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
    2012-08-16T17:02:51+00:00

    Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer]

    "NoSaveSettings"=hex(3):00,00,00,00

    This worked beautifully in our forum - but do you know exactly what it does?  The key does not appear in my own Win 7.  What do the four 0 settings control?

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  2. Anonymous
    2012-06-28T00:09:40+00:00

    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.

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  3. Anonymous
    2012-06-24T20:50:22+00:00

    If you your icons are still moving after you have checked 'lock icons in place' and unchecked 'auto arrange', it is possible your computer is infected with malware. My icon mobility issue was caused by Trojans.

    I would advise that, before trying the other remedies on this thread, you run a check for malware.

    I use and recommend the free Malwarebytes anti-Malware.

    Run it and remove any malware, then rearrange your icons as you want them and reboot.

    I hope this proves useful to someone, as I know from personal experience how frustrating the problem is.

    In my opinion Microsoft should prioritize the development of a more effective anti-malware system than the one they currently offer.

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  4. Anonymous
    2012-05-30T19:48:54+00:00

    Thank you micromax1227. It worked for me too! Yeah, kudos!

    There are plenty of similar utilities, some of them (all free), could work better or add extra features. Just a few ones I picked up while surfing: Iconoid, Icon Restore, Desktop Restore, Stardok Fences.

    People, enjoy the one you want! This always works! Especially when you temporarily change your screen resolution or a program does it for you (and you can't prevent it)

    Cheers from France

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