Windows 7 Windows Explorer issues

MyBurger_

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Jun 11, 2014
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The left pane in windows explorer used to only have my favorites, desktop, libraries, and about 2 other things. Now, there's tons of extra icons in the desktop icon in file explorer, but really there are no such icons on my desktop. Photo for clarification.

Whenever I try to delete the shortcuts, I get the error: "Are you sure you want to delete the 'shortcut name here' icon from the desktop?" when there is no such icon. Does anyone know how to fix this?
 
Solution
Have you tried a restoring (using a Restore point) the computer to a date before this happened? Not sure this will help but to get rid of the Recycle Bin icon you can right click on the desktop, click on Personalize, then click on Change desktop icons. If there is a check beside any of the items you don't want to show on the desktop you can click and remove the check beside that item or items and it should hide them (keep them from showing up on the desktop).
Not quite sure I understand about some of the icons. Looking at the picture I can see a Programs and Files Folder and the Recycle Bin on your desktop. However, like you, I don't see a Control Panel icon or Hunter folder (looks like a user folder).
While in Explorer what do you see if you right click on one of the "random icons" and click on Properties?
 

MyBurger_

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Jun 11, 2014
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4,630


I can only open the "properties" on my Programs and Files folder. Here is what it looks like: http://i.imgur.com/ouO6c6Y.png?1

Just the typical properties menu. And I realize I really didn't do a good job at explaining. Here's the best I can do.

There used to only be my favorites, computer, homegroup, network, the desktop and the default libraries "documents, music, pictures, and video". But now, as you can see the extras "Hunter (user folder), network, control panel, recycle bin, and my personal "Programs and Files" folder were added. I realize both recycle bin and "Programs and Files" are currently on the desktop, but they weren't there before this issue occurred. And now, upon deleting them, I get the same error message. If more elaboration is needed, please let me know. :)
 
Have you tried a restoring (using a Restore point) the computer to a date before this happened? Not sure this will help but to get rid of the Recycle Bin icon you can right click on the desktop, click on Personalize, then click on Change desktop icons. If there is a check beside any of the items you don't want to show on the desktop you can click and remove the check beside that item or items and it should hide them (keep them from showing up on the desktop).
 
Solution

MyBurger_

Reputable
Jun 11, 2014
75
0
4,630




Loaded system restore, and now the issue is fixed. Probably should've done this in the first place haha. Well thanks a ton for all the help! :)

 


Glad to be of help and glad you got it fixed.