How do I get my documents folder off my desktop without deleting it fr

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  1. Posts : 6
    Windows 7 - 64 bit
       #1

    How do I get my documents folder off my desktop without deleting it fr


    I've just started using windows 7 & somehow my documents folder ended up on my desktop along with the normal icon that links to the documents library. I've been trying to figure out how to get the documents folder off my desktop & just keep it in my documents library. Problem is that everything I've tried that gets the folder off my desktop also deletes all my documents from my documents library. I’m concerned that if my documents folder stays on my desktop at some point I’ll delete the entire thing since the only folders I usually keep on the desktop are ones that I need for a very short time, like a few hrs. Then I just delete them totally. How can I get my documents folder off my desktop & just keep it in my documents library??

    Thanks for any help,
    Kit
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 927
    windows 7 ultimate
       #2

    Is it really your my documents folder? Check properties to make sure it isn't a shortcut to your documents folder.
    You can most likely remove it by right clicking the desktop and select Personalise > On the left, select Change desktop icons and making sure Users Files isn't ticked.

    If it really is your documents folder you can move it by right clicking > properties and selecting the location tab and moving it that way.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 1,127
    Win7U 64 RTM
       #3

    It's likely that the steps posted by fimble to remove the documents folder icon from your desktop will solve your problem. If you do relocate the (actual) Documents folder, be sure to follow the steps in this tutorial, especially step #9 in option 2, or you risk ending up with multiple Document folders.

    James
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 6
    Windows 7 - 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #4

    It's not the icon that I want to move, it's my documents folder.. I want it in the library without being on my desktop. Is it normal in Windows 7 for the actual documents folder to be on the desktop??
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 212
    WIN7 x64 Home Premium SP1
       #5

    Kit2594 said:
    It's not the icon that I want to move, it's my documents folder.. I want it in the library without being on my desktop. Is it normal in Windows 7 for the actual documents folder to be on the desktop??
    Open your library and drag the folder into it.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 927
    windows 7 ultimate
       #6

    The icon will be "Your Docoments", but it isn't. It's a direct path (link) as opposed to being a shortcut, which would open a folder from its true location.

    Others will be able to explain it far better than I can!
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 6
    Windows 7 - 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Just saw the tutorial & noticed that my user name isn't listed under the libraries as it shows in the tutorial.. I'm the only user of this computer. I'm thinking this could be part of the problem, how do I add my user name there? Oh, & yes it definitely is my document folder itself that is on my desktop (the normal documents icon shortcut is there also). I've tried deleting something from my documents file to see what would happen & then went & checked the document icon. The item I deleted from the file is then also missing from where the documents icon takes me to.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 1,127
    Win7U 64 RTM
       #8

    The default path for Documents is C:\Users\yourusername. If it is no longer in the default location, your best bet will be to restore it to the default location. Then, if you wish it to be in a different location, use the Change Default Location tutorial (same link as in my previous post) to move it to wherever you wish. I keep mine on a Data partition that gets backed up regularly. Again, when changing the default location, it's important to follow the instructions to avoid duplicate user folders.

    James
      My Computer


  9. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #9

    Before you keep experimenting with the risk of loosing it, I suggest you copy the folder to an external device or another partition- Then you have a safe fallback.

    Next I would rename the one on the desktop and move it to the Documents library. If that does not work, try moving it from the backup and delete the one on the desktop.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 2,578
    Vista 64 bit and 32 bit (SP2)
       #10

    In addition to the other good advice given in this thread, it's a good thing to remember that the "Desktop" is just a folder, and is very similar to other folders, in that if you want to move something off the Desktop but not delete it, one very effective way to do this is to open Windows Explorer, "Cut" the file/folder you want to move and "Paste" it wherever you want it. Voila!
      My Computer


 
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