XP desktop problem

Every time I open my user, the desk top rearranges with everything
grouped on the left side of the screen. I move icons where I want
them, but next time, it is rearranged.

Also, there are items that show up when I look at the desktop in
Windows Explorer, but are not visible on the screen. If I try to
duplicate the shortcuts onto the screen, it tellls me they are already
there. How do I restore these icons to visibility?

TIA

Phil

On 03/10/2012 11:08 AM, Phil wrote:
Every time I open my user, the desk top rearranges with everything
grouped on the left side of the screen. I move icons where I want
them, but next time, it is rearranged.

Also, there are items that show up when I look at the desktop in
Windows Explorer, but are not visible on the screen. If I try to
duplicate the shortcuts onto the screen, it tellls me they are already
there. How do I restore these icons to visibility?

TIA

Phil




First thing I'd do is turn off "auto-arrange"


http://www.microsoft.com/resources/d....mspx?mfr=true

Phil wrote:

Every time I open my user, the desk top rearranges with everything
grouped on the left side of the screen. I move icons where I want
them, but next time, it is rearranged.

Is this because you changed the screen resolution and then changed
back? When you switch to a smaller resolution, the desktop icons get
moved so they will still fit in the now smaller desktop space. When
you switch back to the higher resolution, the icons aren't going to
move back to their original positions.

If you are switching resolutions or performing some action that
requires repositioning of desktop icons (so they remain visible) then
look at something like Stardock Fences (free) that will keep your icons
inside fenced areas and get positioned where you want them.

Also, there are items that show up when I look at the desktop in
Windows Explorer,

Does that mean you are looking at the %userprofile%\Desktop folder in
Windows Explorer? If so, and if you have "show system files" enabled
then there will be objects, like desktop.ini, that won't show in the
desktop. They aren't desktop-visible items. What *items* are you
asking about?

but are not visible on the screen. If I try to duplicate the shortcuts
onto the screen, it tellls me they are already there. How do I
restore these icons to visibility?

Do these objects have the hidden file attribute set on them?

Thanks, but I already checked and it isn't on. The only thing I have
on is, "show desktop icons"

Phil

On Sat, 10 Mar 2012 11:49:01 -0600, philo wrote:

On 03/10/2012 11:08 AM, Phil wrote:
Every time I open my user, the desk top rearranges with everything
grouped on the left side of the screen. I move icons where I want
them, but next time, it is rearranged.

Also, there are items that show up when I look at the desktop in
Windows Explorer, but are not visible on the screen. If I try to
duplicate the shortcuts onto the screen, it tellls me they are already
there. How do I restore these icons to visibility?

TIA

Phil




First thing I'd do is turn off "auto-arrange"


http://www.microsoft.com/resources/d....mspx?mfr=true

Yes, a DVD automatically changed the screen resolution, but I changed
it back and then put the icons (that I could see) back where I wanted
them. It still keeps rearranging on its own, although the resolution
stays correct.

TRhe items that show in Windows Explorer are shortcut itams for
programs that should show on the screen, but don't. Somehow, they are
"there" because if I try to put the shortcut back, it asks me if I
want to over-write and existing icon shortcut. (For photoshop, for
example)

They are not hidden. Also, in some case, if I try to make a new
shortcut and put it on the desk top, it won't , telling me that the
source and destination are the same, which is (sort of) true!

Phil

On Sat, 10 Mar 2012 12:11:52 -0600, VanguardLH wrote:

Phil wrote:

Every time I open my user, the desk top rearranges with everything
grouped on the left side of the screen. I move icons where I want
them, but next time, it is rearranged.

Is this because you changed the screen resolution and then changed
back? When you switch to a smaller resolution, the desktop icons get
moved so they will still fit in the now smaller desktop space. When
you switch back to the higher resolution, the icons aren't going to
move back to their original positions.

If you are switching resolutions or performing some action that
requires repositioning of desktop icons (so they remain visible) then
look at something like Stardock Fences (free) that will keep your icons
inside fenced areas and get positioned where you want them.

Also, there are items that show up when I look at the desktop in
Windows Explorer,

Does that mean you are looking at the %userprofile%\Desktop folder in
Windows Explorer? If so, and if you have "show system files" enabled
then there will be objects, like desktop.ini, that won't show in the
desktop. They aren't desktop-visible items. What *items* are you
asking about?

but are not visible on the screen. If I try to duplicate the shortcuts
onto the screen, it tellls me they are already there. How do I
restore these icons to visibility?

Do these objects have the hidden file attribute set on them?

