirExists
 	}
 
 	// Find ID of src
@@ -620,7 +585,7 @@ func (f *Fs) NewObject(ctx context.Context, remote string) (fs.Object, error) {
 // Used to create new objects
 func (f *Fs) createObject(ctx context.Context, remote string, modTime time.Time, size int64) (o *Object, leaf string, directoryID string, err error) {
 	// Create the directory for the object if it doesn't exist
-	leaf, directoryID, err = f.dirCache.FindRootAndPath(ctx, remote, true)
+	leaf, directoryID, err = f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, remote, true)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, leaf, directoryID, err
 	}
@@ -803,10 +768,6 @@ func (f *Fs) FindLeaf(ctx context.Context, pathID, leaf string) (pathIDOut strin
 // found.
 func (f *Fs) List(ctx context.Context, dir string) (entries fs.DirEntries, err error) {
 	// fs.Debugf(nil, "List(%v)", dir)
-	err = f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, false)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
 	directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
@@ -1079,7 +1040,7 @@ func (o *Object) Update(ctx context.Context, in io.Reader, src fs.ObjectInfo, op
 }
 
 func (o *Object) readMetaData(ctx context.Context) (err error) {
-	leaf, directoryID, err := o.fs.dirCache.FindRootAndPath(ctx, o.remote, false)
+	leaf, directoryID, err := o.fs.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, o.remote, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		if err == fs.ErrorDirNotFound {
 			return fs.ErrorObjectNotFound
diff --git a/backend/pcloud/pcloud.go b/backend/pcloud/pcloud.go
index 46bbf6d61..83524e35a 100644
--- a/backend/pcloud/pcloud.go
+++ b/backend/pcloud/pcloud.go
@@ -198,7 +198,7 @@ func shouldRetry(resp *http.Response, err error) (bool, error) {
 // readMetaDataForPath reads the metadata from the path
 func (f *Fs) readMetaDataForPath(ctx context.Context, path string) (info *api.Item, err error) {
 	// defer fs.Trace(f, "path=%q", path)("info=%+v, err=%v", &info, &err)
-	leaf, directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindRootAndPath(ctx, path, false)
+	leaf, directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, path, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		if err == fs.ErrorDirNotFound {
 			return nil, fs.ErrorObjectNotFound
@@ -455,10 +455,6 @@ func (f *Fs) listAll(ctx context.Context, dirID string, directoriesOnly bool, fi
 // This should return ErrDirNotFound if the directory isn't
 // found.
 func (f *Fs) List(ctx context.Context, dir string) (entries fs.DirEntries, err error) {
-	err = f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, false)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
 	directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
@@ -499,7 +495,7 @@ func (f *Fs) List(ctx context.Context, dir string) (entries fs.DirEntries, err e
 // Used to create new objects
 func (f *Fs) createObject(ctx context.Context, remote string, modTime time.Time, size int64) (o *Object, leaf string, directoryID string, err error) {
 	// Create the directory for the object if it doesn't exist
-	leaf, directoryID, err = f.dirCache.FindRootAndPath(ctx, remote, true)
+	leaf, directoryID, err = f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, remote, true)
 	if err != nil {
 		return
 	}
@@ -530,13 +526,7 @@ func (f *Fs) Put(ctx context.Context, in io.Reader, src fs.ObjectInfo, options .
 
 // Mkdir creates the container if it doesn't exist
 func (f *Fs) Mkdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
-	err := f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, true)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	if dir != "" {
-		_, err = f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, true)
-	}
+	_, err := f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, true)
 	return err
 }
 
@@ -548,10 +538,6 @@ func (f *Fs) purgeCheck(ctx context.Context, dir string, check bool) error {
 		return errors.New("can't purge root directory")
 	}
 	dc := f.dirCache
-	err := dc.FindRoot(ctx, false)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
 	rootID, err := dc.FindDir(ctx, dir, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
@@ -659,7 +645,7 @@ func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context) error {
 
 // CleanUp empties the trash
 func (f *Fs) CleanUp(ctx context.Context) error {
-	err := f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, false)
+	rootID, err := f.dirCache.RootID(ctx, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
@@ -668,7 +654,7 @@ func (f *Fs) CleanUp(ctx context.Context) error {
 		Path:       "/trash_clear",
 		Parameters: url.Values{},
 	}
-	opts.Parameters.Set("folderid", dirIDtoNumber(f.dirCache.RootID()))
+	opts.Parameters.Set("folderid", dirIDtoNumber(rootID))
 	var resp *http.Response
 	var result api.Error
 	return f.pacer.Call(func() (bool, error) {
@@ -750,45 +736,20 @@ func (f *Fs) DirMove(ctx context.Context, src fs.Fs, srcRemote, dstRemote string
 		return errors.New("can't move root directory")
 	}
 
