How can I lock desktop icons?

Forget all this messing about.

For Windows 7 google & download DESKTOP RESTORE (DeskInstU.msi)

http://desktop-restore.software.informer.com/

VERY simple, follow download instructions

Then, Right click on desktop & new SAVE DESKTOP option appears

including >>> RESTORE DESKTOP <<<<

!!! f i n a l l y !!! :)

This piece of software looks very suspicious as you have to go through 3 different web pages to get it downloaded. At the end you do not know where this software is finally downloaded from.

Forget all this messing about.

For Windows 7 google & download DESKTOP RESTORE (DeskInstU.msi)

http://desktop-restore.software.informer.com/

VERY simple, follow download instructions

Then, Right click on desktop & new SAVE DESKTOP option appears

including >>> RESTORE DESKTOP <<<<

!!! f i n a l l y !!! :)

This piece of software looks very suspicious as you have to go through 3 different web pages to get it downloaded. At the end you do not know where this software is finally downloaded from.

That was posted a year ago.

But if you are worried about assurities ~

If you google DESKTOP RESTORE you'll find it's also available from not so suspicious websites as CNET and SOFTPEDIA, and will link themselves to reputable (mirror) sites. [Mirror sites are used for downloading popular downloads so as not to overload the server of the original site]. 

Enjoy!

Still stand by the advice,  a year on/download,... Still peace of mind.

Works the same as Iconoid. 

Nobody explains why windows rejiggs desktop icons every so often.

Be aware: what ever you choose, it's not a permanent fix... because until somebody can explain why desktop icons re-arrange, they will continue to rearrange.

These icon restore apps are the best solutions til then.

(Can't talk for Windows 10)

Windows Loses Icon Positions 95, 98, NT, ME, XP, Vista, &  7.

I don't think it's malware.  It's just Microsoft stupidity.  They have not only had this problem since Windows 95, but it's still present in Windows 7.  Windows 8 is going to be a disaster by hiding even simpler features like the start button! (Yes, how dumb can you get!?) expect it to just get worse.  Microsoft is too (* lame *) to fix something as +> simple <+ as preserving icon position when the screen resolution changes, or when adding  a second monitor.  If they were really smart, they'd fix what they have, but they're bent on creating batches of new problems by tweaking the entire interface.

Anyway, you have to use a 3rd party tool. 

http://majorgeeks.com/Iconoid_d723.html

I had to log in using Internet Exploder since this site can't handle Chrome for some reason.

Well said Jennison!

I am using Windows 10 with all latest updates etc. This stupid Windows bug which was supposedly fixed with the latest update is still present. I have tried umpteen 'fixes' suggested on this forum and others, most of 'em just don't work. Some seem to work for a while then suddenly all the desktop icons range left again.

I have just applied the regfix suggested by SecurityGuy and pray it works but otherwise Iconoid would seem to be the only solution.

So let's add Windows 10 to the long list of faulty Windows OS's and keep reminding Microsoft to address the issue.

Sadly SecurityGuy14 reg fix seemed to work for about 5 days but then suddenly reverted to ranging all my desktop icons left again after I simply put my laptop into standby.

So now I have installed Iconoid which at least has the restore icons option in the desktop right click menu that Microsoft and Windows 10 don't seem to think is necessary.

I do not have this feature on windows 7 home premium