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Thread ID: 34308 2003-06-09 10:29:00 New icon snuck on to desktop??? Scouse (83) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
151276 2003-06-09 10:29:00 Reloaded several programs today - part of the resolution after upgrading from Win98Se to XP PRO.
Then noticed an icon on the desktop.
In the text area below the icon is simply the ~ sign.
Nortons and AVG both give a clean bill of health.
I know I'm getting old and forgetful but cannot recollect seeing it before.
Properties show it as
Type of file: File
Description; ~
Location; Documents and Settings
Size 219KB.
Any comment before I kill it? Thanks
If I knew how to make a link I'd show you a picture of it!!!
Scouse (83)
151277 2003-06-09 10:41:00 Hmmm ... there was a thread a while ago on ~ icons appearing on the desktop after adding contacts in the Outlook Express address book. If delected they only reappeared when another amendment was made to the address book. Have a search for it if this is what you have been doing. Jen C (20)
151278 2003-06-09 10:43:00 >..... If delected ...

Well you can delect them if you wish, or try deleting instead :D
Jen C (20)
151279 2003-06-09 10:49:00 You could be right on to it Jen C
This from experts-exchange.com

The ~ file is the backup file for your address book. Do you have Outlook Express or Outlook? The April patch for Outlook Express Q330994 created this problem. You can remove this update from the Add/Remove Programs and the problem will be gone. Or you can live with it and wait for the next Outlook update, which may get rid of it.
What happens normally is when you update your address book, it is stored in the address book folder. In the same folder, the backup address file is updated, for example, user.wab becomes user.wa~ . But the April patch caused this user.wa~ not to be updated. Instead the backup file ~ is created on the desktop. If you open it, you may recognize some content of your address book.
Jim B (153)
151280 2003-06-09 10:50:00 Yes, well, thanks Jen C. I'll give it a good coat of looking at before I delect it. It doesn't seem to be harming things at present and, yes, I did add some new addresses to OutlookExpress today. Scouse (83)
151281 2003-06-09 10:59:00 Ho Jim B. Thanks. I did have a tentative prod at it, half expecting the lot to blow up in my face.
Response: "Windows cannot open this file. W. needs to know what program created it. W. can automatically go on line and look it up or you can manually, etc..."
I've had a relatively clean upgrade from 98 to XP PRO, this week, with just a few drivers reloads, and am suspicious of anything that might crap on my party. Might sleep on it.
Appreciate you advice.
Scouse (83)
151282 2003-06-10 04:53:00 > You can delect them if you wish

Only some icons are delectable :-)
argus (366)
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