-	// find the root src directory
-	err := srcFs.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, false)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-
-	// find the root dst directory
-	if dstRemote != "" {
-		err = f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, true)
-		if err != nil {
-			return err
-		}
-	} else {
-		if f.dirCache.FoundRoot() {
-			return fs.ErrorDirExists
-		}
-	}
-
 	// Find ID of dst parent, creating subdirs if necessary
-	var leaf, directoryID string
-	findPath := dstRemote
-	if dstRemote == "" {
-		findPath = f.root
-	}
-	leaf, directoryID, err = f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, findPath, true)
+	leaf, directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, dstRemote, true)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 
 	// Check destination does not exist
-	if dstRemote != "" {
-		_, err = f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dstRemote, false)
-		if err == fs.ErrorDirNotFound {
-			// OK
-		} else if err != nil {
-			return err
-		} else {
-			return fs.ErrorDirExists
-		}
+	_, err = f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dstRemote, false)
+	if err == fs.ErrorDirNotFound {
+		// OK
+	} else if err != nil {
+		return err
+	} else {
+		return fs.ErrorDirExists
 	}
 
 	// Find ID of src
@@ -1111,7 +1072,7 @@ func (o *Object) Update(ctx context.Context, in io.Reader, src fs.ObjectInfo, op
 	remote := o.Remote()
 
 	// Create the directory for the object if it doesn't exist
-	leaf, directoryID, err := o.fs.dirCache.FindRootAndPath(ctx, remote, true)
+	leaf, directoryID, err := o.fs.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, remote, true)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
diff --git a/backend/premiumizeme/premiumizeme.go b/backend/premiumizeme/premiumizeme.go
index b80f5a749..bc31a121a 100644
--- a/backend/premiumizeme/premiumizeme.go
+++ b/backend/premiumizeme/premiumizeme.go
@@ -183,7 +183,7 @@ func shouldRetry(resp *http.Response, err error) (bool, error) {
 // readMetaDataForPath reads the metadata from the path
 func (f *Fs) readMetaDataForPath(ctx context.Context, path string, directoriesOnly bool, filesOnly bool) (info *api.Item, err error) {
 	// defer fs.Trace(f, "path=%q", path)("info=%+v, err=%v", &info, &err)
-	leaf, directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindRootAndPath(ctx, path, false)
+	leaf, directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, path, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		if err == fs.ErrorDirNotFound {
 			return nil, fs.ErrorObjectNotFound
@@ -450,10 +450,6 @@ func (f *Fs) listAll(ctx context.Context, dirID string, directoriesOnly bool, fi
 // This should return ErrDirNotFound if the directory isn't
 // found.
 func (f *Fs) List(ctx context.Context, dir string) (entries fs.DirEntries, err error) {
-	err = f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, false)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
 	directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
@@ -493,7 +489,7 @@ func (f *Fs) List(ctx context.Context, dir string) (entries fs.DirEntries, err e
 // Used to create new objects
 func (f *Fs) createObject(ctx context.Context, remote string, modTime time.Time, size int64) (o *Object, leaf string, directoryID string, err error) {
 	// Create the directory for the object if it doesn't exist
-	leaf, directoryID, err = f.dirCache.FindRootAndPath(ctx, remote, true)
+	leaf, directoryID, err = f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, remote, true)
 	if err != nil {
 		return
 	}
@@ -544,13 +540,7 @@ func (f *Fs) PutUnchecked(ctx context.Context, in io.Reader, src fs.ObjectInfo,
 
 // Mkdir creates the container if it doesn't exist
 func (f *Fs) Mkdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
-	err := f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, true)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	if dir != "" {
-		_, err = f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, true)
-	}
+	_, err := f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, true)
 	return err
 }
 
@@ -562,10 +552,6 @@ func (f *Fs) purgeCheck(ctx context.Context, dir string, check bool) error {
 		return errors.New("can't purge root directory")
 	}
 	dc := f.dirCache
-	err := dc.FindRoot(ctx, false)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
 	rootID, err := dc.FindDir(ctx, dir, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
@@ -754,45 +740,20 @@ func (f *Fs) DirMove(ctx context.Context, src fs.Fs, srcRemote, dstRemote string
 		return errors.New("can't move root directory")
 	}
 
