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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yo momma
Anil you are such a retard, you should sell your PC and buy a MAC where you belong.
ttt
Hi Bob, Stee & VistaFan,
That solution does not work.
Changing the "Advanced Settings" in "Tools > Folder Options > View" or "Organize > Folder and Search Options > View" affects all folders, not just the folder that you're currently in.
Johan
Guys, there's an easier way, just hide them in the recycle bin
Its pretty slack of Microsoft to still use INI files, thought we lost these a long time ago. Thats what the registry is there 4.
Laterz
Sean
I have no idea how old this thread is, but I decided I'd go ahead and reply anyway, since people seem to be in an OS war here.
First, I had exactly the same problem as the person who started this thread. I'm not willing to delete them, as I'm not sure exactly what they're there for. Using ttt's answer was what I was looking for. I knew what I had done -- I'd applied my folder preferences to all folders and files, and this popped up. Which is *exactly* what it should have done. There shouldn't be an exception for the desktop -- that's a poor way to write a user interface. The UI should be consistent across the entire system, not have little exceptions here and there. So, far from being a bug, Vista finally does what it should.
Now, let's talk operating systems. I've been doing Unix administration professionally for quite a number of years. And here's the truth. Linux isn't ready for most users out there. Some various flavors come close, Ubuntu, for example. But for the average adult, it's not there yet. It can't run the software people want.
Macs? Great machines, overpriced. On the other hand, they just work. And they work well.
Vista? Very pretty, and probably great for a large number of people. It's the OS I chose for my mom's machine when I bought her a new laptop. (Okay, truth is I wanted XP, but it would have cost me an extra $200.) Certainly a good choice for gaming, though perhaps not as good as XP. Windows, be it Vista or XP, is really the only choice for a low cost system for casual or computer illiterate users.
Me? Obviously, I run Vista. My laptop runs XP Pro, my server runs Linux, and I play around with a Mac mini. Vista and XP are really the only choices for gaming machines. If I wasn't gaming, I'd have spent a whole lot less money on my newest system and put Linux on it, because other than games, I can do everything I want to do under Linux.
Choose the right tool/OS for what you need and want. Sometimes that's Vista, sometimes Mac, sometimes Linux, or perhaps AIX or Solaris or HPUX. But as much as I prefer Linux as my workstation, it's going to be a long time before it can play recent games up to speed, if it can play them at all.
Sean.
He’sright
Actually Anil was right about the virus. There is a virus like that. Laugh all you want but this is one dangerous virus and it doesn't come alone. Desktop.ini appearing in different places? Its a virus. Just run a search for "Deskt" and see how many you have. If something appears improbable and ludicrous it probably is. Watch out for autorun.exe autorun.inf perfume.exe and Win32.sillyfdc as well...All these autoruns and desktop.ini's are here for: Win32.sillyfdc - and no Avast and MBAM can't do a thing!
Doodles
There has been too much sidetracking on this issue
Most of you just never read ALL the replies or wouldn't have posted the drivel you did.
Today 05.04.2009 I started to see desktop.ini and thumbs.db appearing in odd folders
I have been downloading a fair bit of audio and video lately so I am going to assume it must be some sort of virus/spy ware/bug as Anil states but you are all so quick to ignore and laugh!!!
I am running XP but have not seen these two hidden files before
(incidentally I show hidden files and never had this problem before)
So far the full system scan hasnt picked up anything
Annoying!!!!!
Darth GTB
today: may 28 2009
ok...
that virus REALLY exists...
the name some antivirus systems calls it is Conficker or Downadup or something like that...
but... the double desktop.ini dont looks like that virus...
well lets see if your problem looks like mine...
if you go to the folder "Desktop" by explorer then you see only one desktop.ini
but if you go to the Desktop by WinKey+D there are the 2 nonsense same name files...
other... in all cases are the Windows (holy crap!) Vista...
ok... in my case sometimes i turn on my laptop and it logs on and there is no icons in the desktop... only recycler and the 2 desktop.ini...
soooo i go to the explorer and what i found?? TWO Desktop folders! O.O one desktop.ini in each...
that's is MORE insane: i downloaded a thing in this situation of blank desktop and it went to the downloads folder... ok but when i tryied to find it, it's not there! so i opened the download manager of chrome and went to the download folder... other surprise: it was not in the users folder! it was under System32!!!
now i cant say much more details because i'm not in that computer but when i can go there i post screenshots of that...
when i log on with normal desktop, again only one desktop folder, downloads under users, etc... and the only thing remains is the double desktop.ini
Robert
04 June 09
Up until a few hours ago, I had a perfectly clean system.
Norton Utilities expired today.
A co-worker connected his mobile device/phone to an adjacent computer to charge it via the USB connection. That computer has an inexperienced owner and no protection. Almost immediately, the charging operation is interrupted and won't continue on that computer.
He then unplugs his device/phone (which is powered on) and plugs it into my computer. Vista automatically searches and installs drivers for this device, which takes forever, but computer locks up during this time as well.
I open Start Task Manager and shut down all running programs.
Norton now pops up saying it caught w32.sillyDC on my computer and will now remove it.
Fine. I let it go, then do a reboot, and now the two different desktop.ini files are displayed on the desktop screen, as well as other formerly invisible files now showing up in other folders.
Went online and found this discussion, and after wasting considerable time wading through the nonsense on this forum, found Bob/Stee's solution, tried it and it works. Proof will be there when I don't reply again to this forum saying otherwise after a reboot.
Symantec discusses this worm at length, and either the unprotected computer, or more likely, the mobile device/phone is to blame.
To all who post, be respectful of others' opinions and knowledge. Pay attention to what is being asked, and be professional. Remember why this forum is here, and if you can't behave as adults, please have the civility to exit.
Thanks to all those who honestly tried to help others selflessly.
Robert
04 June 09
Just so nobody continues with the panic and wild speculation, the fix does work fine.
Upon reboot, neither Norton nor Secunia PSI flagged anything, and the desktop is as it originally was, with hidden system files remaining hidden.
Apparently, w32.sillyDC simply resets the view settings. Nothing dramatic, just undo and get on with life.
Thanks again.
Robert
Sorry but the initial post didn't go through. Here it is again:
04 June 09
Up until a few hours ago, I had a perfectly clean system.
Norton Utilities expired today.
A co-worker connected his mobile device/phone to an adjacent computer to charge it via the USB connection. That computer has an inexperienced owner and no protection. Almost immediately, the charging operation is interrupted and won't continue on that computer.
He then unplugs his device/phone (which is powered on) and plugs it into my computer. Vista automatically searches and installs drivers for this device, which takes forever, but computer locks up during this time as well.
I open Start Task Manager and shut down all running programs.
See part two...