desktop.ini

I had seen threads about it, but I cannot remember the answer.
Once a while, one of those desktop.ini would show itself. I just deleted it knowing that it was ok to do so.
Today, I added a Messenger shortcut on desktop, that desktop.ini icon shows up with my Messenger shortcut. ( see screenshot below.)
Someone please explain what is that darn icon for and what triggers ( how and why ) it to show up on my computer ?
Thank you.

t-4-2

Open up My Documents > Click Organize and then click Folder and Search Options > Click the View Tab > Check 'Hide Protected Operating System Files'.

Hidden Files and Folders - Show or Hide

Desktop.ini should dissappear and never come back to haunt you again.

Thank you.
That explains HOW it pops up uninvited.
The question of WHY it pops up needs answer.

t-4-2

t-4-2 said:

Thank you.
That explains HOW it pops up uninvited.
The question of WHY it pops up needs answer.

t-4-2

Desktop.ini is a system file which deals with common folders such as Downloads, Documents, Pictures, Music etc. When a change is made in these folders, Desktop.ini is updated. It's nothing to worry about, the file is same and it won't do any damage to your PC :)

Brink said:

Because you unhid it to then cause it to pop-up?

Another posssible reason is if you use this context menu item below in say Windows Explorer to toggle to unhide hidden files/folders, it will not show on the desktop until the desktop is refreshed or computer restarted.

Show - Hide Hidden Files - Add to Context Menu

I always keep the protected OS files unhidden, and I don't toggle between hide and unhide.
Now I know what to do to stop it from appearing.

jloc said:

t-4-2 said:

Thank you.
That explains HOW it pops up uninvited.
The question of WHY it pops up needs answer.

t-4-2

Desktop.ini is a system file which deals with common folders such as Downloads, Documents, Pictures, Music etc. When a change is made in these folders, Desktop.ini is updated. It's nothing to worry about, the file is same and it won't do any damage to your PC :)

I know it is harmless, just puzzle why it has to show up.
Thank you.
I'd considered case closed.

Glad you got it sorted, no problem :)

Brink said:

t-4-2 said:

Brink said:

Because you unhid it to then cause it to pop-up?

Another posssible reason is if you use this context menu item below in say Windows Explorer to toggle to unhide hidden files/folders, it will not show on the desktop until the desktop is refreshed or computer restarted.

Show - Hide Hidden Files - Add to Context Menu

I always keep the protected OS files unhidden, and I don't toggle between hide and unhide.
Now I know what to do to stop it from appearing.

The only thing I can think of is that you unhid them inadvertently somehow.

This is how I understand it.......
Hide the OS files, no desktop.ini
Unhide the OS files, desktop.ini pops up whenever it pleases.
And I had been unhiding OS files, therefore I kept getting those desktop.ini icons.