-	// find the root src directory
-	err := srcFs.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, false)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-
-	// find the root dst directory
-	if dstRemote != "" {
-		err = f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, true)
-		if err != nil {
-			return err
-		}
-	} else {
-		if f.dirCache.FoundRoot() {
-			return fs.ErrorDirExists
-		}
-	}
-
 	// Find ID of dst parent, creating subdirs if necessary
-	var leaf, directoryID string
-	findPath := dstRemote
-	if dstRemote == "" {
-		findPath = f.root
-	}
-	leaf, directoryID, err = f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, findPath, true)
+	leaf, directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, dstRemote, true)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 
 	// Check destination does not exist
-	if dstRemote != "" {
-		_, err = f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dstRemote, false)
-		if err == fs.ErrorDirNotFound {
-			// OK
-		} else if err != nil {
-			return err
-		} else {
-			return fs.ErrorDirExists
-		}
+	_, err = f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dstRemote, false)
+	if err == fs.ErrorDirNotFound {
+		// OK
+	} else if err != nil {
+		return err
+	} else {
+		return fs.ErrorDirExists
 	}
 
 	// Find ID of src
@@ -802,12 +763,7 @@ func (f *Fs) DirMove(ctx context.Context, src fs.Fs, srcRemote, dstRemote string
 	}
 
 	// Find ID of src parent, not creating subdirs
-	var srcLeaf, srcDirectoryID string
-	findPath = srcRemote
-	if srcRemote == "" {
-		findPath = srcFs.root
-	}
-	srcLeaf, srcDirectoryID, err = srcFs.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, findPath, false)
+	srcLeaf, srcDirectoryID, err := srcFs.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, srcRemote, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
@@ -990,7 +946,7 @@ func (o *Object) Update(ctx context.Context, in io.Reader, src fs.ObjectInfo, op
 	size := src.Size()
 
 	// Create the directory for the object if it doesn't exist
-	leaf, directoryID, err := o.fs.dirCache.FindRootAndPath(ctx, remote, true)
+	leaf, directoryID, err := o.fs.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, remote, true)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
diff --git a/backend/putio/fs.go b/backend/putio/fs.go
index d35414a2a..aa779c10a 100644
--- a/backend/putio/fs.go
+++ b/backend/putio/fs.go
@@ -197,10 +197,6 @@ func (f *Fs) FindLeaf(ctx context.Context, pathID, leaf string) (pathIDOut strin
 // found.
 func (f *Fs) List(ctx context.Context, dir string) (entries fs.DirEntries, err error) {
 	// defer log.Trace(f, "dir=%v", dir)("err=%v", &err)
-	err = f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, false)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
 	directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
@@ -260,7 +256,7 @@ func (f *Fs) PutUnchecked(ctx context.Context, in io.Reader, src fs.ObjectInfo,
 	// defer log.Trace(f, "src=%+v", src)("o=%+v, err=%v", &o, &err)
 	size := src.Size()
 	remote := src.Remote()
-	leaf, directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindRootAndPath(ctx, remote, true)
+	leaf, directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, remote, true)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
@@ -458,13 +454,7 @@ func (f *Fs) makeUploadPatchRequest(ctx context.Context, location string, in io.
 // Mkdir creates the container if it doesn't exist
 func (f *Fs) Mkdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) (err error) {
 	// defer log.Trace(f, "dir=%v", dir)("err=%v", &err)
-	err = f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, true)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	if dir != "" {
-		_, err = f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, true)
-	}
+	_, err = f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, true)
 	return err
 }
 
@@ -528,12 +518,11 @@ func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context) (err error) {
 	if f.root == "" {
 		return errors.New("can't purge root directory")
 	}
-	err = f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, false)
+	rootIDs, err := f.dirCache.RootID(ctx, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
-
-	rootID := atoi(f.dirCache.RootID())
+	rootID := atoi(rootIDs)
 	// Let putio delete the filesystem tree
 	err = f.pacer.Call(func() (bool, error) {
 		// fs.Debugf(f, "deleting file: %d", rootID)
@@ -559,7 +548,7 @@ func (f *Fs) Copy(ctx context.Context, src fs.Object, remote string) (o fs.Objec
 	if !ok {
 		return nil, fs.ErrorCantCopy
 	}
-	leaf, directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindRootAndPath(ctx, remote, true)
+	leaf, directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, remote, true)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
@@ -598,7 +587,7 @@ func (f *Fs) Move(ctx context.Context, src fs.Object, remote string) (o fs.Objec
 	if !ok {
 		return nil, fs.ErrorCantMove
 	}
-	leaf, directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindRootAndPath(ctx, remote, true)
+	leaf, directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, remote, true)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
@@ -644,45 +633,20 @@ func (f *Fs) DirMove(ctx context.Context, src fs.Fs, srcRemote, dstRemote string
 		return errors.New("can't move root directory")
 	}
 
