old desktop icons reappered - can't delete


  1. Posts : 3
    Windows 10
       #1

    old desktop icons reappered - can't delete


    I have a load of old shorcuts reappered on my desktop, they are not clickable so can't delete them & they are also not appearing in my desktop folder, i have tried to delete the thumbnail cache but had no luck, how can i get rid of theses?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 42,963
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #2

    Hi, do you get an error message when you try to delete them?

    Check both
    C:\Users\<your user name>\Desktop
    and
    C:\Users\Public\Desktop
    as the display is comprised of both of these.
    You should be able to add/delete/create files and folders in both however.

    If you right click on these shortcuts, Properties, General tab, what do you see as the Location?

    Once you know where they are, if you have permissions problems deleting them, you can delete them by:
    a. Downloading and installing FileAssassin - freeware.
    If this works, this is perhaps simplest.

    b.
    - booting from a windows installation medium
    - navigate to a command prompt
    - at the command prompt navigate to where the shortcuts are
    - delete them

    To do this you should have some confidence using the command prompt in this scenario.
    c.
    Otherwise use a live boot CD which you can find and download (free).
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 3
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #3

    i cannot right click them, it is almost as if they are not actually there but i can see them, they do not appear in either of the desktop folders.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 30,592
    Windows 10 (Pro and Insider Pro)
       #4

    Are they perhaps part of the background picture?
    Somebody may played with you... Just change desktop background for test.
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 3
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #5

    AndreTen said:
    Are they perhaps part of the background picture?
    Somebody may played with you... Just change desktop background for test.
    Wow, i feel like a complete idiot now , spent the best part of 2 hours trying to fix this. Well this is the last time my cousin get to "borrow my laptop"
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 42,963
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #6

    Tell him he owes tenforums a £10 consultation fee or equivalent. Make it sound good. Watch his expression.
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 30,592
    Windows 10 (Pro and Insider Pro)
       #7

    dani1234 said:
    Wow, i feel like a complete idiot now , spent the best part of 2 hours trying to fix this. Well this is the last time my cousin get to "borrow my laptop"
    Hey, great you solved your problem. At the end you have some fun! :)
      My Computers


 

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