Windows 7 - all the desktop shortcuts have disappeared

Similar Questions

• All the desktop shortcut icons have changed for Windows Media Center

  so I aidentally tried to open an EXE file. file with windows media center and wmc has taken over my computer. converted almost all my shortcut icons on the desktop in wmc and wmc fefuses icons to close. System Restore does not either. safe mode was not helpful either

  Original title: hostile takeover in Windows media center

  Thanks for your quick response. Unfortunately, the process you gave me failed, because he said that I had no permission to check in the Notepad file. BUT he has given me hope and showed me in the right direction. I had worked at this for 4 days now. I learned a lot through the links you sent me and I could finally get it fixed.

• Windows Vista updates (12 April 2010) broke all the desktop shortcuts

  On 13 April, I fist notice this problem. I managed to it is resolved according to restore my computer to a previous point prior to the windows vista update have been installed. I didn't create a new restore point and also forgot to uncheck "automatic installation of windows. A few days later, the same problem after updates have been installed again on April 15. Unfortunately, this time I don't have a restore point previous April 15. So, I restored it on next day 16, but not resolved the issue. So I uninstall all vista windows update installed on April 15 but did not help either.

  Fortunately it affects only an admin user (user account that run windows update) all users are very well.

  Any suggestions to solve this problem, much appreciated.

  Kind regards

  lmaestro

  SOLVED. It is a Virus. A villain. For more information, see URL below:

  http://social.answers.Microsoft.com/forums/en/vistaprograms/thread/039ceca1-c81f-4136-8c04-bf13c0378495

  I followed the comments posted by "lilvtboiraver" about the "Regetry Exchange" and it solved this problem.

  Thank you

• All the desktop icons have changed, please help!

  I wanted to open a game, so I double-clicked on the icon shortcut, as usual.

  I was told that I had to search for a file on the internet or a group of programs to open this game.
  I have all the games correctly installed files.
  Then I chose to open the game with this icon of games, now it changed all my icons on my laptop to a thumbnail of this image of the games shortcut. I have no knowledge of how to restore ALL their original images.
  I can not open a large part of my programs because they automatically want to open with this icon.
  I can't do system restore unfortunately like I did not restore points.
  Can someone help me?

  Hi Jackalus,

  It seems that application shortcuts are corrupted.

  We will try these steps and check if it helps.

  Method 1: Run the fix - it suggested in the following link.
  When you run an .exe on a Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 computer file, the file can start another program
  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/950505

  
  

  Method 2: Refer to the suggestions from this link.
  

  Change the programs that Windows uses by default

  http://Windows.Microsoft.com/en-in/Windows7/change-which-programs-Windows-uses-by-default

  If you have additional questions, or if this problem persists, come in and we will be happy to help you.

• Program on the desktop shortcuts have changed the icon in Solution Explorer.

  He's in my top of office program shortcuts changed to Solution Explorer icon. If you click any shortcut ikon is involved in a download window instead of opening the target program

  He's in my top of office program shortcuts changed to Solution Explorer icon. If you click any shortcut ikon is involved in a download window instead of opening the target program

  Use this method

  Restore the file type associations

  http://www.Vistax64.com/tutorials/233243-default-file-type-associations-restore.html
  Scroll down to exe - executable application files.
  Click on the exe

  Follow the instructions in #1 à #7 at the top.

  Scroll to lnk - shortcut link (LNK) files.
  Click on lnk

  Follow the instructions in #1 à #7 at the top.

  If the above method works, but the look still icons like icon in the Solution Explorer, and then do a reconstruction of icon hidden.

  http://www.Vistax64.com/tutorials/117229-icon-cache-rebuild.html

• I have windows vista and when I click on a shortcut on the desktop I have a pop up asking what file to open it with. In order to open the file I find the actuall file.

  Original title: registry exe problem

  I have windows vista and when I click on a shortcut on the desktop I have a pop up asking what file to open it with. In order to open the file I find the actuall file. This also occurs when you download the software, which makes it difficult, because the file is not on the pc yet. All solutions?

  Looks like you may have a virus or other malware. Get your updated antivirus program and boot into Safe Mode. Note that some viruses can hide from your normal antivirus program, so you really need to scan in Safe Mode. To enter in Safe Mode when you turn on first, press F8 on every seconds until you get the menu, and then select Safe Mode. Then run a complete system scan.

