Laptop Revised.

Portagie68 · 28 Jan 2022

By being to brief in the Laptop from hell post I seemed to maybe have confused some people. Here is all the info this time. A nice long post.

I have two computers, a Laptop and a Desktop. Both computers are set up the same. Most changes have come from TenForms articles. I will call the Desktop Dell. Windows 10 pro has created in the Documents folder, on both computers, a Folder called Desktop. This folder is in the process of being hidden. Windows 10 Pro has put almost all my Desktop short cuts in this folder. Delete the folder delete the Desk top shortcuts. This occurs on BOTH computers. When I try to insert pictures on a web site, on both computers, the Windows 10 Pro opens the desktop folder for me to pick a short cut, regardless of which web site I am on. Dells Windows Pro has been around for years and it has done this for years. Also I never access the Desktop folder unless Windows Pro takes me there. This happens on Firefox and Chrome. Fire Fox being the best web browser I know I barely use Chrome. Firefox applies the KISS principle so easy to use.

Picture one shows you what happens on the Dell when the Desk Top folder is opened by Windows 10 Pro. Look at the Navigation pane on the left. No mysterious Desktop folder is created by Windows 10 Pro. Picture two shows what happens on the Laptop when the Desk top folder is opened by Windows Pro 10. Look in the Navigation Pane on the left and see the mysterious folder called Desk Top that is created by Windows Pro 10. It disappears when the window is closed never to appear again until Windows Pro 10 opens the Desktop folder when inserting pictures on the web. I would like to stop this folder from appearing. Why it is appearing I have no idea since all the changes on the Dell have been applied to the Laptop Except for different Windows Pro programs I set them up the same to apply the KISS principle. Also, the third photo shows how my COMPUTERS are set up. User names are different of course.

I am hoping with all the info I have provided this time I can get a cure for the Laptop that has done many weird things since the time it was received. There is another problem to be addressed in the near future so here we go with this one.

dalchina · 28 Jan 2022

Windows 10 pro has installed in the Documents folder, on both computers, a Folder called Desktop.

I have never seen Windows, all by itself, do such a thing.

Perhaps I may ask:

a. Did you create this folder yourself?

or

b. Did you attempt to change the location of one or more of the folders Desktop/Videos/Downloads etc using the Location tab?

Do you see a folder Desktop under
C:/Users/ ---user profile folder name--/
?If so, what do you see in it, and is that the same as the desktop display on your screen?

unifex · 28 Jan 2022

I'm sorry to say, but this post does not really improve on the previous, shorter post. When you try to "insert pictures on a website", your browser (regardless of the actual program) will open a dialog asking you to choose the file you want to upload. By "default" it will start either with the folder you used before or with the "system default" location for image files (typically, Pictures). This process has nothing to do with the appearance of the navigation pane in Explorer per se, although if you do modify the Explorer, the "pop-up" explorer in the upload dialog may still look differently. All of that is discussed in details in Brink's tutorials.

Now, you write "Windows 10 pro has installed in the Documents folder, on both computers, a Folder called Desktop. This folder is in the process of being hidden." I don't know what that means. Windows is installed on a hard drive, not in any folder. In the process of installing Windows, multiple folders are created, in particular, there is the "Desktop" folder which is where all desktop shortcuts are stored. The actual folder is in your "C:\Users\..." folder tree (as @dalchina pointed out). In addition, Windows creates a "shortcut" to that folder under "This PC" in the Navigation Pane. This is normal, default behavior.

Now, apart from Desktop, Windows adds multiple folders to the Navigation Pane. Some people, such as myself, choose to remove some of them from the Navigation Pane. However, this customization mostly affects the Explorer proper, started by itself, and not the "upload dialog", where Desktop should remain (which actually makes sense it you think about it). Again, look in the corresponding tutorials - there are too many to list here (e.g., How to Remove Pictures/Documents .... from the Navigation Pane).

NavyLCDR · 28 Jan 2022

In the left pane of Explorer, under This PC you should see Desktop. Right click on Desktop, select properties, then the location tab. What is the location listed?

