Save and Restore Desktop Icon Layout in Windows Vista
If you switch resolutions a lot you've probably experienced the problem with Windows moving your icons around every time it switches to a lower resolution, such as when playing a video game or hooking up your laptop to an external display.
With a little tweak that originally came from the resource kit, we can add a menu that will let us save and restore the desktop icon positions by right-clicking on the Computer item on the start menu (or desktop icon).
Install
Download and extract the zip file, and then copy Layout.dll into your C:\Windows\System32\ directory, assuming you've installed Vista on your C: drive.
Next, you'll need to double-click on the Layout.reg file, which will add the contents to the registry.
Now when you right-click on the Computer entry in the start menu, you'll see two new items for "Save Desktop Icon Layout" and "Restore Desktop Icon Layout". Arrange your icons the way you'd like them, and then click the Save layout menu item.
To prove that it works, move your icons around and jumble them up…
Now when you choose the Restore option, your icons will go right back to where they were when you saved them:
Extremely handy!
Download Install
Download Layout.zip and follow the instructions above. Note that this version does not work for 64bit.
Installer for 64-bit Windows
Download setup.exe from amip.tools-for.net. Note that this is a different install than layout.zip.
Uninstall
Download UninstallDesktopLayout.zip, extract and double-click on the registry file. You'll have to logout and back in to see the change. You should also delete layout.dll manually.
This tweak should also work on Windows XP
There's a change you can make to the reg file to add the 'save desktop' option to the right-click menu of the desktop itself:
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\IconLayout]
@="{19F500E0-9964-11cf-B63D-08002B317C03}"
I think it's more intuitive to right-click on the desktop itself in order to save desktop icon layout than to remember to right-click on My Computer (or the Recycle Bin).
The uninstall tweak needed would be a reg file to delete these keys added by the original file.
Bob,
Thanks! You are absolutely right. I'll update the zipfile and article in a little while.
Hi Geek: Nice looking website! I'll look forward to seeing you up in Maine over the weekend - Uncle Jim
Couldn't make 'Save and Restore Desktop Icon Layout in Windows Vista' work in Vista 64.
As Petarsus says, this workn´t on Vista 64…
UltraMon has this feature and it's much easier to use (all it takes is 2 clicks).
I made a 64-bit version of DIPS tool which does the same:
http://amip.tools-for.net/files/dips64/
Works perfectly on my 64-bit Vista.
Will not work on 32-bit systems.
Wahoo, an icon saver that works with Vista 64. Thank you Serge.
Serge you are the master, works like a dream
Serge - many THX
Wanted to say thanks to Serge for the dips utility for 64. Brilliant.
Serge, can an 'advanced amatuer' like me get in and edit the menu commands to read 'Restore' icon positions instead of Resore. But then 'Resore' does kinda grow on you …
GarethW
I've uploaded a fixed version. Just reinstall.
Or change this reg key manually:
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell\IconRestore]
@="Restore Icon Positions"
"Extended"=""
Doesn't work for me.
Windows Vista Enterprise 64
Does it require Vista Ultimate?
I wonder if a Microsoft patch broke this? I had added a right-click, "Command Prompt", to the system icons, but that also is gone.
My dips64 works fine here with all the latest updates. Try disabling UAC, though I don't think it's related. Enterprise Vista should be also supported, but I didn't test it.
Got it…
After the install, it instructs to push Shift+right-click, which produces a menu without the options.
I have to push CTRL+Shift+right-click. This produces not only your Save/Restore Icons, but also my missing Command Prompt.
Thank you very much. I used Iconlock way back when in an earlier OS (win95). The need has been around for many years. You would think by Vista, even Microsoft would have realized it should be a standard little feature.
On checking back appeared your latest version eliminates need to use key so downloaded and reinstalled only to notice my previous layout.dll had disappeared from system32 (and of course no icon utility present in menu). Tune-Up utilities a possible culprit?
Now, with the latest layout.dll file installed I get nothing re Icons in the Computer menu whether I use 'r-click', 'alt+r-click' or 'ctrl+shift+r-click. The .reg file appeared to function as expected but there were no ensuing instructions re what keys to use to access the Icon Save/Restore function. Checked the registry and found two identical entries at different places under CLSID\InProcServer32 of two lines each: 1st line (Default) REG_SZ layout.dll 2nd line ThreadingModel REG_SZ Apartment. If you can find the time a clue would be appreciated as I have been very grateful to have this little utility on several occasions already. Regards.
Sorry, first line should read the SHIFT key.
