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Two part questions re: Windows XP.

15 years ago

I have Windows XP on my computer. For the past several weeks the icons on my desktop occasionally change although I have done nothing to choose new icons. What causes this?

Also, I understand having many shortcuts on the desktop slows the computer's functioning. How much does each shortcut drain from the computer's efficiency? Does it apply only to the lenght of time it takes to boot up?

Thank you to anyone who takes the time to respond.

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Comments (9)

grandms
15 years ago
I think the many shortcuts on the desktop would only affect the bootup time.

But having the icons change on their own is not normal. What programs do you run for antivirus and other antimalware? I would run a scan using Malwarebytes and have it remove anything it finds. You can also run SuperAntiSpyware and do the same. Run the complete scan, not the quick scan. Be sure that both programs are updated before scanning. Both are free for use.

Here is a link that might be useful: Malwarebytes
azinoh
15 years ago
You might try right clicking on the desktop...going to properties...selecting appearance.... changing size of Icons to large.

It would be to your advantage to keep on the desktop only those icons that are frequently used. Put the others in a separate folder on the desktop so you'll have easy access to them when needed. Just right-click the desktop--create a new folder--give it a name--and drag the seldom used icons into it.
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owbist
15 years ago
I do not allow any icons on my desktop, I removed the check mark to clear them and this creates a pop up near the clock similar to the Quick Launch bar beside the Start button. Then it is a simple task to click the chevrons near the clock then click the needed program in the pop up.

No advantage of course other than keeping the desktop looking better and allowing the selected photo so show clearly.
mudlady_gw
Original Author
15 years ago
Grandms--I have Norton 360 and it says I am fine. If I download Malwaerbytes will it conflict with Norton?
maime
15 years ago
Mine do that but not often and they move on me. Often it is after a download. The last time I had a change my games were all reset to no saved games. I just assumed "that's a computer for you". I have protection that is recommended on this site and I keep it all updated and run it every couple of weeks. Everything comes up clean so far.
DA_Mccoy
15 years ago
Perhaps if you had an extremely ridiculous amount of icons on the Desktop it would effect your startup. However, in general they are of little concern. The main negative would be the active applications they could represent. These applications are the ones being initialized during startup and are all-too-often not needed as they can easily be accessed on-demand through the Start Menu.

It seems today every time you install an application it wants to install a Desktop icon, a Quick Launch icon and a Start menu entry. This for the average user is over kill.

Personally I have only four on my Desktop and two are pointed to the Recycle Bin and one I created for Windows Explorer. On my Quick Launch I have Windows Mail, Firefox and IE8. Everything else I can readily access from the Start Menu, and I like looking at my grandchildren a lot better than DT clutter.

DA
maime
15 years ago
I also like the clean look. I only have 3 icons, documents, computer and recycle. I have changed those to small flowers.
DA_Mccoy
15 years ago
Duh? Should have read, "Personally I have only four on my Desktop with one of them pointed to the Recycle Bin, and another I created for Windows Explorer." That's what happens when you try to eat, think, and post at the same time.

DA
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
15 years ago
malwarebytes is fine to run along with your current norton, it is a stand alone scanner so only works when you activate it, it is an excellent product and will catch many things your norton will miss.
How to download and install Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware application for Windows computers

you can lock down your icons on your desktop so that they do not move. There is also a great little program I have used for years which is free
Icon Restore

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