Portagie68 · 28 Jan 2022

NavyLCDR said:

In the left pane of Explorer, under This PC you should see Desktop. Right click on Desktop, select properties, then the location tab. What is the location listed?

Using the downloads available on TenForms all of those folders are gone. I my have to use the other download and bring it back and try what you are suggesting. Thank you.

- - - Updated - - -

dalchina said:

I have never seen Windows, all by itself, do such a thing.

Perhaps I may ask:

a. Did you create this folder yourself?

or

b. Did you attempt to change the location of one or more of the folders Desktop/Videos/Downloads etc using the Location tab?

Do you see a folder Desktop under
C:/Users/ ---user profile folder name--/
?If so, what do you see in it, and is that the same as the desktop display on your screen?

A. NO b. NO /B. NO Mine is in the folder call Documents and it is almost the same. Thank you for the reply.

- - - Updated - - -

unifex said:

I'm sorry to say, but this post does not really improve on the previous, shorter post. When you try to "insert pictures on a website", your browser (regardless of the actual program) will open a dialog asking you to choose the file you want to upload. By "default" it will start either with the folder you used before or with the "system default" location for image files (typically, Pictures). This process has nothing to do with the appearance of the navigation pane in Explorer per se, although if you do modify the Explorer, the "pop-up" explorer in the upload dialog may still look differently. All of that is discussed in details in Brink's tutorials.

Now, you write "Windows 10 pro has installed in the Documents folder, on both computers, a Folder called Desktop. This folder is in the process of being hidden." I don't know what that means. Windows is installed on a hard drive, not in any folder. In the process of installing Windows, multiple folders are created, in particular, there is the "Desktop" folder which is where all desktop shortcuts are stored. The actual folder is in your "C:\Users\..." folder tree (as @dalchina pointed out). In addition, Windows creates a "shortcut" to that folder under "This PC" in the Navigation Pane. This is normal, default behavior.

Now, apart from Desktop, Windows adds multiple folders to the Navigation Pane. Some people, such as myself, choose to remove some of them from the Navigation Pane. However, this customization mostly affects the Explorer proper, started by itself, and not the "upload dialog", where Desktop should remain (which actually makes sense it you think about it). Again, look in the corresponding tutorials - there are too many to list here (e.g., How to Remove Pictures/Documents .... from the Navigation Pane).

I have read this post many ti,es and it makes no sense and it does not answer my question or address my question any way. If you read my post with attention to detail you will see almost everything you has is addressed in the post that is much more detailed than the last. If you have a question please do like dalchina did and list them out one at a time and they will be answer. And as I corrected dalchina you need to look at the third picture because we are not the same.

dalchina · 29 Jan 2022

And as I corrected dalchina you need to look at the third picture because we are not the same.

Do not think I did not. There is no rational explanation for your default library folders appearing under 'Documents' but that you - or 'something' on your PC moved them there.

As I therefore (having seen the picture you suggested I had not looked at) suggested this can be done by using the Location tab, or presumably by a corresponding change to the registry.

As you have not used the first, have you made registry changes that could have led to this?

You can cautiously try this tutorial:
Restore Default Location of Personal Folders in Windows 10

But before you do so, back up all data if you haven't already done so.

unifex · 29 Jan 2022

Portagie68 said:

And as I corrected dalchina you need to look at the third picture because we are not the same.

This is where you are wrong. Windows is always the same. The changes to the GUI that people make may be different, but these changes do not change Windows. What you are showing us in you pictures are just the visual constructs, parts of the GUI that can be changed (and it's certainly true that you have had them changed in a very different way), but this does not mean that your Windows is any different.

Here's what you can do to understand better what we are talking about. Please open the Control Panel, go to the User Accounts tab, click on Manage another account, and finally click on Add a new user. Alternatively, you can open Settings, go to Accounts, then Family and other users. Both ways will bring you to the page where you can click on Add someone else to this PC. This way you can create a new user account. Now, login with the new user credentials and you will see the default Desktop and the default Explorer. Please take a screenshot of thus obtained default Navigation Pane and post it here. Then we'll be able to understand each other.

CMArbres · 29 Jan 2022

Let's keep this very simple:

DO THE FOLLOWING

1. Library folders Read this: How to Add or Remove Libraries in Navigation Pane of File Explorer in Windows 10 and act according to your preference.