This is exactly the tweak I was looking for. I am wondering if it will encounter problems if a file, folder, or prog that was saved to the desktop is removed. Has anyone tried this out? Please post.
Cool tweak.
Sadly, it has a weird behavior on my Vista Ultimate dual monitor. It seems to be able to restore icons to their original place when moved from Monitor 2 to Monitor 1 but not the opposite: I move the My Computer icon to monitor 2 and it was restore to anywhere in monitor 1.
Also, I can move as many icons as I want in monitor 1 and nothing gets restored the way it was .
Thanks
I bought a new HP Pavillion a couple of days ago and just tried this and it works like a dream.
I am installing lots programs so my icons were getting bumped all over the place.
thanks a lot,
Mike
doesn't work in vista 32bit…
Was just wondering if the author has updated the file with the right-click on the desktop function and the un-install function? Thanks.
Serge's app was last updated Sept 6. It only works with Vista x64.
The other (Layout.dll) is an old NT4 file that works with Windows XP x32 and Vista x32 and is not supported by anyone.
To register it to appear on both the desktop right-click and the MyComputer icon right-click, use the following reg-file contents.
REGEDIT4
; This registers the DLL
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{19F500E0-9964-11cf-B63D-08002B317C03}]
@="Desktop Icon Layout"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{19F500E0-9964-11cf-B63D-08002B317C03}\InProcServer32]
@="Layout.dll"
"ThreadingModel"="Apartment"
; These next two add it to the My Computer right-click
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\IconLayout]
@="{19F500E0-9964-11cf-B63D-08002B317C03}"
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Shell Extensions\Approved]
"{19F500E0-9964-11cf-B63D-08002B317C03}"="Desktop Icon Layout"
; This adds it to the Desktop right-click
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\IconLayout]
@="{19F500E0-9964-11cf-B63D-08002B317C03}"
I can't get dips64 working under XP x64, no special context menu appears, just the usual desktop one… any ideas?
Vista has complex menus. There's more than just one standard right-click menu.
Plus, try both right-clicking a system icon like My Computer and try right-clicking an empty spot on the desktop.
Also, I'll have to check, but I'm wondering if the menus with Vista 32-bit are different than 64-bit. I have Ultimate 64-bit at home, and Business 32-bit (company laptop) in front of me. I could swear they're different hot-keys to get the various menus.
On this Business-x32, there's only a right-click and a Shift+right-click.
On my Ultimate x64, seems like it required Ctrl+Shift+right-click to get the save icon item.
And it seems like there were Alt+right-click and Ctrl+right-click menus, but I'll have to check.
The point: experiment with combinations. You'll find it somewhere.
JeffO
Another workaround for dips64 if you don't have menu items. Create shortcuts for "dips64.exe S" - save icons and "dips64.exe R" - restore icons. dips64.exe is in your Program Files\DIPS64 after you install it.
I have created a quick bar on the LHS of one of my displays (I use a multimon setup) and every single time I reboot my vista machine, it shifts the desktop icons one spot to the right! Extremely annoying! Is there any way to automate using this DLL to restore the icon position each and every time I reboot? I'd be much happier than being reminded every time I reboot with bad icon positions and having to restore it manually.
This would be possible, I believe, but it would require knowledge of "entry points" in the Desktop icon Saver you're using (LAYOUT.DLL or dips64).
I'm using LAYOUT.DLL with Windows XP, here at work, and I haven't found the proper command.
Reference: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/164787
I tried several commands…
Rundll32 LAYOUT.DLL restoreicons
Rundll32 LAYOUT.DLL restoredesktopicons
Rundll32 LAYOUT.DLL restoredesktop
Rundll32 LAYOUT.DLL -r
Rundll32 LAYOUT.DLL -R
Rundll32 LAYOUT.DLL,DllGetClassObject -restoreicons
Rundll32 LAYOUT.DLL,DllGetClassObject -restoredesktopicons
Rundll32 LAYOUT.DLL,DllGetClassObject -restoredesktop
… and a multitude of others.
I don't know what the secret is.
Yes I've tried a couple of DLL examination tools to look for entry points and didn't find anything useful. Only a load DLL function and an unload DLL function.
Great tool! The only feature missing is the ability to save multiple layouts as I keep switching between my external monitor and just my laptop screen (when on the road) so it would be perfect if I could save a layout for each screen resolution i'm using and restore the desired layout when needed. It would also allow me to have a special layout for when i`m doing demos to clients.
Is the source code available for this tool?
