Windows 7: are invalid desktop shortcuts deleted?

I notice now and then that shortcuts vanish from my desktop/wall, and I suspect they're only ones where I've relocated the folder and was I to click on it I would be asked 'do you want to delete this link?' -- is Windows automatically removing defunct shortcuts upon a restart/startup?

if so, can I stop it from doing that--it's very very annoying when I forget what _was_ there.

To answer your question: Yes, and you must be creating a lot of them, that is not to say there is anything wrong with doing that.

There is a KB Article ID: 978980 Desktop shortcuts disappear in Windows 7
But, it does not address how to keep unused/defunct icons to four or less or to change the setting to 0. You have to manually keep them to four or less.
There is probably a registry setting but that is more involved, and its Method Two is less than desirable.


One of our members, Johnathan_King found a possible fix: http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/45403-desktop-icons-randomly-disappear.html#post431202


Another explanation/possible fix, that I found is here: Windows 7 Shortcuts Missing or Disappeared after System Maintenance

Lets see if I can explain:

Before you run the Take Ownership in Step #1 right click any Folder/File in your Windows Explorer C:\ Drive to see if you already have the Take Ownership shortcut listed in your context menu.

If not, then follow the steps listed here: Take Ownership Shortcut


Then go back to Step #2 and copy/paste this into the Start/Search box: C:\Windows\diagnostics\scheduled\Maintenance, left click on the Maintenance Folder that shows up in the results pane.

It will open up to the location you need to work with.


In Step #3 it suggests to delete or move:
TS_BrokenShortcuts.ps1 < For checking broken shortcuts
TS_UnusedDesktopIcons.ps1 > For checking unused desktop icons


I would suggest that you Create a New Folder in the Parent Folder diagnostics, and move those two files to it.
You could name it diagnostics_2TS.
It has to be a name familiar to you, but different than diagnostics or else System Maintenance could still pick it up and run it.


Then go back to the Folder C:\Windows\diagnostics\scheduled\Maintenance.
Find, and right click on TS_Brokenshortcuts.ps1. Left click on Take Ownership.
The User Account Control window will flash, left click on Yes, and you now have the right to move that file to the new Folder you created.

Do the same with TS_UnusedDesktopIcons.ps1


Some thoughts:
After you left click and hold the file to drag it to your new folder you should see it highlighted (Aero effect) in blue with a + sign.
When you are over the new folder release the left mouse button, and the file now resides in the new folder.

If the highlight is red with a - sign there is a problem, and Windows will not allow you to move that file. Hopefully if you preformed all the steps correctly the file should be blue as you are moving it.

You could even try Source: Select multiple files or folders
But...You would have to take ownership of both files before you try this!!


At this point close all windows, and just to be sure, restart your machine.

That should take care of your problem! But, you may have to wait for a while to see if it has really taken affect, it depends on how your System Maintenance is scheduled.


I realize there are many steps to take here, If any part is unclear post back and I will try to simplify.

Please post back to let us know how you did.


Anak

Hello Lykho,

Yes, Windows has a System Maintenance Troubleshooter feature that will automatically remove invalid/broken or unused shortcuts from your desktop. You can use the tutorial below to turn this feature off to not have them removed anymore.

System Maintenance Troubleshooter - Turn On or Off

Hope this helps,
Shawn

thanks (nice simple solution). (was stumped for a moment -- my Control Panel had no "left blue pane." that step 1's link directs me to, lol).

You're most welcome Lykho. I'm happy to hear that you got it sorted.

Glad to hear you choose a course of action to solve your problem.