Prevent Duplicate Icon When Creating Desktop Shortcut

Certain system configurations enable a duplicate icon to appear on the desktop when a shortcut is created. Moving either the original shortcut or the duplicate shortcut to the Recycle Bin causes the remaining desktop shortcut to become disabled. Edit the registry as follows to prevent the duplicate icon from being created.

[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Registry Key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders
Modify/Create the Value Name [CommonDesktop] according to the Value Data listed below.
Data Type: REG_SZ [String Value] // Value Name: CommonDesktop
Value Data: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Desktop
Exit Registry and Reboot

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- Reminder -

For many months now I've been posting a reminder about 'Patch Tuesday' or 'Second Tuesday' as it has come to be known when Microsoft releases the latest round of updates for Windows XP and other products.

If you're using a Microsoft operating system (and it's likely you are or you wouldn't be on this site) it's once again time to head for Windows Update for the latest round of Critical and Security updates.

As always, I strongly suggest you read about any update prior to installation, especially updates carrying a less than 'Critical' rating, and have a current system and data backup available in case it's necessary to restore the system to a pre-patch condition.

More info at Microsoft Security Bulletin Advance Notification

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Important Information
The Elder Geek sites contain many articles and suggestions for modifying the Windows operating system. I've tried these tweaks and tips on many systems. Sometimes they work, sometimes not. The point is, ensure you have a current, tested backup of all system and data files and understand how to restore the system in case something goes very wrong. You can still yell at me, but I assume no responsibility for your actions and use of the information and disclaim any legal responsibility for any consequences of such actions.

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