-	// find the root src directory
-	err = srcFs.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, false)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-
-	// find the root dst directory
-	if dstRemote != "" {
-		err = f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, true)
-		if err != nil {
-			return err
-		}
-	} else {
-		if f.dirCache.FoundRoot() {
-			return fs.ErrorDirExists
-		}
-	}
-
 	// Find ID of dst parent, creating subdirs if necessary
-	var leaf, dstDirectoryID string
-	findPath := dstRemote
-	if dstRemote == "" {
-		findPath = f.root
-	}
-	leaf, dstDirectoryID, err = f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, findPath, true)
+	leaf, dstDirectoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, dstRemote, true)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 
 	// Check destination does not exist
-	if dstRemote != "" {
-		_, err = f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dstRemote, false)
-		if err == fs.ErrorDirNotFound {
-			// OK
-		} else if err != nil {
-			return err
-		} else {
-			return fs.ErrorDirExists
-		}
+	_, err = f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dstRemote, false)
+	if err == fs.ErrorDirNotFound {
+		// OK
+	} else if err != nil {
+		return err
+	} else {
+		return fs.ErrorDirExists
 	}
 
 	// Find ID of src
diff --git a/backend/putio/object.go b/backend/putio/object.go
index 09ddcf844..2507f6488 100644
--- a/backend/putio/object.go
+++ b/backend/putio/object.go
@@ -125,7 +125,7 @@ func (o *Object) setMetadataFromEntry(info putio.File) error {
 // Reads the entry for a file from putio
 func (o *Object) readEntry(ctx context.Context) (f *putio.File, err error) {
 	// defer log.Trace(o, "")("f=%+v, err=%v", f, &err)
-	leaf, directoryID, err := o.fs.dirCache.FindRootAndPath(ctx, o.remote, false)
+	leaf, directoryID, err := o.fs.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, o.remote, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		if err == fs.ErrorDirNotFound {
 			return nil, fs.ErrorObjectNotFound
diff --git a/backend/sharefile/sharefile.go b/backend/sharefile/sharefile.go
index d72112334..202211ac3 100644
--- a/backend/sharefile/sharefile.go
+++ b/backend/sharefile/sharefile.go
@@ -350,7 +350,7 @@ func (f *Fs) readMetaDataForID(ctx context.Context, id string, directoriesOnly b
 
 // readMetaDataForPath reads the metadata from the path
 func (f *Fs) readMetaDataForPath(ctx context.Context, path string, directoriesOnly bool, filesOnly bool) (info *api.Item, err error) {
-	leaf, directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindRootAndPath(ctx, path, false)
+	leaf, directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, path, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		if err == fs.ErrorDirNotFound {
 			return nil, fs.ErrorObjectNotFound
@@ -700,10 +700,6 @@ func (f *Fs) listAll(ctx context.Context, dirID string, directoriesOnly bool, fi
 // This should return ErrDirNotFound if the directory isn't
 // found.
 func (f *Fs) List(ctx context.Context, dir string) (entries fs.DirEntries, err error) {
-	err = f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, false)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
 	directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
@@ -743,7 +739,7 @@ func (f *Fs) List(ctx context.Context, dir string) (entries fs.DirEntries, err e
 // Used to create new objects
 func (f *Fs) createObject(ctx context.Context, remote string, modTime time.Time, size int64) (o *Object, leaf string, directoryID string, err error) {
 	// Create the directory for the object if it doesn't exist
-	leaf, directoryID, err = f.dirCache.FindRootAndPath(ctx, remote, true)
+	leaf, directoryID, err = f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, remote, true)
 	if err != nil {
 		return
 	}
@@ -799,13 +795,7 @@ func (f *Fs) PutUnchecked(ctx context.Context, in io.Reader, src fs.ObjectInfo,
 
 // Mkdir creates the container if it doesn't exist
 func (f *Fs) Mkdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
-	err := f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, true)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	if dir != "" {
-		_, err = f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, true)
-	}
+	_, err := f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, true)
 	return err
 }
 