  Microsoft has suggestions and offerings to

  http://Windows.Microsoft.com/en-us/Windows7/how-do-I-remove-a-computer-virus

  Moderator Forum Keith has a few suggestions along this line to

  http://answers.Microsoft.com/en-us/Windows/Forum/Windows_7-performance/Windows-Explorer-has-stopped-working/6ab02526-5071-4DCC-895F-d90202bad8b3

  If that suits him fine. If this is not the case, use system restore to go back to an earlier date at the beginning of the problem. To run system restore, click Start-> programs-> Accessories-> System Tools-> system restore. Click on the box that says show more restore points.

  You can check the corrupted system files. Open an administrator command prompt and run SFC if the above does not help. Click START, and then type sfc in the search box, right-click to SFC. EXE and click run as administrator. Then, from the command prompt type sfc/scannow.

  Finally if all else fails, you can look at the rather cryptic system event log. To make, click Start-> Control Panel-> administration-> event viewer tools. Once in Event Viewer system log-click and scroll entries looking for these "error" with indicator see if you can find guidance on where the problem may be.

  I hope this helps. Good luck.

• The desktop icons have all disappeared, moved to the taskbar.

  My desktop icons have disappeared.  I tried to do a right click on the desktop, but nothing happens, no pop - up menu or anything like that.  The desktop items have been moved to the taskbar background, so I have access to all my icons, but I'd like to come back to the office.  I tried to drag items on the desktop from the taskbar on the desktop, but nothing happens.  It's as if the desktop is locked.  Time virus scan clean.  Windows updated last night, but I don't know if that is related.   Any ideas?  Thank you.

  Restore point:

  http://www.howtogeek.com/HOWTO/Windows-Vista/using-Windows-Vista-system-restore/

  Do Safe Mode system restore, if it is impossible to do in Normal Mode.

  Try typing F8 at startup and in the list of Boot selections, select Mode safe using ARROW top to go there > and then press ENTER.

  Try a restore of the system once, to choose a Restore Point prior to your problem...

  Click Start > programs > Accessories > system tools > system restore > choose another time > next > etc.

  See you soon.

  Mick Murphy - Microsoft partner

• When I save a shortcut on the desktop, I have 2 files.

  When I save a shortcut on the desktop, I have 2 files, the short cut and a second, the shortcut "files." If I delete the files, two shortcuts disappeared. Happened only a few months. Does anyone have a solution?

  I've been using Firefox. I click with the right button on the Web page, click Save as and save it on the desktop. I think that its code html in format "page"full Web", only other options are"html only", which translates to lose all the formatting and images,"text files"and"all files ". Thanks for the reply.

• All the program icons have the same appearance and open Windows Media Center

  Original title: cannot start a program
  When I click on an any program icon on the Windows 7 Desktop, a window appears with its contents: suggested program to open Windows Media Center. All the programs on the desktop icons have the same appearance.

  Using Word 2007 to get an example:

  I've seen this happen when opening a program via a shortcut on the desktop (for example. LNK file), you are asked what type of program to open it with. After you select theWord (or another program) via the Select a program from a list of programs installedand checkalways use the selected program to open this type of file, the referenced by the shortcut of origin Word document opens in Word as it should.

  The problem is that now all shortcuts (for example. LNK files) on the desktop or in the Explorer will want to be opened by Word and use Word icon to display the shortcut. This is known as a file association and the default icon. The same condition can occur if you have performed these actions on one. JPG or even a. EXE, but the. LNK explanation is much more likely.

  This has happened enough that a small utility was written to cancel the. LNK file association was created. There is a registry hack to do this, but I recommend the utility unLNK for its ease of use.

  A utility to Unassociate Types of files in Windows 7 and Vista
  http://www.Winhelponline.com/articles/231/1/an-utility-to-unassociate-file-types-in-Windows-7-and-Vista.html

  Just use the utility to unassociate the. LNK files. Operating instructions are available on the web page above (the same place to get the utility).

  • If this proposal of solution solves your problem, please go back and mark as answer for others to consider.

• All help & support files have disappeared. I get the message "help and support files cannot start."

  Original title: help & support files

  Windows 7 Professional. All help & support files have disappeared. I get the message "help and support files cannot start."

  How to return please?.

  Perhaps.  An analysis of file system I think would replace the help files, but you can try it, there is no harm.  Just open a command prompt (right click and "open as Administrator"), and then type sfc/scannow

• I have try the Lightroom CC and all my development tools have disappeared from the screen.  When I select develop, the sidebar is not completely empty.  Where it's going and how do I get it back?

  I have try the Lightroom CC and all my development tools have disappeared.  When I select develop, the sidebar is completely blank - black - nothing.  Where all the settings go and how can I get back them?