Phil wrote:

Yes, a DVD automatically changed the screen resolution, but I changed
it back and then put the icons (that I could see) back where I wanted
them. It still keeps rearranging on its own, although the resolution
stays correct.

Does the screen "flash" when you made whatever changes trying to keep
the same resolution? If so, just because it was one screen resolution
before and the same after doesn't mean there wasn't an intervening
change in resolution (i.e., one resolution, change to another, change
to the original resolution but that means screen resolution did change
which means repositioning of the desktop icons).

You're obviously doing something that forces the desktop icons to get
moved so they remain within the visible screen screen size for the
desktop.

TRhe items that show in Windows Explorer are shortcut itams for
programs that should show on the screen, but don't. Somehow, they are
"there" because if I try to put the shortcut back, it asks me if I
want to over-write and existing icon shortcut. (For photoshop, for
example)

What is the folder where you think are the shortcuts that you believe
should be on the desktop?

They are not hidden. Also, in some case, if I try to make a new
shortcut and put it on the desk top, it won't , telling me that the
source and destination are the same, which is (sort of) true!

Have you tried rebooting into Windows' safe mode and recheck?

Did you select ***Align to Grid*** Right click on Desktop\Arrange Icons By\Align to
Grid

--
Peter
Please Reply to Newsgroup for the benefit of others
Requests for assistance by email can not and will not be acknowledged.
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.
http://www.microsoft.com/protect


"Phil" wrote in message
...
Yes, a DVD automatically changed the screen resolution, but I changed
it back and then put the icons (that I could see) back where I wanted
them. It still keeps rearranging on its own, although the resolution
stays correct.

TRhe items that show in Windows Explorer are shortcut itams for
programs that should show on the screen, but don't. Somehow, they are
"there" because if I try to put the shortcut back, it asks me if I
want to over-write and existing icon shortcut. (For photoshop, for
example)

They are not hidden. Also, in some case, if I try to make a new
shortcut and put it on the desk top, it won't , telling me that the
source and destination are the same, which is (sort of) true!

Phil

On Sat, 10 Mar 2012 12:11:52 -0600, VanguardLH wrote:

Phil wrote:

Every time I open my user, the desk top rearranges with everything
grouped on the left side of the screen. I move icons where I want
them, but next time, it is rearranged.

Is this because you changed the screen resolution and then changed
back? When you switch to a smaller resolution, the desktop icons get
moved so they will still fit in the now smaller desktop space. When
you switch back to the higher resolution, the icons aren't going to
move back to their original positions.

If you are switching resolutions or performing some action that
requires repositioning of desktop icons (so they remain visible) then
look at something like Stardock Fences (free) that will keep your icons
inside fenced areas and get positioned where you want them.

Also, there are items that show up when I look at the desktop in
Windows Explorer,

Does that mean you are looking at the %userprofile%\Desktop folder in
Windows Explorer? If so, and if you have "show system files" enabled
then there will be objects, like desktop.ini, that won't show in the
desktop. They aren't desktop-visible items. What *items* are you
asking about?

but are not visible on the screen. If I try to duplicate the shortcuts
onto the screen, it tellls me they are already there. How do I
restore these icons to visibility?

Do these objects have the hidden file attribute set on them?

Phil wrote:
Yes, a DVD automatically changed the screen resolution, but I changed
it back and then put the icons (that I could see) back where I wanted
them. It still keeps rearranging on its own, although the resolution
stays correct.

Try "Align to Grid"
__________________

TRhe items that show in Windows Explorer are shortcut itams for
programs that should show on the screen, but don't. Somehow, they are
"there" because if I try to put the shortcut back, it asks me if I
want to over-write and existing icon shortcut. (For photoshop, for
example)

They are not hidden. Also, in some case, if I try to make a new
shortcut and put it on the desk top, it won't , telling me that the
source and destination are the same, which is (sort of) true!

Using Windows Explorer, browse to the desktop folder you are using (there is
one for "All Users" and for each individual user) and move all the icons to
a new temporary folder. The desktop (screen) should now be empty. Close
Win Explorer and drag the icon from the temp folder to the desktop (screen).

--

dadiOH
____________________________

dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
....a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico

On 03/10/2012 01:02 PM, Phil wrote:
Thanks, but I already checked and it isn't on. The only thing I have
on is, "show desktop icons"




Some times you need to "toggle" the settings

In other words... opt for auto arrange

then save


next turn off auto arrange
Phil

On Sat, 10 Mar 2012 11:49:01 -0600, wrote:

On 03/10/2012 11:08 AM, Phil wrote:
Every time I open my user, the desk top rearranges with everything
grouped on the left side of the screen. I move icons where I want
them, but next time, it is rearranged.

