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disable file saving to desktop

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11 replies

by tokunbo007

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Hi,

In an attempt to keep the desktop clean and tidy, how can I disable the saving of any file on the desktop. At least let them be saved somewhere else, but not on the desktop.

thanks

11 replies

by older mycroft

When you commit to download you are told that the download is about to start and a small window pops up in the centre of your screen, requiring confirmation.

This little window has a directory path in a small rectangle - this is the path for the download - if you change this path you will avoid the download arriving on your desktop. Pick a path suitable to you and, problem solved.

by tokunbo007

thanks for the reply. I was thinking more of how to put use a script somewhere or edit some registry settings so that if someone wants to save on the desktop, an error" cant save....." will be prompted.

by danke

you could probably just set permissions on your Desktop folder to read only for everyone... Windows might not like that, I'm not sure.
And a lot of installs might choke because of this.

Give it a shot.

by tokunbo007

hhmm, the default permission of Desktop (DIR)is 'Read Only', however I can still save(write) to it.

by danke

Have you tried to set NTFS permissions? Make sure you still have a user set who can change permissions on it in case something goes wrong

by tokunbo007

what do you mean.. "set NTFS permissions"?..right click>>properties?? hidden/read only ? or

note: PC is WinXP

by danke

when you go to the properties of the Desktop folder, click on the security tab, and delete all the users there except administrator, then you can even restrict the administrator from writing to the desktop if you want, but you might have to set special permissions so that you can still change permissions as administrator on that folder.
you will probably just want to leave administrator settings alone, and let no one be an admin.

by tokunbo007

hi there,

properties of the Desktop folder....
C:>documents and settings >> username >> right click on Desktop (DIR) properties?

I dont see any security tab...
or?

by hammer71

NTFS is a type of file system that your hard drive is formatted with. To confirm your drive is formatted with NTFS, rather than FAT32, open my computer, right click properties and check what file system is listed. If NTFS is being used then the fact you can't see security tab indicates you are probably using simple file sharing. From Tools menu of my computer choose folder options, click on view tab, scroll to end of advanced settings list and untick use simple file sharing. This will give you access to the security tab.

by danke

You have admin rights to the box?

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