  If the Panel is visible and completely empty, open the window-> Menu panels and put checkmarks in the ones you want to display. Alternatively, you can simply press Ctrl/1-6 to bring the different sections. If the sidebar is gone, click the midway small gray triangle on the right side of your screen. Click twice to make it remain displayed.

• Why all my desktop icons have changed in PDF format when I installed the drive?

  I just installed Adobe Reader and all my desktop icons have changed and nothing does not open.  How can I fix?

  Hey carolq123,

  Could you please check the below mentioned KB doc for the same link:

  Application, the icons of file change icon Acrobat/Reader

  Let me know if it helps.

  Kind regards

  Ana Maria

• The desktop icons have changed from blank page

  Original title: no files ar open is simply displayed as a blank page.

  icon view all in my office just as a blank page and it does not open.

  Hi Vivek,

  Thank you for visiting the Community Forums of Microsoft.

  According to the description, the desktop icons have changed blacnk page. I might help you.

  You did changes to the computer before the show?

  This problem may occur if you have uninstalled all applications, viruses or damaged operating system files in the computer.

  Method 1: Please follow the steps to solve the problem of shortcuts:

  Difficulty of broken desktop shortcuts and common system maintenance tasks

  http://support.Microsoft.com/mats/system_maintenance_for_windows/en-us

  Method 2: Scan SFC Run in the computer

  Use the System File Checker tool to troubleshoot missing or corrupted on Windows Vista or Windows system files

  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/929833

  Refer to the article to change the display of files:

  Behavior and change folder views

  http://Windows.Microsoft.com/en-us/Windows-Vista/change-folder-views-and-behavior

  Note: the article applies to Windows 7.

  Please report if you encounter a problem with Windows. I will be happy to provide you with additional options.

• Paint, calculator changed and the desktop icon has disappeared from the start bar

  Paint my new windows 8 that I had to buy lost and calculator has no mode of the engineer and the desktop icon has disappeared and I had to click on any application and leave to return to the desktop. I had just restarted and updated a windows update and restart, which is good and after I on this once again, everythinig went wrong.before happened, I downloaded a cheat engine and I wanted to only uninstall using perfect uninstaller which also can not be uninstalled. Please help, can I send it to the factory without pay? I bought it just 3-4 days.

  Hi Jonny,

  Thanks for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

  I understand that you have with disappearing icons on the desktop and the start menu. We are happy to help you in the matter of fixing.

  Please follow the following suggestions to solve the problem.

  Method 1: Check if the Show Desktop icons is enabled or not. Follow the steps mentioned below to do the same.

  Right click on the desktop, point to view , and then click show the desktop icons.

  Method 2: This problem could be due to corrupt system files or viruses in the computer. So, you can try to test the problem in safe mode and see if that helps.

  Step 1: See the link to start in safe mode.

  Start settings for Windows (including safe mode)

  Step 2: If you are able to turn off the computer in safe mode, I suggest you perform the clean boot because your system in a clean boot state can identify if all parties third party applications or startup items are causing the problem. You must follow the steps in the article mentioned below to perform a clean boot.

  How do I perform a boot in Windows

  Note: See "How do I reset the computer to start normally after a boot minimum troubleshooting" to prepare the computer to start as usual after a repair.

  Also, try to run Microsoft Security Scanner to check if there are viruses in the computer.

  Microsoft safety scanner

  Note: The data files that are infected must be cleaned only by removing the file completely, which means that there is a risk of data loss.

  I hope this helps. Otherwise, feel free to write us again for more assistance, and we will be happy to help you come.

• All the desktop icons turned to iTunes

  When an icon is clicked, error message "Windows cannot open this file:rundll32.exe" is displayed.

  Windows XP Professional

  Hello

  1. did you of recent changes on the computer?

  2 when was the last time it was working fine?

  3. do you have security software installed on the computer?

  For the error icons, please see the article below and try the steps mentioned, check if it helps.

  Cannot find the Rundll32.exe file when you open Control Panel

  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/812340

  Method 1

  For all the desktop icons turned into iTunes I would suggest that you do the system restore point when it was working fine and check if that helps.

  How to restore Windows XP to a previous state

  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/306084

  Method 2

  If the system restore does not resolve the problem, then check out the link below and run the Fixit tool available, check if it helps.

  Diagnose and repair Windows files and folders problems automatically

  http://support.Microsoft.com/mats/windows_file_and_folder_diag

   

  If the previous step fails then see Microsoft article below and check if it helps.

  How to change or choose the program that starts when you double-click a file in Windows XP

  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/307859