How to Save or recover Windows Desktop Settings??

How to Save or recover Windows Desktop Settings??

I feel that my Desktop is Very organized. I usually have 70 to 77 icons (folders or web shortcuts and links) exactly where I want them for quick and easy access. When I shut down XP, I always see a message that says "Saving Windows Settings ".
But every couple months, my Icons suddenly randomly Rearrage!! Thankfully, they do Not disappear, but it takes me an hour to get them all back to where my mind says they are supposed to be. Is there a way to Restore my Familier icon positions to where they had been before Randomizing??

When I right-click on desktop, I "arrange icons by" 'Modified'.
I have "Lock Web items on Desktop" checked. (I don't even know what that means!)
In my "Display Properties ", I have Desktop background set at (None), color: dark gray; Appearence: Windows Classic.

Is their a way to Save my desktop icon placements??? I have very little problems with my computer, but this occasional icon Randomizing is a nuicence. Any ideas or Suggestions??

Dale Heath

 

I use Microsoft's layout.dll for this. I've used it for a long time and wouldn't be without it. Just right click on any system icon (my computer, recycle bin, etc.) or folder on the desktop to choose to save or restore the icon layout. One nice thing about it is there's no need to have a program running all the time. One small dll file is all that's involved.

 

Oops! I just looked at the page again and don't see a download link. Here's another page you can get it from. They call it Icon Restore but it's the same thing (layout.dll). Note the info at the bottom for uninstalling it.

http://users.rcn.com/taylotr/icon_restore.html

 

Icon Restore info..

Thanks So Much, Zander!

Thanks for the "Icon Restore" info. I downloaded it and it Works! You were my Helpful Expert once before on something...
Dale Heath