2. Default browser download folder Ensure this is set as you want it to be: In Chrome, go to Settings>>Advanced>>Downloads>>Location and make sure you have something like this:

Code:

C:\Users\YourUserNameHere\Downloads

or which ever other location that you wish to set. All browsers offer this level of control. You just need to use it.

If you only ever want the Download path that you have just set to used, BE SURE to move the slider to the left for the option: "Ask where to save each file before downloading", or it will offer the last folder you used, whatever that happens to be. Personally, I like to choose so leave it switched on.

Sometimes, web developers will take control of the save process and offer the download path location that they feel is most relevant, such \Pictures for any images, \Downloads for programs, etc., whichever they feel is most appropriate for you logically. Few developers offer the Desktop because they think that would be insulting.

Understand this: The folders that you offered are influenced by three factors: Your browser settings, the web site developer, and your own usage patterns. You can override the first two so, actually, you are always in control whether you think so or not. It might not appear that way, but it is a fact nevertheless.

3. Desktop Stop getting stressed about the Desktop folder, or what's in it. It only ever contains what you put on your desktop, always represented by some kind of icon. It is common that people want to download to their Desktop, but I never do. My desktop only contains one icon, the Recycle Bin. I don't like the clutter or performance issues and use the filing system I have created to locate everything. Then everything is always where I need it to be. It's laziness to dump crap and nonsense on the Desktop and bad practice.

When you stop using the Desktop in the way that you presently are, it will stop appearing like it currently is unless you specifically open it.

I may edit this if I think of anything else, but the above will help you to start getting this under control.

Remember that computers are just dumb things that only do what you tell them to do. If you don't tell them what you want them to do, they will never know, and you might not like it. Take control!

Laptop Revised.-keep-calm-your-country-needs-you-2.png

Christophe

Portagie68 · 29 Jan 2022

CMArbres said:

Let's keep this very simple:

DO THE FOLLOWING

1. Library folders Read this: How to Add or Remove Libraries in Navigation Pane of File Explorer in Windows 10 and act according to your preference.

2. Default browser download folder Ensure this is set as you want it to be: In Chrome, go to Settings>>Advanced>>Downloads>>Location and make sure you have something like this:

Code:

C:\Users\YourUserNameHere\Downloads

or which ever other location that you wish to set. All browsers offer this level of control. You just need to use it.

If you only ever want the Download path that you have just set to used, BE SURE to move the slider to the left for the option: "Ask where to save each file before downloading", or it will offer the last folder you used, whatever that happens to be. Personally, I like to choose so leave it switched on.

Sometimes, web developers will take control of the save process and offer the download path location that they feel is most relevant, such \Pictures for any images, \Downloads for programs, etc., whichever they feel is most appropriate for you logically. Few developers offer the Desktop because they think that would be insulting.

Understand this: The folders that you offered are influenced by three factors: Your browser settings, the web site developer, and your own usage patterns. You can override the first two so, actually, you are always in control whether you think so or not. It might not appear that way, but it is a fact nevertheless.

3. Desktop Stop getting stressed about the Desktop folder, or what's in it. It only ever contains what you put on your desktop, always represented by some kind of icon. It is common that people want to download to their Desktop, but I never do. My desktop only contains one icon, the Recycle Bin. I don't like the clutter or performance issues and use the filing system I have created to locate everything. Then everything is always where I need it to be. It's laziness to dump crap and nonsense on the Desktop and bad practice.

When you stop using the Desktop in the way that you presently are, it will stop appearing like it currently is unless you specifically open it.

I may edit this if I think of anything else, but the above will help you to start getting this under control.

Remember that computers are just dumb things that only do what you tell them to do. If you don't tell them what you want them to do, they will never know, and you might not like it. Take control!

Christophe

1. Removed the folders using Tenfolds articles because I do not like them. To confusing.

2. Done this a long time ago. System changes it to just Downloads.

3. Never use Desktop. Hide it because I do not use it. Windows has put almost all of my Desktop shortcuts in there. Windows just opens it for some odd reason when I have to insert Pictures in the web.

