up vote 5 down vote favorite
1
share [g+] share [fb]

Sometimes I notice Desktop.ini files in folders of my computer. Why/how are they generated, and, is it possible to make the OS stop generating these files?

link|improve this question
These files are the plague of obsessive compulsive computer users that need to show hidden files and folders. :-) – Chris Dwyer Mar 23 '10 at 16:49
feedback

migrated from serverfault.com Mar 23 '10 at 15:10

This question came from our site for system administrators and desktop support professionals.

1 Answer

up vote 4 down vote accepted

Desktop.ini is a Windows system file that stores information about customisation in each folder (one file per customised folder). E.g. on the desktop or in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs.

If you customise folders then you can't avoid them, but you can hide them.

Enable these two in a Windows Explorer window, menu Tools/Folder Options/tab View/:

  1. "Do not show hidden files and folders"

  2. "Hide protected operating system files (recommended)"

link|improve this answer
feedback

Your Answer

 
or
required, but never shown
discard

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.