Windows 7: Question about icons on desktop

Hi. I just bought a new computer with Windows 7 on it and have been setting my system up the way I prefer it. I have been unable to figure out two things regarding desktop icons, despite tinkering around a lot. I'm a bit of a novice with computers and would really appreciate help.

First issue: I downloaded software for my printer from the web and saved it to my desktop. After the download, an icon (I guess this is the right term) appeared for it on my desktop, which makes sense since I downloaded it to the desktop. However, now that the program is downloaded, I do not want this icon to appear on my desktop. When I right-click on it and choose delete, it appears that this option will delete the whole program because the message that comes up is: "Are you sure you want to move this file to the Recycle Bin?" This is a different message than appears for other icons, like those installed by choice when I install a program that gives the option of creating a desktop icon, in which case you can right click and simply remove the desktop shortcut. Is there a way to remove the icon without deleting the whole file?

Second issue: Is there a way to add an icon to the desktop for a program after it has been installed? Some programs do not give the choice of creating a desktop icon upon install, but I'd like to have an icon for some programs.



Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Peace, Christopher

First issue. I'm assuming you've installed the program? The "icon" you see is the installer program. If you don't need it then yes, it is safe to delete. However, for now, if I was you I'd just move it to my Downloads folder (C:\Users\ your user name\Downloads).

Second issue. If you want a desktop icon for a program where the option wasn't available. Locate the programs folder, either in Program Files or Program Files (x86), and look for the .exe file in there. Right click it, mouse over SendTo and select Desktop (create shortcut).

Hope that helps.

A big welcome to 7F for both of you, mujibypi, and fimble

mujibypi, fimbles answers do not get any better than that, good post fimble!

Hi. That resolves my 2nd issue - thanks!

On the 1st issue, how do I move it to my download folder as you suggested? Sorry, like I said, I'm pretty much a novice with computers. Also, if I do move it as suggested, will that remove the icon?

Thanks!

Peace, Christopher

No need to apologize "A question un-asked is a lesson un-learned"

• Right click on the Start Orb in the lower left corner of your desktop.

• A small dialog box will open with "Properties" on the top, and "Open Windows Explorer" on the bottom, Left or right click on Open Windows Explorer. This will open the windows explorer Folder onto your desktop.

• You will see The Library Folder open by default, but take the mouse cursor up to the Folder "Desktop", and left click on that. You should now see to the right the Folders that are on your desktop.

• Locate your downloaded Folder, place the mouse cursor on it then left click and hold...Then drag it while holding down the left mouse button, towards the Folder marked "Downloads".

• Make sure the cursor is touching the word downloads, it should tell you underneath that it is being "Moved to downloads"

• Release the left mouse button, it will disappear into the Folder "Downloads".

• You will see the folder is gone from the desktops right pane, click on the Downloads Folder, and you will see your downloaded Folder.

• Close out Windows Explorer you should be back to the desktop, and see your downloaded folder is no longer there.

• You have successfully moved a Folder, and all its contents from one location to another, and that includes its icon.

There are times you may want to copy a file or folder from one location to another.

To do that you need to hold down on the (Ctrl) Control key located at either the lower left or right corners of your keyboard, while doing the above procedure.

See:
Move and copy files using drag and drop

There are at least two, maybe three more ways to do this, but lets stick with this for now.

Anak and fimble, thanks to both of you. Thanks for helping a novice and making me feel welcome. Anak, your instructions were crystal clear and worked perfectly. Awesome! Much appreciated!

Peace, Christopher

Your very welcome Christopher!

If you would like to do some research on your own, the link in my earlier post will take you to the tutorial index here at 7Forums or you can use this one: Windows 7 - Tutorial Index
You may want to save it for future reference.