Duplicate icons on desktop

[prpldodge]

Hi

I have a windows 2000 computer that is creating duplicate icons on the desktop. Here is why, the desktop folder from the All User account was moved and replaced another users desktop folder. In attempt to correct this, a new folder was created in the all users account but it does not work. Icons created in this folder will not show up on the desktop. It seems like the All Users desktop folder has combined with the user’s folder and creates duplicate icons when they are added. If you delete one of them they both go away. Does anyone know how to restore the All Users desktop folder and restore the users desktop folder. These are the folders found in c:\Documents and Settings
Alan

 

[CharlieJax]

You need to check the permissions on the All User's folder(s) and make sure everyone has permission.

Then, I would login as the Administrator, copy the icons and data you want out of the user's folder.

Delete the user's (who is having problems) directory and the All User's directory.

Then reboot the machine and let windows rebuild the all users folders.

Log the user on and replace his icons and files.

CJ

Don't drink and post, save that for driving home!

 

[wolluf]

Is it just one user with the duplicates problem?

How was the All Users folder moved to replace users folder (eg, was it really moved, or copied). Are the original All Users entries still intact? Don't really understand why new All Users desktop folder not working (what about start menu - are entries from there visible to other users?).

Might be worth renaming troublesome user profile folder, and then logging on as that user to create new one. Then copy back the bits you need.

 

[prpldodge]

Here is the chain events
1. User's desktop folder moved to All Users and replaced all contents.
2. Duplicate icons appeared.
3. Deleted Duplicate Icons from Users desktop.
4. Remaing Icons failed to work (not valid)
5. Copied All User desktop folder back to original user desktop.
6. Duplicate icon still occur

Now when ever a new user is created they get dupicate icons on desktop. They do not get duplicate icons of My computer,My Documents,My Network Places, Recyle Bin, or Internet explorer. Any addition added icons are duplicated.

As suggested I tried deleteing the All User directory but it say it is a system folder and cannot be deleted.

 

[wolluf]

My All Users folder has only these 7 folders and 1 file in it:-

Application Data
Desktop
Documents
DRM
Favorites
Start Menu
Templates
ntuser.pol

I'd make sure you've removed all the 'user' folders from yours, and check the contents of the other folders are correct (ie, mainly empty or with other empty folders, but Desktop should obviously contain common desktop icons for installed apps and start menu should have Programs folder with entries for all the apps installed for all user use.

You haven't done anything to the Default User folder? (Because new users are set up based on the Default User folder).

PS. You probably don't need reminding - but backing up (particularly system folders) before updating is a good idea!

 

[netwalker1]

The new users are affected also !!
This problems seems to be in the default user ..
go to
c:\Documents and Settings\default user\desktop folder and remove all the icons .. and check this problem again ...



Mohamed Farid
Know Me No Pain , No Me Know Pain !!!

 

[prpldodge]

wolluf Wrote
You haven't done anything to the Default User folder? (Because new users are set up based on the Default User folder).

To my knowlodge nothing was done to the default folder but if you set up a new user they get duplicated icon as well. All the users desktop folders are empty. this includes the admistrator and the default user. I am going to attemp a windows repair from the CD

Alan

 

[prpldodge]

Well doing the repair from the Windows CD has fixed the problem. Unfortunately I still have no clue as to why it was acting the way it was. Understanding the root of the problem has to be set aside in the interest of time and user convenience. I would like to thank all of you that responded to my call for help

Thank You
Alan