Unwanted "Desktop.ini" icons appear on desktop. Windows 7 64bit

Anonymous
2009-12-13T07:16:51+00:00

These icons are not short cuts, but notepad files.  Why are they there?   How can they be eliminated?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Accessibility

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Ramesh 181.7K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2009-12-13T09:17:29+00:00

Hi AntipodeamRJ,

Enabling the Hide protected operating system files (Recommended) setting in Folder Options hides the two Desktop.ini files, as well. To access the Folder Options, open Windows Explorer, click Organize, click Folder and Search Options and select the View tab.

Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows Desktop Experience]

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-04-12T10:11:09+00:00

    Thanks! sir I used to delete this file on my pc.It works on windows 8 also

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-04-02T18:18:39+00:00

    question 1: As far as I've worked out, the Desktop is a combination of all the icons that are in C:\Users\All Users\Desktop + C:\Users[usename]\Desktop (e.g., C:\Users\greg\Desktop).  So each desktop.ini file only exists in one folder, but they're both displayed on your Desktop.

    question 2: I think that the command prompt defaults to not displaying hidden files.  if you execute dir *.* /ah, it will display desktop.ini.

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-03-20T00:38:30+00:00

    Okay. This is totally ridiculous. I have searched the net extensively and this problem has been around since XP. Maybe earlier. And I can't believe the number of myths and misinformation that is out there concerning this issue. And NOBODY HAS A SOLUTION THAT WORKS. Unless of course, you go back and recheck the "Hide Protected Operating System Files" box. I want to have access to and be able to see those files. I have done that since Windows 98 and I want the ability in Windows 8 as well.  I have never accidently trashed my system by having them visible.

    And for what it is worth, deleting the icon does not cause any problems WHATSOEVER with Windows. I've deleted it hundreds of times with no ill effects other than THE STUPID ICON KEEPS COMING BACK!!!!

    Not right away usually, but within a couple of days, just like a bad penny, there it sits on my desktop.

    There is no reason in the world why opting to view my hidden and system files should force me to have this icon show up on my desktop.

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  4. Anonymous
    2013-03-20T00:10:10+00:00

    Its because you didnt run it as administrator

    No. That didn't work either. Are you sure it worked for you?

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