Unable To Delete Desktop Icon

[Helen]

Ever since my mum installed AOL onto my computer, I have had an icon on my
desktop named "AOL" with the image of a yellow folder ever since and for the
life of me I just can't delete the bloody thing. I know it's doing no harm
but it is really begining to get on my nerves. I have completely uninstalled
AOL altogether as I don't need it. I have even tried rebuilding the iconcache
which didn't move it at all. I have taken a screen shot which shows the icon
when I open up My Computer, when I try to delete it and when I right click on
it to give you an idea:
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa41/hmkiernan/Desktopiconproblem.jpg

If ANYONE can give me any clue as to what to do as I have searched
everywhere then please let me know!! Thanks so much!

 

[Helen]

Also when I try to open it it says application not found and it won't let me
rename it or do ANYTHING with it other than create a short cut to it which is
entirely pointless.

 

[Mark L. Ferguson]

In regedit.exe, you will find some entries at:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\explorer\Desktop\NameSpace
One of them will be the entry that puts the AOL icon on your desk. It can be
deleted.

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Try using Unlocker: http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows Desktop Experience -
Windows Vista Enthusiast

---------------------------------------------------------------

Ever since my mum installed AOL onto my computer, I have had an icon on my
desktop named "AOL" with the image of a yellow folder ever since and for the
life of me I just can't delete the bloody thing. I know it's doing no harm
but it is really begining to get on my nerves. I have completely uninstalled
AOL altogether as I don't need it. I have even tried rebuilding the iconcache
which didn't move it at all. I have taken a screen shot which shows the icon
when I open up My Computer, when I try to delete it and when I right click on
it to give you an idea:
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa41/hmkiernan/Desktopiconproblem.jpg

If ANYONE can give me any clue as to what to do as I have searched
everywhere then please let me know!! Thanks so much!

 

[Helen]

Okay thanks but how do I run REGEDIT? I don't have the run function on here
like with previous windows. Also how will I know which thing to delete?
Thanks x

 

[Helen]

Okay, I rule, I got the icon off the desktop using the regedit thing. But the
bugger is STILL showing up in the my computer section (see pic with red
circle) is there anyway I can get rid of it using the regedit thing again? I
wouldn't know where to go on regedit to find it and don't want to try
deleting it until I know exactly where it is otherwise I will end up deleting
the wrong thing. I have restarted the computer to make entirely sure it's not
deleted but it's still there. Thanks so much for your help!

 

[Mark L. Ferguson]

It's probably an 'ownership' problem of one kind or another. You can try
taking ownership of the icon. Another approach might be to reinstall AOL.
then use the normal way to uninstall it in the Programs and Features app in
control panel
Add Take Ownership to right-click menu in Vista:
http://www.petri.co.il/add-take-ownership-context-menu-vista.htm

 

[Helen]

Okay I tried the ownership thing, the unlocker tool too but the options don't
come up when I right click it. Even with the shift key down for the ownership
thing. I suppose my only other option is to reinstall AOL, but are then any
other things I could try before I do this? I have a feeling reinstalling AOL
and unistalling it wont help. Can I access this thing on regedit?

 

[Mark L. Ferguson]

Sorry. It would be hard to guess how rude AOL has decided to be about lost
customers. I'm afraid your best shot is to ask their help center.