How can I lock desktop icons?

Anonymous
2009-12-08T03:27:27+00:00

I am unable to LOCK the icon items on my desktop. I have clicked right on the desktop and via properties checked lock items, yet they are easily moved and NOT locked. I've tried locking them thru 'Appearances and Themes', yet they will NOT lock. How can I get them to stop moving around and stay put by locking. Any help would be graciously appreciated. And, no I am not changing my resolution which I know moves them.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Accessibility

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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Anonymous
2009-12-08T12:17:08+00:00

Hi there,have you tried this?Right click an empty space on your desktop,highlight desktop icons,place a check  on 'lock icons in place' and uncheck'auto arrange,?

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  1. Anonymous
    2011-08-07T15:58:24+00:00

    I hope SecurityGuy 14 sees this and can help. I have Vista Premium Home Edition.  I followed your instructions above and the merge worked after someone told me that the text had to be placed  at the very top line of Notepad.  I do not have Align to Grid or Auto Arrange checked. I then put my 3 browser icons on the right side of the screen and after shutting down last night and rebooting today, they are back on the left side.

    Why did your instructions work for that other guy and not for me? Help would be greatly appreciated This is so frustrating:)

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  2. Anonymous
    2011-08-27T16:50:18+00:00

    Security Guy's fix works great in Windows XP Ver 2002.  Many thanks for ending a very annoying problem.

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  3. Anonymous
    2011-09-16T17:16:08+00:00

    It seems you guys are talking about three different things. The main question is how to make it where your icon positions will be saved, and will still be exactly where you left them when you reboot. That is the question Security Guy answered.

    However, some people seem to be asking for the ability to make it where the icons cannot be moved. Some are okay with them being moved temporarily, while others aren't. Either way, you'd be best off looking for a third party solution. Just search the net for "lock desktop icons freeware."

    Finally, some people are answering the question about locking the desktop itself. In other words, they are describing something like locking your cell phone, so that none of the buttons work, and you have to type a password to use it again. These are the people telling you to press Windows-L.

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  4. Anonymous
    2011-09-17T11:05:32+00:00

    In Windows 7, right click on a blank area of the desk top. Select View, then unselect Auto Arragne or Align to Grid. That may work.

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