Also, there are items that show up when I look at the desktop in
Windows Explorer, but are not visible on the screen. If I try to
duplicate the shortcuts onto the screen, it tellls me they are already
there. How do I restore these icons to visibility?

TIA

Phil




First thing I'd do is turn off "auto-arrange"


http://www.microsoft.com/resources/d....mspx?mfr=true

On 3/10/2012 11:08 AM, Phil wrote:
Every time I open my user, the desk top rearranges with everything
grouped on the left side of the screen. I move icons where I want
them, but next time, it is rearranged.

Also, there are items that show up when I look at the desktop in
Windows Explorer, but are not visible on the screen. If I try to
duplicate the shortcuts onto the screen, it tellls me they are already
there. How do I restore these icons to visibility?

TIA

Phil

Phil... there are so many other avenues to use besides desktop icons. As
there are other things like Rocketdock (free), Aston Shell (commercial),
etc. that handles this stuff so much better. Plus you can see the
wallpaper without any icons littering all over it. I know it is sort of
a big step for most people. But once you get passed it you never want to
go back. And you never have to worry about icons moving around your
desktop ever again. And when you are ready, we'll talk. ;-)

--
Bill
Gateway M465e ('06 era) - Thunderbird v3.0
Centrino Core Duo T2400 1.83GHz - 2GB - Windows XP SP3

Thanks, but.... tried that already, more by accident than intent.

Phil

On Sat, 10 Mar 2012 16:01:51 -0600, philo wrote:

On 03/10/2012 01:02 PM, Phil wrote:
Thanks, but I already checked and it isn't on. The only thing I have
on is, "show desktop icons"




Some times you need to "toggle" the settings

In other words... opt for auto arrange

then save


next turn off auto arrange
Phil

On Sat, 10 Mar 2012 11:49:01 -0600, wrote:

On 03/10/2012 11:08 AM, Phil wrote:
Every time I open my user, the desk top rearranges with everything
grouped on the left side of the screen. I move icons where I want
them, but next time, it is rearranged.

Also, there are items that show up when I look at the desktop in
Windows Explorer, but are not visible on the screen. If I try to
duplicate the shortcuts onto the screen, it tellls me they are already
there. How do I restore these icons to visibility?

TIA

Phil




First thing I'd do is turn off "auto-arrange"


http://www.microsoft.com/resources/d....mspx?mfr=true

Does the screen "flash" when you made whatever changes trying to keep
the same resolution? If so, just because it was one screen resolution
before and the same after doesn't mean there wasn't an intervening
change in resolution (i.e., one resolution, change to another, change
to the original resolution but that means screen resolution did change
which means repositioning of the desktop icons).

I understand why the icons repositions. I just don't know why I can't
keep them where I put them once I reset the screen resolution.

You're obviously doing something that forces the desktop icons to get
moved so they remain within the visible screen screen size for the
desktop.

Actually, some of them are "on the desktop" but not visible.

TRhe items that show in Windows Explorer are shortcut itams for
programs that should show on the screen, but don't. Somehow, they are
"there" because if I try to put the shortcut back, it asks me if I
want to over-write and existing icon shortcut. (For photoshop, for
example)

What is the folder where you think are the shortcuts that you believe
should be on the desktop?

Desktop!

They are not hidden. Also, in some case, if I try to make a new
shortcut and put it on the desk top, it won't , telling me that the
source and destination are the same, which is (sort of) true!

Have you tried rebooting into Windows' safe mode and recheck?

No, I haven't. After trying to allign to grid, and seeing if it works,
this is a possibility.

Phil

I will try this before shutting off tonight, thanks.

Phil

On Sat, 10 Mar 2012 16:32:00 -0500, "Peter Foldes"
wrote:

Did you select ***Align to Grid*** Right click on Desktop\Arrange Icons By\Align to
Grid

Using Windows Explorer, browse to the desktop folder you are using (there is
one for "All Users" and for each individual user) and move all the icons to
a new temporary folder. The desktop (screen) should now be empty. Close
Win Explorer and drag the icon from the temp folder to the desktop (screen).

Interesting band aid. It is on the list to try!

Phil

Phil... there are so many other avenues to use besides desktop icons. As
there are other things like Rocketdock (free), Aston Shell (commercial),
etc. that handles this stuff so much better. Plus you can see the
wallpaper without any icons littering all over it. I know it is sort of
a big step for most people. But once you get passed it you never want to
go back. And you never have to worry about icons moving around your
desktop ever again. And when you are ready, we'll talk. ;-)

I'll look into Rocketdock. Sounds interesting!

Thanks to everyone who has contributed!

Phil