@@ -817,10 +807,6 @@ func (f *Fs) purgeCheck(ctx context.Context, dir string, check bool) error {
 		return errors.New("can't purge root directory")
 	}
 	dc := f.dirCache
-	err := dc.FindRoot(ctx, false)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
 	rootID, err := dc.FindDir(ctx, dir, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
@@ -1042,45 +1028,20 @@ func (f *Fs) DirMove(ctx context.Context, src fs.Fs, srcRemote, dstRemote string
 		return errors.New("can't move root directory")
 	}
 
-	// find the root src directory
-	err := srcFs.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, false)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-
-	// find the root dst directory
-	if dstRemote != "" {
-		err = f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, true)
-		if err != nil {
-			return err
-		}
-	} else {
-		if f.dirCache.FoundRoot() {
-			return fs.ErrorDirExists
-		}
-	}
-
 	// Find ID of dst parent, creating subdirs if necessary
-	var leaf, directoryID string
-	findPath := dstRemote
-	if dstRemote == "" {
-		findPath = f.root
-	}
-	leaf, directoryID, err = f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, findPath, true)
+	leaf, directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, dstRemote, true)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 
 	// Check destination does not exist
-	if dstRemote != "" {
-		_, err = f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dstRemote, false)
-		if err == fs.ErrorDirNotFound {
-			// OK
-		} else if err != nil {
-			return err
-		} else {
-			return fs.ErrorDirExists
-		}
+	_, err = f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dstRemote, false)
+	if err == fs.ErrorDirNotFound {
+		// OK
+	} else if err != nil {
+		return err
+	} else {
+		return fs.ErrorDirExists
 	}
 
 	// Find ID of src
@@ -1090,12 +1051,7 @@ func (f *Fs) DirMove(ctx context.Context, src fs.Fs, srcRemote, dstRemote string
 	}
 
 	// Find ID of src parent, not creating subdirs
-	var srcLeaf, srcDirectoryID string
-	findPath = srcRemote
-	if srcRemote == "" {
-		findPath = srcFs.root
-	}
-	srcLeaf, srcDirectoryID, err = srcFs.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, findPath, false)
+	srcLeaf, srcDirectoryID, err := srcFs.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, srcRemote, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
@@ -1402,7 +1358,7 @@ func (o *Object) Update(ctx context.Context, in io.Reader, src fs.ObjectInfo, op
 	isLargeFile := size < 0 || size > int64(o.fs.opt.UploadCutoff)
 
 	// Create the directory for the object if it doesn't exist
-	leaf, directoryID, err := o.fs.dirCache.FindRootAndPath(ctx, remote, true)
+	leaf, directoryID, err := o.fs.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, remote, true)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
diff --git a/backend/sugarsync/sugarsync.go b/backend/sugarsync/sugarsync.go
index 8c22d680f..e41a9a23c 100644
--- a/backend/sugarsync/sugarsync.go
+++ b/backend/sugarsync/sugarsync.go
@@ -255,7 +255,7 @@ func shouldRetry(resp *http.Response, err error) (bool, error) {
 // readMetaDataForPath reads the metadata from the path
 func (f *Fs) readMetaDataForPath(ctx context.Context, path string) (info *api.File, err error) {
 	// defer fs.Trace(f, "path=%q", path)("info=%+v, err=%v", &info, &err)
-	leaf, directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindRootAndPath(ctx, path, false)
+	leaf, directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, path, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		if err == fs.ErrorDirNotFound {
 			return nil, fs.ErrorObjectNotFound
@@ -663,10 +663,6 @@ OUTER:
 // This should return ErrDirNotFound if the directory isn't
 // found.
 func (f *Fs) List(ctx context.Context, dir string) (entries fs.DirEntries, err error) {
-	err = f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, false)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
 	directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
@@ -709,7 +705,7 @@ func (f *Fs) List(ctx context.Context, dir string) (entries fs.DirEntries, err e
 // Used to create new objects
 func (f *Fs) createObject(ctx context.Context, remote string, modTime time.Time, size int64) (o *Object, leaf string, directoryID string, err error) {
 	// Create the directory for the object if it doesn't exist
-	leaf, directoryID, err = f.dirCache.FindRootAndPath(ctx, remote, true)
+	leaf, directoryID, err = f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, remote, true)
 	if err != nil {
 		return
 	}
@@ -765,13 +761,7 @@ func (f *Fs) PutUnchecked(ctx context.Context, in io.Reader, src fs.ObjectInfo,
 
