Share via

unable to click on desktop icons

Anonymous
2010-04-04T12:52:55+00:00

I am recently having problems with windows 7 64 bit. When I start the pc all works fine but after surfing the internet for a while I find can't click on the icons on the desktop yet the start menu still works fine. I have run a virus check using an up to date version of AVG 9 but it turns up nothing. Has anyone else had this problem or know of a solution other than restarting the pc? I have tryed to repeat things to work out what is causing it or at what point it starts but as of yet am unsure.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Accessibility

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
  1. Anonymous
    2010-04-05T21:30:08+00:00

    Hi thanks for replying. I think I have found the problem now someone in a chat channel surgested using a program called Malwarebytes to scan the pc and it picked up a desktop hijack registory virus:

    Registry Data Items Infected:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\NoActiveDesktopChanges (Hijack.DisplayProperties) -> Bad: (1) Good: (0) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

    I dont know how it infected the pc but at least i can wipe it off again if I get it again. I hope tis helps anyone else with the same problem to.

    2 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments

10 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2010-04-27T15:08:47+00:00

    On the windows toolbar at the bottom of the screen right click on a blank area and select show the desktop. You should now be able to click on the icons on the desktop.

    Some wallpaper are active windows and do not allow you to click on the icons until you select show the desktop.

    2 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2010-04-27T11:09:18+00:00

    I have a similar problem. After using IE 32 bit I am unable to open programs using the desktop icons. I can use the taskbar items and the start menu. Also nothing happens when I right click on the desktop area. I have scanned the pc with AVG and search and destroy but they returned nothing. Other account users dont have this problem. Hope someone can help. Thanks.

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2010-04-06T15:37:59+00:00

    Hi,

    Thank you for the valuable information provided. This will help a lot of users who have similar issues.

    Regards

    Rehman - Microsoft Support

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2010-04-05T12:10:11+00:00

    Hi,

    When exactly did this issue start?

    Did you make any hardware or software changes to the computer before this issue occurred?

    I would suggest you to check if the issue occurs in Safe Mode. To boot into Safe Mode, restart the computer and tap the F8 key for about four to five times. You will see Safe Mode listed in the Windows advanced options. Select Safe Mode and then press enter. To boot into normal mode restart the computer and do not tap the F8 key.

    Start your computer in safe mode

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Start-your-computer-in-safe-mode

    Hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you require further help.

    Regards

    Rehman – Microsoft Support

    0 comments