Ghost images on desktop

Elljay · 05 May 2014

Hello there.
How do I explain this?
For quite sometime, I have been having a weird issue with images remaining on my desktop, long after I have moved them to a folder and off my desktop completely. Starting to make me nuts.
If I download or move an image to my desktop and click on it to view it, I will see images that used to be there. In order to view the new image, I need to move it around my desktop and find a space where the new image will finally display.
I would appreciate anyone's help with this.
Thank you.

andrew129260 · 05 May 2014

Could you add a screenshot to show the problem?

Elljay · 05 May 2014

Ok. I will. I need a few minutes though. :) I'm still green at this.

Damian Adelle · 05 May 2014

Use this to capture the screen:
PicPick | All-in-one design tool, Screen Capture, Image Editor, Color Picker, Pixel Ruler and More
But I believe what you are trying to explain is that, when you move pictures from one folder to another, you still see those pictures when you are looking at the files in preview mode?, like in big icons?, sometimes the system takes time in refreshing those previews. Or if a picture won't do, try to record the screen with this, CamStudio and upload it to youtube:
CamStudio - Free Screen Recording Software
or make a .gif file with this app, GifCam if youtube won't do:
GifCam | BahraniApps Blog
It's all open-source software, so it's free for use.

Elljay · 05 May 2014

Hi Andrew.
Here is what I will see. Say I want to look at this quote. When I click on it, I will see an image I filed and moved off my desktop months ago.
Occasionally (like now) I will also see 'Windows Photo Viewer can't open this picture because Photo Viewer doesn't support this file format or you don't have the latest updates to Photo Viewer.' I then have to move the image I want to view around the desktop to find 'a blank spot', so to speak and only then will it display.

andrew129260 · 05 May 2014

Hmm that is odd. Do you have issues with any other graphic objects? Like in other programs or anything?

I use windows live photo gallery as it supports more formats. I do not use the original photo viewer.

May I make a suggestion? I normally do not recoomend to replace something just because it does not work, but could you try windows live photo gallery and set it as the default program for photos?

The issue should then no longer occur.

Windows live photo gallery:

Photo Gallery - Microsoft Windows

Check what programs you want. The photo gallery and video editor are quite decent.

Layback Bear · 05 May 2014

I would recommend also scanning each photo for infection. All it takes in one infected photo to mess up the rest of the photos and possibly more problems.

Elljay · 05 May 2014

Sorry Damien, I don't think you know what I mean. It can be a family photo that I just want to view and I see images that I once had one my desktop... but moved into a folder and OFF my desktop a long time ago. I can not explain it any other way.

Elljay · 05 May 2014

Really? Scan everyone Layback Bear... that would be intense and take me many many hours of work. Out of curiosity, how do I do that?

Damian Adelle · 05 May 2014

Andrew and Bear are right, you should try to use other program to open image files, or scan for virus, that never hurts to know. I personally use XNView:
XnView Software · Software for reading, organizing and processing images
This program is open source, is free and it opens almost ANY kind of existing image file, and to be. Try to check if those programs do open correctly your files, because to be honest, the native windows file viewer is not good at all, it doesn't even open .gif files.