Desktop icon placement

[blockie]

I know that icons for the desktop are stored in the Desktop folder. But where is the placement information stored? Each time I boot the computer the desktop icons are just where I left them.

 

[Dzomlija]

I know that icons for the desktop are stored in the Desktop folder. But where is the placement information stored? Each time I boot the computer the desktop icons are just where I left them.

1) Open Windows Explorer
2) Navigate to you user folder:

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3) Right-click on "Desktop", then select "Properties"
4) Click the "Location" Tab
4) Click "Find Target":

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Or, you can just navigate to C:\Users\[YOU_USER_NAME]\Desktop

 

[blockie]

I thiink you may have misunderstood. I already know where the icons are stored. In Users...William...Desktop. What I would like to know is where is the info that tells each icon where to go on the desktop?

 

[Dzomlija]

I thiink you may have misunderstood. I already know where the icons are stored. In Users...William...Desktop. What I would like to know is where is the info that tells each icon where to go on the desktop?

I think that information is stored within the shortcut file itself. As for those system icons such as Recycle Bin, Computer, etc, perhaps the registry.

To be honest, I'd like to know myself where and how the position-on-desktop is stored.

Sorry I couldn't have been of more help to you.

 

[debugged]

...where is the placement information stored?

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags\1\Desktop

Each time I boot the computer the desktop icons are just where I left them.

Do you mean you tried to move them, but they go back after reboot? If you right click on desktop and select View, and untick "Align icons to grid" and "Auto arrange icons", you can move them wherever you want and they will stay there.

 

[gladson1976]

...where is the placement information stored?

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags\1\Desktop

Each time I boot the computer the desktop icons are just where I left them.

Do you mean you tried to move them, but they go back after reboot? If you right click on desktop and select View, and untick "Align icons to grid" and "Auto arrange icons", you can move them wherever you want and they will stay there.

Each time I boot the computer the desktop icons are just where I left them.

Everything is working fine for him. He just wants to know where the icon position data is stored.

 

[mborner]

Isn't is stored in desktop.ini? It's a hidden system file.

 

[Graemzy]

Do you mean you tried to move them, but they go back after reboot? If you right click on desktop and select View, and untick "Align icons to grid" and "Auto arrange icons", you can move them wherever you want and they will stay there.

that will work for ya but i dont think you can change the location of where any new icons or any items will go to when they are saved to the desktop! you can only move them once saved if ya get me! they will always snap to the other most edge you have picked! the first available space on your desktop. editing this may have to be done in the registry!

 

[debugged]

He just wants to know where the icon position data is stored.

Well, the interesting point is what he wants to do with that information, so we're guessing.

...they will always snap to the... first available space on your desktop.

When they are saved there, or sent there (shortcut created), in other words, whenever the mouse isn't involved to identify a location. Changing that default behaviour? If it means editing a REG_Binary value - help!

Drag and drop and it should stay where you dropped it, right-click > New and it should stay where you right-clicked. Move the file/icon and it should stay there. Mouse inputting location.