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astoller

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Desktop problems

When I am on the net I download files to my desktop.
However, when I look at the desktop, these files are not here although I can see them using explorer (locally)
I can then even copy them from explorer onto my desktop.

I have also a 2nd dekstop folder at
c:\windows\cursors\desktop
(which I shouldn’t have but accidentally dropped it there when trying to back up the desktop folder to my CD)

I cannot delete it as access is denied.
How can I get all my files to show in windows/desktop where they should be ?
and how do I get rid of the desktop folder at windows/cursors/desktop ?

Arthur
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HDWILKINS

I'm wondering if you are actually downloading them to your desktop.  I say this because you said that you could see them in Explorer and copy them to your desktop - so unless the copy shows up there as 'Copy of xxx.xxx' then they weren't there - because you wouldn't be able to copy a file over itself.

Right click on your desktop, Select New, and create a text file.  You can see this file and it has a name and the date you created it in its properties.

Then, use 'Find' and find that file - see where it is.  That is your desktop folder.

There can be many desktop folders on a machine depending on how Profiles were set up (or not).  Question is, which one is yours.

You might also right click on the screen and Arrange Icons to see if the file shows up.  Maybe the screen resoluion isn't set property and its off the screen somewhere.

As for the other folder - I'd just forget it.  You might right click on it to see if its read only, or a system file but its not doing any harm being there.

Harry
Avatar of Asta Cu
It is likely that the default on these downloads is in the Downloaded Program Files Folder.  This may be pertinent to your situation if still unresolved:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q189413

Perhaps you're using a 3rd Party download program such as Deamon or the like (forgot the spelling, sorry) ... which may play a part in this.

Is WindowsUpdate current with patches and fixes?  Perhaps your Downloaded Program Files folder is listed as damaged.
astaec is right, you could be downloading them almost anywhere - but your desktop is your desktop and there is only one file folder that items on your desktop are in.  If you want to download files there, you need to know where that file is and how to get to it.

cheers,

Harry
When you click on a file to download you should get a explorer like window that allows you to select the location you want the file to be downloaded to. The default is the last folder you downloaded to, if you change to a different folder then the next download will default to the same location until you choose another folder.
The above is only true if you are not using any third party download manager.
If you are not getting the saved location option then try right clicking on the link and select "save as" and then you should get the option to choose the location.
Avatar of astoller

ASKER

I found the the desktop at:
windows/cursors/desktop

But I also have a desktop at windows/desktop which is where the system boots to .

So how do I move curosrs/desktop to the windows/desktop and ensure all downloads in future go to windows/desktop?

I also went on the net again and attempted to save a file
The path given in the pop up wiondow syas
windows/desktop
but in fact it must be saving it to windows/cursors/desktop

How can I redefine the path to save to?
Go to Control Panel / Users and change it so that each user has his own profile.

Then your Desktop will be C:\Windows\Profiles\Yourname\Desktop
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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chesbro

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"How can I redefine the path to save to"

Don't you even read the comments?? I posted how to change the default folder to download to.
You can't delete the windows/cursors/desktop folder
 because its the active desktop and as such, is a windows systenm file.  Set up the profiles as I've suggested and then you can delete it.

Harry
Thanks for sticking with me.
I'm curious to know why you chose chesbro's answer to award points to?

Harry