Desktop Icon Question

Discussion in 'other software & services' started by Infected, Mar 7, 2020.

  1. Infected

    Infected Registered Member

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    On my mom's laptop, she had a html icon on the desktop. She deleted it, but it left like a "blank" icon. I can't get rid of this thing. I can drag it around on the desktop, but can't delete it. I've tried renaming it, but nothing. I've tried deleting it in safe mode, but still nothing. I've tried cmd line deleting it. I don't know what else to do. I've scanned with many malware scanners, but nothing was found.

    Does anyone else have suggestions? It's W10 64b.
     
  2. Mr.X

    Mr.X Registered Member

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  3. Infected

    Infected Registered Member

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    Is that the same as sfc /scannow? I ran this also, with no errors.
     
  4. imdb

    imdb Registered Member

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    @Infected

    google "taking ownership of a file".
     
  5. Mr.X

    Mr.X Registered Member

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    No. That's system file checker. This is chkdsk for filesystem errors.
     
  6. Krusty

    Krusty Registered Member

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    Is "Show hidden files and folders" enabled?
     
  7. Infected

    Infected Registered Member

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    I don't think so, but I can check.
    I'll give this a shot also. Thanks.
    I'll try this too. Thank you.
     
  8. Mr.X

    Mr.X Registered Member

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    Sooo what worked for you?
     
  9. Infected

    Infected Registered Member

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    Nothing yet. I'm still trying to figure it out.
     
  10. Infected

    Infected Registered Member

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    I've ran sfc /scannow, chkdsk, mulitple virus scans, you can't take ownership, doesn't give that option in properties and show hidden files wasn't selected. So I'm not sure what else to do. It's not hurting anything, just annoying that I can't get rid of it.
     
  11. puff-m-d

    puff-m-d Registered Member

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    Hello,

    Just an idea... Can you right click on the icon and bring up properties? If you can, make note of the location and name of the file, then try booting into safe mode, browse to the file in explorer and delete it there. If that does not work and you have a rescue disk such as Macrium Reflect that has a file explorer built in, you can boot into it and try to delete it there.
     
  12. imdb

    imdb Registered Member

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    or you can use a linux live usb to get rid of it.
     
  13. Mr.X

    Mr.X Registered Member

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    Are you sure you tried this?

    Run cmd prompt as admin

    type: chkdsk C: /f

    if this doesn't work then

    type: chkdsk C: /r

    This takes longer but repair is more extensive.
     
    Last edited: Mar 8, 2020
  14. Triple Helix

    Triple Helix Specialist

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  15. zapjb

    zapjb Registered Member

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    Try to change the extension. Programs: IoBit Unlocker, Unlocker 1.9.2 & there's many more. Those are 2 I use.
     
  16. Surt

    Surt Registered Member

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    Does right-click > Properties offer up any info on what this thing might be as puff-m-d suggested?

    If not, check all your Desktop folders to see if it might be residing in one of them. A file browser can offer up a better viewpoint than the Desktop.

    My Win 10 Pro has these:
    C:\Users\username\Desktop
    C:\Users\Administrator\Desktop
    C:\Users\Default\Desktop
    C:\Users\Public\Desktop
    C:\Users\Administrator\AppData\Local\Microsoft\PlayReady\Internet Explorer\InPrivate\Desktop
    C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\Desktop
    C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\NetworkService\Desktop
    C:\Windows\SystemApps\Microsoft.Windows.Cortana_
    SomeTextString\cache\Local\DesktopSomeTextString\cache\Desktop
    C:\Windows\SystemApps\Microsoft.Windows.Cortana_
    SomeTextString\cache\Local\Desktop
    You might need elevated privileges, even as admin, to access some of these and with which you might effect a delete.

    Good luck.
     
  17. Infected

    Infected Registered Member

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    Yes, it prompted that it would do this on the next reboot, which it do. I ran chkdsk C: /r.
     
  18. Infected

    Infected Registered Member

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    I'll try this. thanks.
    I forgot about trying this. I'll give this a shot today. thanks.
     
  19. xxJackxx

    xxJackxx Registered Member

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    Is "Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)" unchecked in folder options/view? If so and you delete this file it will just recreate itself each time you delete it.
     
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