You configure a Windows Vista-based or Windows Server 2008-based computer to log on automatically on startup. However, after the logon process is complete, the icons on the desktop are unexpectedly rearranged. This situation occurs even though the Auto Arrange setting is turned off.

This problem occurs on certain models of computers. It is likely to occur on computers that have an extra-wide screen, such as a screen that supports a 1600 × 900 resolution. This problem may also occur on computers that have hybrid GPUs connected to one monitor.

As described on The Windows Experience Blog, Esther talks about Live Icons, which makes searching even faster by letting you see a preview of the files you’re searching for. If you’re a visual person you’ll especially appreciate seeing icons instead of file names or folders, and not having to open each file individually, which saves a ton of time.

On a Windows Vista-based computer, you create XML Paper Specification (XPS) files. Then, you use the Extra Large Icons view mode in Windows Explorer to view the files. When you view the files, horizontal lines may appear in the icons for the XPS files. In fact, horizontal lines do not exist in the original XPS files. However, horizontal lines may appear in the XPS file icons.

Consider the following scenario:

• You are running a Windows Vista-based computer that has the Windows Server 2003 Administration Tools Pack installed.
• On this computer, you open administrative Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-ins.

In this scenario, some icons in these MMC snap-ins are displayed incorrectly. Or, these icons are missing.

For example, you may be unable to determine from a user account’s icon whether that user account is disabled. In this situation, you have to open the properties dialog box for the user account and then confirm whether the user account is disabled.

This problem has been observed with the following MMC snap-ins:

• Active Directory Users and Computers
• Active Directory Domains and Trusts
• Active Directory Sites and Services
• Active Directory Schema

• DNS

When you first start a Windows Vista-based computer, one or more of the Network, Volume, and Power Options icons may not appear in the notification area. These system icons do not appear until Windows Vista has completed all its startup activities and processes, and you have restarted the computer. Additionally, the relevant system icon check boxes may not be enabled in the Notification Area tab in Taskbar and Start Menu Properties. However, the Network, Volume, and Power Options features are functioning correctly even if the system icons do not appear in the notification area. You can use Control Panel to access these features.

The information in this article applies to the following configuration(s):

• Radeonâ„¢ X1950 series
• Radeonâ„¢ X1900 series
• Windows Vista 32-bit Edition
• Windows Vista 64-bit Edition

Symptoms:
Performing an un-install of the display drivers on a CrossFire configured system may result in extended desktop mode becoming active resulting in all of the desktop icons failing to appear

On a computer that is running Windows Vista, you experience one or more of the following problems:

• Icons are missing from Control Panel.
• You cannot start Control Panel. When you try to start Control Panel, the screen may flash briefly, but Control Panel does not start.
• You cannot start the Welcome Center. For example, when you type welcome center in the Start Search box, and then you click Welcome Center in the Programs list, nothing happens.
• You cannot start Windows Vista games such as Chess or Minesweeper. When you try to start the games, nothing happens.

These problems may occur intermittently.

Tip number 2, “Notice any Mud on Your Vista Desktop? Here’s How to Clean It” dealt with how your desktop looks. Since the desktop plays a big part in what you’ll be seeing right away, and every day on from there, here’s another desktop tip that I spotted at The UsefulTechnology Blog. Keep reading →