Windows 7 desktop icons keep moving and changing size on reboot

Anonymous
2012-07-20T18:25:40+00:00

After the latest Windows Update (7/10/12) the desktop icons move to the left side of the screen and change size from Small to Medium. Auto arrange is NOT checked. Only Align to grid is checked. There has been no other software installed since running Windows Update. The video drivers are up to date. I have tried all the recommendations from various forums online ranging from the ridiculous (Refresh) to third party software (Stardock Fences). The only thing that worked was Fences which I shouldn't need to use and even then if you click Refresh the icons try to move to the left side of the screen and do resize anyway. The fact that this all started after the required restart following the most recent Patch Tuesday updates. What the **** did you do this time Microsoft?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Accessibility

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Anonymous
2012-07-29T20:27:30+00:00

Hello Aramis the Priest, 

Have you tried to manually uninstall the Windows Updates to see if a particular update is causing the issue?

The Recycle Bin is only on the default drive where the operating system was installed. This is normally the C:\ drive. The $ before RECYCLE means it is a hidden file. 

In Windows Explorer, click the View tab and select "Show  hidden files, folders, and drives" under the sub-menu "Hidden files and folders." Click "Apply" and "OK."

You will now see the RECYCLE. bin.

Let us know if this helps.

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Anonymous
2012-07-21T08:02:01+00:00

Hi,

What troubleshooting steps have you tried so far?

**Method 1:**I would suggest you to perform a full system scan just to be safe.

Here is a link that will give you information on how to perform a full system scan:

http://www.microsoft.com/security/scanner/en-us/default.aspx

Note: Any data files that are infected may only be cleaned by deleting the file entirely, which means there is a potential for data loss.

Method 2: Un-install and re-install display adapter drivers.

Refer the following steps:

a)     Click on Start, Right click on computer.

b)     Click on properties, click on Device manager

c)     Expand display adapter, Right click on the adapter option

d)     Click on uninstall

e)     Now go to your computer/ device manufacturer website, download the updated drivers and install them.

Method 3: Since it started after Windows update, perform System Restore, i.e. restore the computer to a date when it was working fine.

Step 1: System Restore: frequently asked questions:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/System-Restore-frequently-asked-questions

Note: After System Restore, you will be offered Windows Updates again, install them one by one in clean boot and check if that helps.

Step 2: A clean boot helps to verify if any third party application service or startup item is causing this issue.

How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows Vista or in Windows 7:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

Note: After you have finished diagnosing, follow step 7 in the article to boot to normal startup.

You may also refer:

Updates: frequently asked questions: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/updates-frequently-asked-questions

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-09-21T14:40:34+00:00

    I agree as well. You can see very similar issues expressed all over the web.

    What a crock.

    Simulation of MS Support on this topic.

    Innocent Windows 7 User: Hey, my icons are migrating to the left side of the screen when I plug in my external display  - like a bunch of insane but orderly lemmings. I have tried all of the uncheck / refresh screen options listed over the internet a billion times already. My drivers are all up to date.

    MS: Have you tried dperforming a low level format of your hard drive, then re-installing windows an all of your applications and data files?

    Innocent Windows 7 User: Uh, no?

    MS: Well, do that , and get back to us next week.

    <next week>

    Innocent Windows 7 User:  OK, I did everything you said and desktop icons are still moving.

    MS: Please sacrifice a lamb precisely at midnight on the day of the next total eclipse of the sun. (The lamb must be pure ). Arrange entrails in a grid, as you would like your desktop icons to appear, then shout 'Microsoft rules' three times.

    <later>

    Innocent Windows 7 User:  Still not working.

    MS: Did you place your finger on the side of your nose while you were shouting 'Micirosoft Rules"

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  2. Anonymous
    2012-09-08T13:27:41+00:00

    Combo fix worked for me too. Many thanks.

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  3. Anonymous
    2012-09-03T14:55:56+00:00

    Hi There,

    Please try the steps below: 

    Step 1: Terminate Explorer (Shell) Cleanly

    Instructions for Windows XP

    1. Click Start, Turn Off computer.
    2. Press and hold the CTRL, ALT and the SHIFT keys, and click the Cancel button.

    Instructions for Windows 7 & Windows Vista

    Click Start. Press and hold the CTRL & SHIFT keys, and right-click on an empty area in the Start menu. Click the Exit Explorer option.

    The above step causes Windows Explorer (shell) to terminate cleanly.

    Step 2: Fix Registry Key Permissions

    1. Switch to Registry Editor window, and navigate to the following key:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ Shell \ Bags \ 1 \ Desktop

    1. Right-click on the Desktop key, and choose Permissions
    2. Click Advanced, and delete any "Deny" entries if present.

    (While you’re in that screen, make sure that your user account has "Full Control" (Allow) Permissions for the registry branch.

    1. Click OK, OK.
    2. See if you can create a sample registry value in the Desktop key to test if you can write to the branch.

    Step 3: Reset the Desktop Icon Layout Registry Key

    This step is required only if the problem remains unresolved although you’re able to write to the Desktop registry key.

    1. Using the Registry Editor, rename the key Desktop to something else, say OldDesktop
    2. Exit the Registry Editor
    3. Press CTRL + ALT + DEL to open Task Manager
    4. From the File menu, click Run. Type Explorer.exe and press ENTER
    5. Customize the desktop icons layout as you require, restart Windows and check if the icon positions are retained.

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