Windows 7: Desktop icons bug

Since I started using Windows 7 I found something that bothers me a lot.



Everytime I move an icon or several icons on my desktop, and run an application that uses a different resolution, the icons I have moved before get randomly placed on the desktop. A way to prevent this from happening, is rebooting the system before running this application, but lately I tend to keep these icons unsorted anyway.

I am certain this is something that occured on Windows 7, I have never noticed this when using Windows XP.

Is there any way to prevent this from happening without having to reboot the machine?

They are displaced, because desktop gets resized.
But mine get back where they should after computers switches back to original screen resolution.

Try right click menu on Desktop - Refresh, before you start that application, which changes resolution (many users report that refreshing helps, actually).

Or you could try to use this third party extension to save and restore icon positions.

Why keep icons on the desktop. They are a lot more accessible if you put them into a dock or a toolbar: Toolbars - How to Use in Windows 7 and Vista

Personally, I don't bother with desktop icons as I prefer an uncluttered screen.

All my shortcuts are either on the taskbar or in the Start folder.

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That is fine if you have few. But I have about 100 shortcuts - for that you need more structure.

Yes, you're quite right, of course.

It works for me because the only programs I use on a regular basis are MS Office and Adobe Design Premium.

Thanks for your replies.

Most icons on my desktop are not shortcuts but files, mostly documents. I usually work with many programs at a time, so taskbar space is a must.

I have installed IconRestorer and it seems to work, although I am now unable to move icons myself. As soon as I get out of the application, new positions are restored to an earlier moment. I am fine with this for now.

This is the way I work.

A clear desktop except for the recycle bin.



Most used programs in a toolbar expanded in the auto hide task bar at the right.



Everything in a toolbar (menu view).



Works for me.

It's not a bug. Windows will reorder your icons if the screen size changes.

You might find a tool by Stardock called "Fences" to be invaluable. I know I do. It lets you create little "zones" on your desktop to organize icons in. Then you can create snapshots of those icon locations and always restore at any time.

I find it much quicker to just hit the start menu button and type a few letters then hit enter, always gets me what i need.