Some Icons Missing on Desktop

Question

Some icons seen in the desktop 'folder' are not visible on the (display) desktop. I've tried this and that, with the following results. Drag icon from desktop folder to desktop. Window says Cannot move, source and destination files are the same. Moved icon from desktop folder to another folder, restarted computer, moved icon to desktop. The icon may remain on the desktop unitl next reboot, but afterwards is seen only in folder. Sometimes, it moves in a few seconds. The automatic desktop cleanup function is off. I right clicked the desktop and tried the auto arrange. Existing icons were arranged, but missing icons didn't appear. I tried refreshing the desktop. I also tried deleting the IconCache.db, and rebooting. I also tried chkdsk/f During chkdsk, it said file record segments 8784 thru 8787 were unreadable, but chkdsk proceeded normally otherwise. I'm using an Inspiron 8100 with Win XP Home Thanks, Jim

mombodog · Answer

Run the Dell Diagnostic extended tests on that PC, you may have a failing hard drive.   http://www.cs.utexas.edu/users/deke/laptopsupport/manuals/d600/diag.htm

JRosenfeld · Answer

Do you mean shortcuts that you've placed on the desktop yourself, or system folders (these are My computer, My Documents, My Network Places, Recycle bin, Internet Explorer...) ? for the latter, right click desktop, properties, Desktop tab, customize desktop. You can show or hide them by checking the appropriate boxes. Even when unchecked (hence not showing on desktop), they remain in the Desktop folder (as viewed in Windows Explorer, detailed view).

Jim_Hill · Answer

I'm having problems with both system folders such as My Documents and icons I placed there myself. I'm mostly interested in icons I placed there myself. Jim

Jim_Hill · Answer

I wasn't really correct on my last post. If I drag a system folder to the desktop on the monitor, it will disappear when the computer is restarted. Checking the box causes the icon to remain. So, system folders are not a problem. Jim

Jim_Hill · Answer

mombodog:
Thanks for the tip saying I might have hard drive problems. I downloaded the diagnostice (my computer is too old to have them preinstalled) made bootable floppies, and checked my Inspiron. I have two or three "uncorrectable data errors", and am presently cleaning out my drive so I can put a Ghost image on a 4 GB travel drive.

For others who may go the same route and download the diagnostics, be sure to save the download in a folder named as Dell specifies. If you subsitute a more understandable name, the downloaded .exe file won't run.

Jim

Windows General

Some Icons Missing on Desktop

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