can I delete these from my desktop I have vista?

[perplexed]

I uninstalled aol messenger and saw these on my desktop. It may be I just saw them though, I don't want to move anything that may hurt my computer. What are they?


2 of these desktop.ini
[.ShellClassInfo]
LocalizedResourceName=@%SystemRoot%\system32\shell 32.dll,-21769
IconResource=%SystemRoot%\system32\imageres.dll,-183



This one says if I delete I may damage my system if editing or modifying.
ethumbs_vis



Thanks!

[renegade600]

if they are part of the program you uninstalled, you can delete. Actually you can delete just about any icons on your desktop.

[perplexed]

thanks, I am assuming they are part of program I uninstalled AOl messenger.when I click delete it says if I move this file windows or another program may not work.

What am I not understanding?

[Murf]

Most stuff on a desktop are shortcuts (Icon will have a little arrow in it)

If no arrow then it is a file. You will need to hide it:

http://www.tech-recipes.com/rx/6100/...rs-and-drives/

[perplexed]

I see no arrows

I have read the link and I can only get as far as
this 1.open explorer window, what window do I open please

2. Select Organize
3. Click Folder and search options
4. Click View tab

5. Select Show hidden files, folders, and drives
. If you want to show expose the hidden files and folders on your entire computer, then click Apply to Folders button and confirm. If you don’t click this, you are changing the settings for the current folder only.

7. Click OK to complete
I only want to hide them, I do use firefox


thanks for your patience.

[renegade600]

if you are scared to delete a shortcut, create a folder, move the short cut to it, if you do not have any problems after regular computer usage, then you can delete it.

[perplexed]

I am not afraid to move the shortcut, like I said I see no arrow. I click it and I see this this
when I click delete it says if I move this file windows or another program may not work.


I don't want to shut down my computer.

It is fine I can leave them there.

Thanks for your help.

[Appzalien]

AOL is notorious for refusing to completely uninstall its stuff. I remember when I used AOL as my ISP I hated Real Player and I would uninstall it and every time I opened the AOL page in my browser it would pop up a window that said "AOL is installing the software you requested" and bang I had Real Player back again. It would be best for you to solve this problem with AOL tech support if your sure it was them.

[perplexed]

Thanks I figured it out, I went into
2. Click Control Panel.
3. Click Folder Options.
4. Click the View tab.
Click Show hidden files and folders.

I put . in do not show HIDDEN FILES AND FOLDERS
I also put. in hide protected operation system files(recommended) and they are gone off my desktop.
I guess if I want them back I reverse what I did.


Thanks so much!