Hey guys, why are some of my desktop shortcuts listed in startup programs? Worse still, why some but not all? This only happened in the last couple days, though my last upgrade was before this, and when I delete the entries the shortcuts themselves are deleted from the desktop, which I don't want.

If in your registry, under Current User or Local Machine startup items, there are entries where the target points to a shortcut (.lnk) on your desktop as opposed to the application itself, then that might explain it. I could think of another scenario where removing startup items would delete a desktop shortcut, but far less likely. What I am currious about is, what exactly are these shortcuts that get removed? Are they applications, documents etc? What would happen if you re-create the shortcut(s)?

They are as you guessed shortcuts to folders and exes, like Word and D:. When I delete the entries they are also deleted; when I created new ones by copying start menu shortcuts and by right-click-create-shortcut'ing the drives they reappear in CCleaner. I'm very Type-A -- I need to know why this is happening and stop it! (slightly anal, I know, but all the same. . .)

Its really odd those shortcuts would turn up in the startup tool. What about creating those shortcuts on another account such as All Users? Assuming we are talking about XP try placing the shortcuts under C:\Documents & Settings\All Users\Desktop

Maybe someone else will have some insight why this happens.

sure. in case it matters I'm running vista.

In that case try C:\Users\Public\Desktop
Any new shortcut created in that folder will appear on your own desktop. Then see if CC detects it.

Do you have Desktop shortcuts selected in Windows System?

you know whats really wierd? They're GONE suddenly. The entries, not the shortcuts. Spooky.

Hello Chessman,
We like "spooky". Keep us informed.

Please answer our questions.

Did you have the option for Desktop Shortcuts in Cleaner > Windows tab > System turned on or off as YoKenny asked ?

P.S. Also have you been using different Startup entry utility programs ?
How many Users on your PC ?
davey

Sure, Davey. No, Desktop Shortcuts is not enabled in the cleaner. No, this is the only startup cleaner I use on this computer. And I'm the only user. And it seems, after a quick check, that the ones that were in the startup list are those that are in Users\Public\Desktop, while the ones that weren't are in Users\Tim\Desktop.

I experienced a similar problem. I had not only shortcuts but .exe files on my desktop listed in the startup programs and when I unchecked the boxes the shortcuts and files disappeared from the desktop. I didn't realize what was happening until several shortcuts and files had been removed from the desktop. When i try to recheck the boxes I get "the specified path is invalid" error. i cant find any way of restoring the files. I am the only user on my computer running vista ultimate x64. I haven't used any other utility programs. I never had desktop shortcuts selected in the cleaner. If someone finds a way to undo this I would be very grateful as it would very difficult to replace some of the files.

"whiterook6", what version and edition and 32 bit or 64 bit of Vista are you using ?



Thanks to both of you for your information.
The situation seems rare but I had similar problems with my PC that led me to this forum.
I have learned very much here and I will be looking into this further.

"vashthestampede", Welcome to the forums.

Thanks again,
davey
http://www.ccleanerbeginnersguide.com/
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Beginners advice
Start here with this link and follow its advice.
http://forum.piriform.com/index.php?s=&...st&p=105208
Also see this link about the Registry and newbies.
http://forum.piriform.com/index.php?s=&...ost&p=96510
Come back and let us know how you did and what else we can help you with. There are lots of easy things to learn. One step at time.