Multiple desktop folders in explorer? (XP Home & P

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When using Windows explorer, with the folders view, the folder pane sometimes changes to show multiple desktop folders at the top of the folder list.

These “desktop” folders have various icons. Their contents varies; in the image below, the first one shows the usual “My Computer” details, the last one the actual desktop, while the others show the contents of folders on the desktop . The explorer title bar shows the correct path to what is being displayed for the selected “desktop” folder.

if I right-click on any of them and select “Explore”, they open a new explorer window to the (real) desktop.

I haven’t spotted a pattern to this behaviour, and it happens on various PCs.

Any clues

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I also see this behaviour occassionally. Closing and reopening explorer always seems to fix it..

StuartR

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Yes, it does – I forgot to mention that. Unfortunately it’s not exactly a solution when trying to keep several (neat) explorer windows open for different drives while shuffling files & folders around

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What happens when you do a Refresh (F5 key)?

DaveA I am so far behind, I think I am First
Genealogy....confusing the dead and annoying the living

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Good question – can’t remember whether I had tried it before, or not. The result: nothing happens.

I forgot to mention earlier that I have tried Googling this, and searching the MSKB, but without luck. Either not too many others are bothered by this, or I haven’t guessed the rigth search terms. (I’m glad Stuart confirmed that it’s not just a figment of my imagination.)

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Do you have SP-3 installed?

Joe

--Joe

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No, still on SP2, but otherwise current on my main home machine & laptop. This also happens on other systems, where I’m less sure of status but unlikely to be SP3 on any that I’ve used recently.

I don’t recall anything relevant in the SP3 info I’ve seen, but if there is something specific that could help, then it might be time to take plunge (despite Woody’s misgivings).

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I’m late joining in I know but I just thought I’d say that, like Stuart, I’ve had it happen every once in a long while and just closed Explorer and re-opened it for a clean view. Sorry I can’t help with a “solution” or cause Tim.

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As with Stuart & BigAl, I’ve seen this happen also. It has been a long time and I don’t remember if I did anything other than restart Windows Explorer. Sorry, I can’t be of any more help.

Joe

--Joe

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