Where are ringtones and notification sounds stored?

[Steve Swift]

Ever since installing a few MP3 files as ringtones, I'm no longer offered the standard tones when creating a new alarm in the Clock App. I'm given the choice of my ringtones (3 files) or entering a path.

I've rummaged around using ES File Explorer, and plugging the phone into my Windows 10 PC, and using Explorer, but I haven't found anything which looks like the standard tones.

I'm pretty sure the standard tones are still there, as (for example) the "Morning Flower" alarm tone still sounds on the Alarms that specified it.

So, where should I look to find the standard tones?

 

[B. Diddy]

Preinstalled tones are in a protected system directory that you can't access unless the phone is rooted.

I think I've seen this issue before--you might have chosen ES File Explorer to be the default app when being asked to select a tone. Go to the App Manager, select ES File Explorer, and Clear Defaults. Now try again. If it asks you which app you want to use, select the system one, not ES File Explorer.

 

[Steve Swift]

What a spectacularly accurate analysis of the problem and completely correct description of the solution!

Thank you so much for the answer, but even more so the frisson of pleasure it gave me, following your explanation, then the instructions.

 

[B. Diddy]

I think that's the most satisfying thanks I've ever gotten here.