Thank you for your suggestions kind sir.

- - - Updated - - -

dalchina said:

Do not think I did not. There is no rational explanation for your default library folders appearing under 'Documents' but that you - or 'something' on your PC moved them there.

As I therefore (having seen the picture you suggested I had not looked at) suggested this can be done by using the Location tab, or presumably by a corresponding change to the registry.

As you have not used the first, have you made registry changes that could have led to this?

You can cautiously try this tutorial:
Restore Default Location of Personal Folders in Windows 10

But before you do so, back up all data if you haven't already done so.

Thank you for the reply dalchina. The Desktop folder was placed in Documents by Windows. Moved no folder. Created no folder. Windows did this on both computers. No registry changes that lead to that. Just a Laptop that has a mind of its own. It deletes stuff when it wants and cause all kinds of ill moods occasionally.

CMArbres · 29 Jan 2022

Portagie68 said:

1. Removed the folders using Tenfolds articles because I do not like them. To confusing.

Excellent. So far so good. That small part is now resolved.

Portagie68 said:

2. Done this a long time ago.

That is probably the problem. Do it again NOW. Chrome is constantly updating so if it did change the default Download folder "...a long time ago.", it does not do that now. Trust me on that. I just checked to be 100% certain.

Portagie68 said:

System changes it to just Downloads.

No it most certainly does not. The system, as in Windows, changes no Chrome settings unless you instruct it to and even that is limited to trying to get you to make Edge your default browser and Bing to be your default search engine, both of which is easy to control anyway. Windows does try to get you to make this change, but only you actually do it or it doesn't happen at all, not ever. It doesn't change the default \Download folder at all. That is just your imagination, and not your experience.

If you have correctly set the default \Download folder in Chrome as I advised you to, it will remain that way until you choose to change it. So, you will be offered that default save location by default when you download files. Please stop claiming otherwise. That is not helping us to help you.

Portagie68 said:

3. Never use Desktop. Hide it because I do not use it.

Please understand that you DO use the desktop 100% of the time because it is the basic interface that you see when you use your computer. No computer on the planet running Windows exists without it. Any program running inside a window is simply overlaid on top of the Desktop. It is always there. You could smother your wooden desk with all manner of stuff and not be able to see it anymore, but it is still there, just buried until you clear all the stuff away. EG: Close open programs or minimise them. Further, your Desktop has its own right click context menu for access to many functions and settings. You can never hide it because you don't use it. It is impossible. All you can do is cover it up with open programs. It is an essential part of the Windows operating system.

Portagie68 said:

Windows has put almost all of my Desktop shortcuts in there.

That is because it is designed to do that by default and I know of no reason or method to change that. But, it is not Windows that puts shortcuts on the Desktop at all at all. That is nonsense. It is ONLY you by YOUR decisions and choices as you use your computer. For example, if you install a program, you are offered the opportunity to place a shortcut to it on your Desktop. If you don't bother to make sure that the option is unchecked, then the shortcut is created for you because YOU gave that instruction to the software install program that is performing the installation. Windows doesn't do it at all. The software you are trying to install does ONLY because YOU instructed it to by not paying attention to the install routine, and just clicking away mindlessly. You need to stop doing that unless you want icons to be placed on your Desktop. That is your call. But, if you do place things on your Desktop, they will also appear in your \Desktop folder, whether you like it or not.

Please understand the difference between your Windows Desktop interface (the GUI) and the Windows \Desktop folder. They are two completely different things, yet (confusingly for some) they are also inextricably the same thing. I shall try to explain that for you.

The windows Desktop (notice no \ before the word 'Desktop', is your GUI (Graphical User Interface, the visual experience of having your whole screen covered by it, all pretty with a nice picture or dull as dust with just a black screen or colour.

But it is even more than that. It is a program, too, in its own right, literally a small piece of software (part of the Windows operating system that comprises hundreds of tiny programs), that displays itself in visual form. It aims so emulate a normal, physical desktop, upon which you can conveniently place things, entirely at your leisure, always of your own choosing, always within your control. You can delete anything on it at your whim, even the recycle bin. Because it is also a program, you can use settings not to display items that you don't want to see and much more besides. All of those options are available by right clicking on it and using the menu system provided when you do that. Nothing, not one single thing is out of your control, not ever.