 // Mkdir creates the container if it doesn't exist
 func (f *Fs) Mkdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
-	err := f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, true)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	if dir != "" {
-		_, err = f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, true)
-	}
+	_, err := f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dir, true)
 	return err
 }
 
@@ -807,10 +797,6 @@ func (f *Fs) purgeCheck(ctx context.Context, dir string, check bool) error {
 		return errors.New("can't purge root directory")
 	}
 	dc := f.dirCache
-	err := dc.FindRoot(ctx, false)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
 	directoryID, err := dc.FindDir(ctx, dir, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
@@ -1042,45 +1028,20 @@ func (f *Fs) DirMove(ctx context.Context, src fs.Fs, srcRemote, dstRemote string
 		return errors.New("can't move root directory")
 	}
 
-	// find the root src directory
-	err := srcFs.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, false)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-
-	// find the root dst directory
-	if dstRemote != "" {
-		err = f.dirCache.FindRoot(ctx, true)
-		if err != nil {
-			return err
-		}
-	} else {
-		if f.dirCache.FoundRoot() {
-			return fs.ErrorDirExists
-		}
-	}
-
 	// Find ID of dst parent, creating subdirs if necessary
-	var leaf, directoryID string
-	findPath := dstRemote
-	if dstRemote == "" {
-		findPath = f.root
-	}
-	leaf, directoryID, err = f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, findPath, true)
+	leaf, directoryID, err := f.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, dstRemote, true)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 
 	// Check destination does not exist
-	if dstRemote != "" {
-		_, err = f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dstRemote, false)
-		if err == fs.ErrorDirNotFound {
-			// OK
-		} else if err != nil {
-			return err
-		} else {
-			return fs.ErrorDirExists
-		}
+	_, err = f.dirCache.FindDir(ctx, dstRemote, false)
+	if err == fs.ErrorDirNotFound {
+		// OK
+	} else if err != nil {
+		return err
+	} else {
+		return fs.ErrorDirExists
 	}
 
 	// Find ID of src
@@ -1289,7 +1250,7 @@ func (o *Object) Update(ctx context.Context, in io.Reader, src fs.ObjectInfo, op
 	remote := o.Remote()
 
 	// Create the directory for the object if it doesn't exist
-	leaf, directoryID, err := o.fs.dirCache.FindRootAndPath(ctx, remote, true)
+	leaf, directoryID, err := o.fs.dirCache.FindPath(ctx, remote, true)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
diff --git a/lib/dircache/dircache.go b/lib/dircache/dircache.go
index ab06d42c3..67a84a0c6 100644
--- a/lib/dircache/dircache.go
+++ b/lib/dircache/dircache.go
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
-// Package dircache provides a simple cache for caching directory to path lookups
+// Package dircache provides a simple cache for caching directory ID
+// to path lookups and the inverse.
 package dircache
 
 // _methods are called without the lock
@@ -7,7 +8,6 @@ import (
 	"bytes"
 	"context"
 	"fmt"
-	"log"
 	"strings"
 	"sync"
 
@@ -17,19 +17,23 @@ import (
 
 // DirCache caches paths to directory IDs and vice versa
 type DirCache struct {
-	cacheMu      sync.RWMutex
-	cache        map[string]string
-	invCache     map[string]string
-	mu           sync.Mutex
-	fs           DirCacher // Interface to find and make stuff
-	trueRootID   string    // ID of the absolute root
-	root         string    // the path we are working on
-	rootID       string    // ID of the root directory
-	rootParentID string    // ID of the root's parent directory
-	foundRoot    bool      // Whether we have found the root or not
+	cacheMu  sync.RWMutex // protects cache and invCache
+	cache    map[string]string
+	invCache map[string]string
+
+	mu           sync.Mutex // protects the below
+	fs           DirCacher  // Interface to find and make directories
+	trueRootID   string     // ID of the absolute root
+	root         string     // the path the cache is rooted on
+	rootID       string     // ID of the root directory
+	rootParentID string     // ID of the root's parent directory
+	foundRoot    bool       // Whether we have found the root or not
 }
 
 // DirCacher describes an interface for doing the low level directory work
+//
+// This should be implemented by the backend and will be called by the
+// dircache package when appropriate.
 type DirCacher interface {
 	FindLeaf(ctx context.Context, pathID, leaf string) (pathIDOut string, found bool, err error)
 	CreateDir(ctx context.Context, pathID, leaf string) (newID string, err error)
@@ -37,6 +41,15 @@ type DirCacher interface {
 
