XP rearranging desktop icons 1

[KVacek]

OK, maybe this isn't how Microsoft intends me to work. However, I prefer to keep a fairly large number of folders on my desktop for quick access. I only use the Start menu to access things I don't use often.

Surely I can't be unique? Certainly I must be missing something in XP that will prevent it from mindlessly moving all the icons to the left every so often?

Yes, I am aware of a registry patch to keep Windows from doing this by permitting me to lock my desktop arrangement, but I just can't believe that this isn't in Windows somewhere already. There's some option to lock Web content, but I don't even put Web content on my desktop permanently.

Is there a built-in option to do this already, or is this another one of those charming Windows "features" that are rapidly changing me from a strong Microsoft supporter into a potential Linux user?

Thanks!

Karl Vacek

 

[bcastner]

right-click a blank area of your desktop, arrange icons, the submenu has Auto arrange, uncheck that option.


I use WinTidy a free utility from PC Magazine, available on their zdnet web site and likely elsewhere. It allows you to take a "snapshot" of your configuration, and restore your desktop to that prior state with one click.

 

[muthabored]

If you've right-clicked on the desktop and select Arrange Icons and de-selected Auto Arrange, you should be able to put the icons any place on your desktop that you want and they should stay there.

 

[KVacek]

I've never had "Auto Arrange" checked.

Nonetheless, unlike any previous Windows version (I've been using and supporting Windows since 1.0 - still have the 3-1/2" floppies) XP periodically moves everything to the left, arranged in their heirarchy and alphabetically within that.

I just can't believe there isn't some way to prevent that happening. However, the existence of several published registry tweaks and/or applications to lock the desktop apparently attests that indeed Microsoft left that little detail out.

Karl

 

[bcastner]

Karl,

I do not think anyone was disagreeing with you.

If Explorer crashes, and reloads what you are talking about can happen. The state then propogates when Windows saves settings on exit.

Try WinTidy, it works. The only annoying thing about any of these utilities is that they will warn you regularly to resave your profile as things change.