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
    2012-08-17T03:57:00+00:00

    It did not work.

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  2. Anonymous
    2012-08-17T04:51:46+00:00

    One more time!

    1 - Right Click the desktop

    2 - Click View

    3 - Check to see if Auto Arrange has a check mark

    4 - If it does uncheck it

    5 - Reboot your PC

    Once you have rebooted your PC check and see if your icons moved, if they didn't then you have solved your problem. If they did move, well there are a few more things you can try to hopefully resolve the issue.

    The next step and usually the most effective fix (once you turn off auto arrange) to this issue is a simple refresh of the desktop, this basically will refresh the desktop icons and save the location of your icons. To do the refresh method, follow these steps:

    1 - Arrange your icons how you want them

    2 - Right click your desktop

    3 - Click Refresh

    Now Windows 7 should have the location of your icons saved and when you reboot or shutdown your PC the system should know where your icons are and should keep them here when you reboot your computer.

    Another possible cause of the auto arranging of icons in Windows 7 is when the Align to Grid option is set. You can turn this off by following these steps:

    1 - Right Click the desktop

    2 - Click View

    3 - Check to see if Align to Grid has a check mark

    4 - If it does uncheck it

    5 - Reboot your PC

    Well I hope that one of these fixes solves your problem of Windows 7 moving your icons around on you. I know how annoying it is.

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  3. Anonymous
    2012-08-17T05:05:48+00:00

    While I appreciate your attempt to help, you apparently are not reading the thread.

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