 // New makes a DirCache
 //
+// This is created with the true root ID and the root path.
+//
+// In order to use the cache FindRoot() must be called on it without
+// error. This isn't done at initialization as it isn't known whether
+// the root and intermediate directories need to be created or not.
+//
+// Most of the utility functions wil call FindRoot() on the caller's
+// behalf with the create flag passed in.
+//
 // The cache is safe for concurrent use
 func New(root string, trueRootID string, fs DirCacher) *DirCache {
 	d := &DirCache{
@@ -74,23 +87,29 @@ func (dc *DirCache) String() string {
 	return buf.String()
 }
 
-// Get an ID given a path
+// Get a directory ID given a path
+//
+// Returns the ID and a boolean as to whether it was found or not in
+// the cache.
 func (dc *DirCache) Get(path string) (id string, ok bool) {
 	dc.cacheMu.RLock()
 	id, ok = dc.cache[path]
 	dc.cacheMu.RUnlock()
-	return
+	return id, ok
 }
 
-// GetInv gets a path given an ID
+// GetInv gets a path given a directory ID
+//
+// Returns the path and a boolean as to whether it was found or not in
+// the cache.
 func (dc *DirCache) GetInv(id string) (path string, ok bool) {
 	dc.cacheMu.RLock()
 	path, ok = dc.invCache[id]
 	dc.cacheMu.RUnlock()
-	return
+	return path, ok
 }
 
-// Put a path, id into the map
+// Put a (path, directory ID) pair into the cache
 func (dc *DirCache) Put(path, id string) {
 	dc.cacheMu.Lock()
 	dc.cache[path] = id
@@ -98,7 +117,7 @@ func (dc *DirCache) Put(path, id string) {
 	dc.cacheMu.Unlock()
 }
 
-// Flush the map of all data
+// Flush the cache of all data
 func (dc *DirCache) Flush() {
 	dc.cacheMu.Lock()
 	dc.cache = make(map[string]string)
@@ -106,9 +125,10 @@ func (dc *DirCache) Flush() {
 	dc.cacheMu.Unlock()
 }
 
-// FlushDir flushes the map of all data starting with dir
+// FlushDir flushes the map of all data starting with with the path
+// dir.
 //
-// If dir is empty then this is equivalent to calling ResetRoot
+// If dir is empty string then this is equivalent to calling ResetRoot
 func (dc *DirCache) FlushDir(dir string) {
 	if dir == "" {
 		dc.ResetRoot()
@@ -159,39 +179,29 @@ func SplitPath(path string) (directory, leaf string) {
 //
 // If create is set it will make the directory if not found
 //
-// Algorithm:
-//  Look in the cache for the path, if found return the pathID
-//  If not found strip the last path off the path and recurse
-//  Now have a parent directory id, so look in the parent for self and return it
+// It will call FindRoot if it hasn't been called already
 func (dc *DirCache) FindDir(ctx context.Context, path string, create bool) (pathID string, err error) {
 	dc.mu.Lock()
 	defer dc.mu.Unlock()
+	err = dc._findRoot(ctx, create)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
 	return dc._findDir(ctx, path, create)
 }
 
-// Look for the root and in the cache - safe to call without the mu
-func (dc *DirCache) _findDirInCache(path string) string {
-	// fmt.Println("Finding",path,"create",create,"cache",cache)
+// Unlocked findDir
+//
+// Call with a lock on mu
+func (dc *DirCache) _findDir(ctx context.Context, path string, create bool) (pathID string, err error) {
 	// If it is the root, then return it
 	if path == "" {
-		// fmt.Println("Root")
-		return dc.rootID
+		return dc.rootID, nil
 	}
 
 	// If it is in the cache then return it
 	pathID, ok := dc.Get(path)
 	if ok {
-		// fmt.Println("Cache hit on", path)
-		return pathID
-	}
-
-	return ""
-}
-
-// Unlocked findDir - must have mu
-func (dc *DirCache) _findDir(ctx context.Context, path string, create bool) (pathID string, err error) {
-	pathID = dc._findDirInCache(path)
-	if pathID != "" {
 		return pathID, nil
 	}
 
@@ -232,29 +242,48 @@ func (dc *DirCache) _findDir(ctx context.Context, path string, create bool) (pat
 