Hi,
Just thought I'd drop you a line and let you know that…..I've tried this numerous times now, followed your directions to a "T", and I have yet to get it to work in any way, shape or form. I don't even get the extra options in the menu no matter where I put the cursor and click.
Any ideas? And yes….it's Vista!
Best Regards
Dennis
Hi again,
Just a quick note here. My earlier post was in regards to the "Layout.dll" method.
And…..as *another* quick note here, I just followed someone else's information on the "dips 64″ and it works GREAT!!!! I've use the older version simply called "dips" for years now, even on XP, however, as most of you have probably already found out, it doesn't work on Vista. But DIPS 64 sure does and I'm very grateful for the info and the file. I was starting to really get hot under the collar with my icons taking off everytime something changed a bit.
Thanks!
Dennis
Dennis,
So this version only works in 32-bit Vista, I assume? That's not too surprising, I should update the article though.
Hi,
I'm going to have to assume that your correct on that since I *am* using Vista Ultimate 64 bit. Neat trick but was really frustrated when it wouldn't work on my system since I was fast approaching the point of getting the ole 40 cal. S&W out and doing a number on my icons! (thought maybe if I shot them, they'd quit moving around! :-> )
Anyway, great site and thanks for the extremely fast response!
Best Regards
Dennis
On my Vista Ultimate 64, I've noticed that the menu shortcuts often aren't there. I have to keep doing the key combination several times before it shows up.
I don't fault dips64 at all. Vista is a squirrely OS. In its current SP0 state, as far as I'm concerned it's just another beta. Not-ready-for-primetime.
The fact that we need such an icon-saver so badly points out how flaky Vista is.
Although, my Vista Business 32-bit is less squirrely, it has issues too.
Hi JeffO,
Here's what I believe is a solution to your problem! Since you installed dips64…..if you saved or still have the download, use winrar or similar software to "open" that download and inside you will find the "exe", left click on it and send a shortcut to the desktop, put it where you want it, then double click it just like you would do with the old version of "dips" and you will get the SAME little window with the "SAVE" and "RESTORE" buttons on it.
I was SO relieved to find out about this program and when I saw that same little window, I knew my icon problems were over. The guy that wrote that little program deserves a pat on the back and a whole lot of praise!
Correction!!! I meant "right click" ( "open" that download and inside you will find the "exe", left click on it and send a shortcut to the desktop, )
I feel like a dumby - so used to archive files being ZIP, RAR, etc. that I forgot to check to see if it was a self-extracting archive. Thanks for the suggestion. It will definitley fix my problem.
LOL……no need to feel like a dumby, we're all human and we all forget things from time to time. Heck, I'd have to the hospital and have a couple more gigs of memory installed in order to remember everything! :->
I've used this Layout tweak for a number of years, and while it works perfectly. Why the hell hasn't Microsoft included this in Vista is a total mystery, given the other useless changes made to the UI.
I've used this Layout tweak for a number of years, and while it works perfectly, using a system or registry maintenance tool often disables the tweak (double-clicking the reg file makes it work again, though).
Why Microsoft hasn't included this in Vista as a standard right-click option is a total mystery, given the other superfluous changes made to the UI.
how to delete references when you don't need this fine toy anymore?
Found out it was a permission problem on my XP machine
Please let me know how to take references off.
Thx!
Everybody,
I've added an uninstaller registry file to the article for download.
I have a question, I was wondering where this information if saved on the hard disk ? I have restored my desktop from a backup put I would like to restore the icon positions as well
Vista x64
Thank you
Serge - thx for this. I echo everyone's comments here that this is a tremendous addition. You should commercialize this product, adding some of these additional features and support for multiple monitors etc - I'm sure everyone on here would buy it.
FYI - The current utility works great as long as you stay "within its bounds". I noticed if you do something like drag an icon to a dual monitor is screws everything up, and multiple DIPS processes show up in your task manager. At one point, I had 23 DIPS.exe processes running concurrently.
I just wanted to say that I use dual monitors (2 X 1920 X 1200) and I have had no issues at all, icons are restored properly. I use Vista x64.
Ive got a strange bug.
I tested a few Icon layout saver (This one is the best by the way) but they all have the same bug.
When i restore the icon layout about 80% of the icons are right, but some are at the place of others.
So 2 icons on one place or even worse, the icons that should be there are randomly placed on the screen.
Im using Vista 32 with 2 monitors, 1920×1200 and 1280×1024.
Also as i wanted to copy the layout.dll in the system32 folder it says there is already one and its being used, so i cant overwrite it.
Maybe the file of the old version of this icon layout saver (I used it with XP).
