Here are the details to re-create this bug:
1. Goto "Organize -> Folder & Search Options".
2. In "View" tab, enable "Show hidden files and folders" option and disable "Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)" option.
3. Now check the Desktop and you'll see 2 "desktop.ini" files on desktop.
Now you'll say what's the bug here? The bug is, these 2 files should not be visible on Desktop at all. In earlier versions of windows (like XP) no such files were shown on desktop even the file exists in desktop folder. These files are used to customize folder settings.
I came to know that one file is for current user settings and the other file is for all users profile settings.
Many power users enable "show hidden files/folders" option and disable the option "hide protected system files" in their system but also they want a clean desktop. But its not the case in Vista.
To make it more clear, "Desktop.ini" file also exists in other system folders like "Temporary Internet Files", "History", etc but these folders don't show these files even after enabling/disabling the options mentioned in Step2, then why Desktop shows these 2 files? Strange, very strange...
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MoToR
^ The last line missed the "plus" symbol in front of 1 VG.
Jamie
This Works For Vista And XP
Open My Computer, click Tools → Folder Options
Click on the View tab.
Uncheck the checkbox which says: “Do not show hidden files and folders”
Put a check in the box which says: “Hide protected operating system files (recommended)”.
Click ok.
The Desktop.ini Files Should Now Be Hidden.
Hope I Could Help.
Jamie
Andrei
Jamie, your comment is so useless it made me cry blood. Didin't you read all the comments before?
John Doe
First, uncheck the hide protected system files checkbox, then:
Start » Run » CMD » Ok
attrib H S "%USERPROFILE%\Desktop\desktop.ini"
attrib H S "%PUBLIC%\Desktop\desktop.ini"
Problem solved...
John Doe
Yeah, great reply system, there had to be a plus mark ( ) before the H & S parameters
attrib »H »S “%USERPROFILE%\Desktop\desktop.ini”
attrib »H »S “%PUBLIC%\Desktop\desktop.ini”
replace the » with a plus...
Carmen
People, why are you making it so complicated, just make the icon for the ini files a blank icon!! That's it, your desktop will be completely spotless.
Retard
It seems 90% of the people posting here are retarded and can't read.
John Doe, your method doesn't work. The desktop.ini files are already flagged hidden and system by default.
Carmen, your method works unless you deal with other INI files and then guess what all your INI files have a blank icon and no extension. So you shift the annoyance from the desktop to elsewhere.
Jamie, you work a telephone tech support job don't you? Complete misunderstanding of the issue.
Linux lovers, get a life and go buy a Mac if you want a real alternative OS. Then at least we can enjoy your commercials.
Carmen
Actually retard, there's no need to get rid of the extension, the method still works. And, were it necessary to do so, you know what retard? there is this little column available in explorer called "type", which is quite useful for people who like you have a difficult time telling one type of file from another. There, you'll be amazed to find how it will list "configuration settings" as the type for .ini files. Ask someone you know for detailed instructions about how to access this most informational feature for computer beginners. As for needing an icon for your ini files, well, I don't know what to tell you, except that it reveals much of why you feel so confused and intimidated by linux.
PS
Whomever is responsible for this forum should dump retard from this site.
Jason
I like this thread LOL
Dynamiel
I have no idea if this thread is actively read/used (since I see no dates anywhere, today it's sep. 28, 2008).
I am also a power user and show hidden files and system files and always show all extentions.
To access my desktop icons, I use a toolbar at the bottom (aligned to the right, just next to the system tray, only showing the text 'Desktop'). To show the toolbar, right click the start bar, see under Toolbar and select Desktop.
Now for an additive goof in Vista: the desktop.ini does not show there!!!
My conclusive solutions are:
1. Delete the desktop.ini files, they add nothing to the functionallity of the system
or:
2. Hide all desktop icons and access them via a toolbar at the bottom.