 // FindPath finds the leaf and directoryID from a path
 //
-// Do not call FindPath with the root directory - it will return an error
+// If called with path == "" then it will return the ID of the parent
+// directory of the root and the leaf name of the root in that
+// directory. Note that it won't create the root directory in this
+// case even if create is true.
 //
 // If create is set parent directories will be created if they don't exist
+//
+// It will call FindRoot if it hasn't been called already
 func (dc *DirCache) FindPath(ctx context.Context, path string, create bool) (leaf, directoryID string, err error) {
 	if path == "" {
-		err = errors.New("internal error: can't call FindPath with root directory")
-		return
+		_, leaf = SplitPath(dc.root)
+		directoryID, err = dc.RootParentID(ctx, create)
+	} else {
+		var directory string
+		directory, leaf = SplitPath(path)
+		directoryID, err = dc.FindDir(ctx, directory, create)
 	}
-	dc.mu.Lock()
-	defer dc.mu.Unlock()
-	directory, leaf := SplitPath(path)
-	directoryID, err = dc._findDir(ctx, directory, create)
-	return
+	return leaf, directoryID, err
 }
 
 // FindRoot finds the root directory if not already found
 //
+// If successful this changes the root of the cache from the true root
+// to the root specified by the path passed into New.
+//
 // Resets the root directory
 //
 // If create is set it will make the directory if not found
 func (dc *DirCache) FindRoot(ctx context.Context, create bool) error {
 	dc.mu.Lock()
 	defer dc.mu.Unlock()
+	return dc._findRoot(ctx, create)
+}
+
+// _findRoot finds the root directory if not already found
+//
+// Resets the root directory
+//
+// If create is set it will make the directory if not found
+//
+// Call with mu held
+func (dc *DirCache) _findRoot(ctx context.Context, create bool) error {
 	if dc.foundRoot {
 		return nil
 	}
@@ -277,51 +306,51 @@ func (dc *DirCache) FindRoot(ctx context.Context, create bool) error {
 	return nil
 }
 
-// FindRootAndPath finds the root first if not found then finds leaf and directoryID from a path
-//
-// If create is set parent directories will be created if they don't exist
-func (dc *DirCache) FindRootAndPath(ctx context.Context, path string, create bool) (leaf, directoryID string, err error) {
-	err = dc.FindRoot(ctx, create)
-	if err != nil {
-		return
-	}
-	return dc.FindPath(ctx, path, create)
-}
-
 // FoundRoot returns whether the root directory has been found yet
-//
-// Call this from FindLeaf or CreateDir only
 func (dc *DirCache) FoundRoot() bool {
+	dc.mu.Lock()
+	defer dc.mu.Unlock()
 	return dc.foundRoot
 }
 
 // RootID returns the ID of the root directory
 //
-// This should be called after FindRoot
-func (dc *DirCache) RootID() string {
+// If create is set it will make the root directory if not found
+func (dc *DirCache) RootID(ctx context.Context, create bool) (ID string, err error) {
 	dc.mu.Lock()
 	defer dc.mu.Unlock()
-	if !dc.foundRoot {
-		log.Fatalf("Internal Error: RootID() called before FindRoot")
+	err = dc._findRoot(ctx, create)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", err
 	}
-	return dc.rootID
+	return dc.rootID, nil
 }
 
 // RootParentID returns the ID of the parent of the root directory
 //
-// This should be called after FindRoot
-func (dc *DirCache) RootParentID() (string, error) {
+// If create is set it will make the root parent directory if not found (but not the root)
+func (dc *DirCache) RootParentID(ctx context.Context, create bool) (ID string, err error) {
 	dc.mu.Lock()
 	defer dc.mu.Unlock()
 	if !dc.foundRoot {
-		return "", errors.New("internal error: RootID() called before FindRoot")
+		if dc.root == "" {
+			return "", errors.New("is root directory")
+		}
+		// Find the rootParentID without creating the root
+		rootParent, _ := SplitPath(dc.root)
+		rootParentID, err := dc._findDir(ctx, rootParent, create)
+		if err != nil {
+			return "", err
+		}
+		dc.rootParentID = rootParentID
+	} else {
+		if dc.rootID == dc.trueRootID {
+			return "", errors.New("is root directory")
+		}
 	}
 	if dc.rootParentID == "" {
 		return "", errors.New("internal error: didn't find rootParentID")
 	}
-	if dc.rootID == dc.trueRootID {
-		return "", errors.New("is root directory")
-	}
 	return dc.rootParentID, nil
 }