Now, the \Desktop folder (notice there is a \ before the word 'Desktop' signifying that a 'folder' (container), not a program, is referred to, is an extension of the functionality that the Desktop (no \) provides. That means that Microsoft have provided an easy and useful way for you to manage and view anything that you put on your Desktop (visually), usually, just icons, unless you use Widgets (small programs with a GUI so that you can see something useful. These are still available but not included with Windows 10 by default. You have to install them separately.)

This Windows \Desktop folder is simply like a folder in an old filing cabinet into which you can put whatever you like, even huge data folders such as those containing complete program installation files, not that it is advisable.

Portagie68 said:

Windows just opens it for some odd reason when I have to insert Pictures in the web.

By that, I assume that you mean it "...just opens..." the \Desktop folder by default when you browse to upload a picture. That is ONLY because it remembers previous actions so assumes that the user, whoever that is, wants to do the same thing again. This is based upon something called 'Intellisense', a universal method of pre-empting what users want to happen based on what has been learned by systems based on user usage patterns. When a user changes their pattern, in theory anyway, Intellisense responds accordingly, maybe not immediately but, over time. it learns, or is supposed to anyway. Sometimes, that doesn't work properly, in the way that is intended. This can be frustrating for users. It is not yet perfected. So, sometimes, intellisense is a slow learner, if it even learns at all. This is possibly what is frustrating you so much.

With intellisense, you have to gradually 'train' it so that it recognises what you want to happen and then replicates that preference.

Let's just summarize as this is a very long post.

1. Do what I have suggested that you do and never mind if you've tried these things in the past. You have not tried them today, and that is what you need to do.

2. Hiding the \Desktop folder is not helping solve the problems that you are having, just inconveniencing you because you are denying yourself some handy control, but that is your choice. If that is your choice, all good, but nothing to complain about either.

3. Shortcuts in the \Desktop folder are created by you, no one else. Windows does not make them. you do. If you don't want them made, stop making them. Problem solved.

4. The default \Download folder is set by you and only you, not Windows. Changing that location is done in browser settings, not Windows. Windows does not change that. You do.

5. It may be that you or someone else has changed settings that override intellisense and have somehow locked the default picture upload source as \Desktop. I don't believe that anyway. However, if it is that locked up, I would do a clean install of Windows with all that is implied. Search the Tutorial section here for guidance or click this link: Clean Install Windows 10

Be sure to do do two things before that:

a) Take an image or clone your entire C:\ drive just in case things go wrong so that you can at least get back to square one, where you are now.

b) In addition to the above, separately, backup only your files preserving folder structure so that nothing you want to keep is lost. This will not include system or program files, only your personal data and bookmarks Export them first), etc. Include Outlook backup if you use it. This is because you do not want any system files with any old settings that you do not want to inherit to be included in your new fresh, clean version of Windows.

This is so that you can install Windows completely clean with no inherited nonsense that you want to get rid of, and then be able to load in your personal data afterwards with no corruption.

Yes, it is a lot of work, but it will solve all of your current problems and be great experience for you.

All problems resolved.

And that is it! I hang my boots up. If the above doesn't solve your problems, nothing will. In which case I can recommend taking up a musical instrument and forget all about computers.

Several great people with huge amounts of knowledge have tried their best to help you here in this forum, but you have not worked with them as you could have done, instead, been somewhat backwards in coming forwards when asked and even slightly obstructive, which is kind of disrespectful and is a waste of good folk's time. That's not cricket! The collective knowledge and experience available here is encyclopaedic. Learn from it, and appreciate the kindness and patience that everyone has shown.

Please thank everyone in this thread and forget about what you think you have already tried. It hasn't worked. Now try exactly what I have suggested. I guarantee it will work without fail. I have never, not ever, encountered any computing problem that cannot be solved. All it takes is patience and systematic perseverance, plus some hard work sometimes.

**reaches for guitar and a glass of red wine**

With kind regards and best wishes,

Christophe