Desktop icons

[anotheoldgit]

I notice that I have 2 desktop icons (type of cog wheel on sheet of paper) that have appeared on my desktop when I click on them notepad windows open.

Is it safe to just delete these? (Windows Vista)

[ianmunt]

They are just short cuts to opening the programmes they refer to.Deleting them will just remove the short cut.The programmes will still be accessible via the programmes menu.If you use them regularly the short cut is convenient,if not right click on them and delete

[anotheoldgit]

Thanks alot, but have you any idea how they appeared in the first place?

They are in my list of programmes and named desktop, type configuration settings one date modified 09/09/2007 and 17/02/2008 and these pop up on my screen when I switch the computer on.

[ianmunt]

No idea how they got there.I suggest you delete them,but for the time being leave them in the recycle bin.If deleting causes a problem(not likely) you can always open the bin ,click on them and restore.In the meantime try to keep tabs on your activities to see if they get created again and note what was the cause

[rnchugg]

Normally an automatic update produces the "shortcuts" its one of Vistas "brainchildds" (fluff-ups if you ask me)