diff --git a/backend/iam/models.py b/backend/iam/models.py
index dc2167139..ef770e718 100644
--- a/backend/iam/models.py
+++ b/backend/iam/models.py
@@ -64,7 +64,10 @@ def get_root_folder() -> Self:
     @staticmethod
     def get_root_folder_id() -> uuid.UUID:
         """class function for general use"""
-        return Folder.get_root_folder().id
+        try:
+            return uuid.UUID(_get_root_folder().id)
+        except:
+            return _get_root_folder()
 
     class ContentType(models.TextChoices):
         """content type for a folder"""