While i write this ive got an idea..
The idea didnt work, hope someone could help me.
Absolut genial !
in den Zeiten wo Grafikhersteller jeden Monat neue Treiber herausbringen ist dieses Tool unverzichtbar.
Die beiden Tools arbeiten bei meiner Konfiguration (Vista Ultimate SP1 x86 und x64 mit 2 Monitoren bei 1680×1050 und 1280×1024) einwandfrei.
Danke !
Definitely brilliantly!
in the times where graphic manufacturer every month new drivers bring out this tool is indispensably.
Both tools work with my configuration (Vista Ultimate SP1 x86 and x64 with 2 monitors with 1680×1050 and 1280×1024) perfectly.
Thanks!
It would be good if you could lock a group of icons, not all of them.
you can then allow windows to rearrange most except the ones locked.
Nice. Is there a similar utility to restore window positions?
Hi, let me congratulate you for this excelent work, but i think it lacks only one feature to be perfect.
I have a tablet PC and i'm always changing resolutions. It would be very helpfull if the program coud save 2 screen layouts acording to the Vertical or Horizontal resolutions of the tablet.
Then it would be awsome if automaticly react to screen orientation and autoload the correct layout.
Then this youd be the PERFECT application.
Regards.
Trying to install the icon restore layout but have a problem. I know it is me. When i try to install the layout.dill I can get to System32 but cannot find the directory. Believe it may be that I should install it in System32 but need to know for sure.
Thanks
Yes, for LAYOUT.DLL, copy the file into C:\Windows\System32\
Make sure you register the file by merging the REG file: LAYOUT.REG
This registers the DLL file and gives a right-click menu.
This, of course is for 32-bit Windows.
LAYOUT.DLL won't work on 64-bit systems.
For 64-bit, use Serge's icon saver (posted above)…
http://amip.tools-for.net/files/dips64/
Nice! Worked like a champ for me. So: what's the equivalent for XP?
Quote: "This tweak should also work on Windows XP."
It does
Fantastic, after N changes of the desktop and N times trying to restore it myself I searched and found this tweak. Soooooooooooo Happy!
Thanks you did a great job!
Rudolf
A little too quick conclusion Rudolf.
I assume that saving a desktop view, directly followed by a restore should show zero differences, well sometimes not and I've seen 1 upto 4 icons change.
I like the save/restore util, but what's the real problem? On the internetI read something about "screen resolution changes" could produce the desktop clutter.
I installed fresh ati Catalyst software hoping that would make the difference
Wishing you success in finding the real problem
Rudolf.
using both xp x32 and vista x64 here. the geeks version is working fantastic on xp! is there a way to make serges dips64 work without using SHIFT + RMB? so just a default shift on the desktop brings it up? and also to separate it from the other menu items as the geeks is?
any info would be great!
"so just a default shift on the desktop brings it up?"
er that should be "so just a default RMB on the desktop brings it up?" DOH! :S
Bob's suggestion … [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\IconLayout]
@="{19F500E0-9964-11cf-B63D-08002B317C03}"
is absolutely mandatory for anyone on multiple monitors like I am (3). Clicking on the desktop makes a lot more sense than having to locate one of the "right" icons to allow you to fix this.
You said you would update the zip. That hasn't happened yet. If I didn't read Bob's comment, I would have still been scratching my noggin.
The service offered by the Geek the "Save and Restore Desktop Icon Layout" in Windows Vista didn't fulfil my expectations.
I searched the web and found "desksave8.zip" from Thorsten Blauhut. That program works flawlessly and fills in my needs. www.desksave.de
Rudolf
Hey GeminiAlpa, nice advertisement for your friends software application. Too bad it doesn't work on Vista x64, which is the primary value in this solution, as there are plenty of others that work in Vista 32 bit.
Nice link, GeminiAlpa - thanks
access denied when I tried to replace the original layout.dll with the new one. I am the administrq tor for this PC……….can't figure out how to replace it…………
Not sure why/how you're having this problem, but if you unregister layout.dll, and turn off System Restore, then reboot, you ought to be able to replace it.
Then turn System Restore back on and re-register layout.dll.
Vista Ultimate 32 bit, tried the installation twice without success even after re-booting options would never appear.
If the options do not appear on right click of your Start button, try RIGHT CLICK recycle button.
I found them there.
Brian
Thanks a lot! Works perfectly. This have bothered me for months.
Nice tool!
I use it on my EeePc under XP, but I have one question:
The postions are scrumbled after every reboot. How can I restore all Icon postions automatically after Windows start ?