Windows 7 desktop does not automatically refresh

Question

I am using Windows 7.

If I delete something from the desktop, then the icon remains there.

I have to hit F5 or right-click->Refresh to make the desktop refresh. After the refresh, the icon disappears.

The problem is also described here, here, and here.

Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I finally found the answer to this...

Open regedit and search for "dontrefresh"

You should find 1 value that has "dontrefresh" set to 1. Change this value to 0 and your problem should be solved.

I found the value under HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID{BDEADE7F-C265-11D0-BCED-00A0C90AB50F}\Instance

I confirmed the fix on my laptop. No more pressing F5 after I make a new folder or move a file to my desktop!

Answer 2

Temporary AutoHotkey fix:

While 1
{
    IfWinExist Confirm File Delete ahk_class #32770
    {
    	WinWaitClose, Confirm File Delete ahk_class #32770
    	ControlSend,,{F5},ahk_class Progman
    }
    Sleep 1
}

Explaination:

If the confirm file delete dialog is open, wait until it's closed then send F5 to the desktop. I know this will always refresh the desktop even if the file wasn't deleted from the desktop, but it doesn't hurt anything really.

Answer 3

I have solved the problem by removing the CPU clock from the side bar, this tool caused the problem and also didn't allow the machine to shut down properly.

If that is not the case, think about an application that you have installed recently that might cause this fault and remove it.