Windows IT Pro is the leading independent community for IT professionals deploying Microsoft Windows server and client applications and technologies.
  
  
  Advanced Search 



I've lost the My Documents shortcut, how do I get it back?

A Web Exclusive from FAQ for Windows
John Savill
Desktop Environment
InstantDoc #15418
FAQ for Windows
Email this Article
Printer Friendly
Reader Comments
Digg This
Del.icio.us
RSS
Subscribe to Windows IT Pro | See More Systems Administration Articles Here | Reprints | Or get the Monthly Online Pass—only $5.95 a month!

A. If you deleted the My Documents shortcut from the desktop and want it back just perform the following:

  1. Double click My Computer
  2. Select Folder Options from the Tools menu
  3. Select View tab
  4. Check 'Show My Documents on the Desktop'
  5. Click Apply then OK

End of Article

Reader Comments
This won't work in most cases as the loss of the system shortcut is more difficult to fix

na April 17, 2001

It worked for me. It also added My Documents back to the places bar on the left hand side of the standard File/Open and File/Save dialogs.

milbertus April 27, 2004

It only works of the 'show my documents' is there.

On my xp setup...it aint.

All I did was inadvertainly delete the my document folder on the desktop.
ALl other indications of it being around is there.
Ie; the location, the start menu ..etc.

Currently using a shortcut I created to work.
But am wanting to see the fix that brings back it as is, (Relizing that it really is a kind of a shortcut I assume)?

Anonymous User January 27, 2005 (Article Rating: )

In XP:
Right-Click on Desktop
Select 'Properties'
Select 'Desktop' tab
select 'Customize Desktop'
Ensure 'My Documents' is checked

Anonymous User March 17, 2005 (Article Rating: )

You must be a registered user or online subscriber to comment on this article. Please log on before posting a comment. Are you a new visitor? Register now




Top Viewed ArticlesView all articles
Command Prompt Tricks

One reader shares his tip for setting up the command prompt to reflect a remote path. ...

Google Wave Emulates Trends of Changing World

As collaboration continues to increase, the world and how individuals view information is evolving. What does that mean for IT? ...

WinInfo Short Takes: 4th of July Special Edition

An often irreverent look at some of the week's other news, including a shortened work week thanks to the 4th of July, expensive Windows 7 pricing, Bing's modest monthly gains, IE 8 heading to work, Steve Jobs back at Apple, and so much more ...
Windows OSs Whitepapers Why SaaS is the Right Solution for Log Management
Related Events WinConnections and Microsoft® Exchange Connections

How to Make Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Your Zero-Cost Technology Windfall

Check out our list of Free Email Newsletters!
Windows OSs eBooks Understanding and Leveraging Code Signing Technologies

A Guide to Windows Certification and Public Keys

SQL Server Administration for Oracle DBAs
Related Windows OSs Resources Introducing Left-Brain.com, the online IT bookstore
Looking for books, CDs, toolkits, eBooks? Prime your mind at Left-Brain.com

Discover Windows IT Pro eLearning Series!
Clear & detailed technical information and helpful how-to's, all in our trademark no-nonsense format

Test Drive IT Solutions and Get Free Music Downloads
Solve your toughest IT problems with these free downloads and receive 5 free music downloads!


ADS BY GOOGLE

Job Openings in IT SPONSORED LINKS FEATURED LINKS
Get Microsoft Microsoft Certified With Train Signal Computer Training
Train Signal’s computer training software videos will teach you the skills you need to get certified and gain experience in areas like Windows Server 2008, Exchange Server, SharePoint Server, and more.
Get Mark Minasi’s Windows Server 2008 Audio CDs
"Windows expert, consultant and best-selling author Mark Minasi shows you if 2008 is right for you and, if so, how to get the most out of it!

Desktop Management is a Never-Ending Job for Administrators
Get a complete desktop management solution to centralize the management of thousands of desktops that will help you keep up with increased demand with limited manpower.

Integrate Fax Servers into Your Unified Communications Plan
In this fundamentals eBook you will learn how you can implement a solution that is easy to support, secure, and integrate.

Take Control of Your Email
Optimize your email storage – Download this white paper to learn key how-to’s in email storage management.

Get Windows IT Pro To Go!
The Windows IT Pro Magazine Master CD is a powerful combination of content and convenience.   Order now, and save up to 25%--plus you’ll get online access to new articles each and every month!  Subscribe today!
Windows IT Pro Home Register FAQ for Windows WinInfo News
Europe Edition About Us Contact Us/Customer Service Media Kit Affiliates / Licensing  
SQL Server Magazine Office & SharePoint Pro DevProConnections IT Job Hound ITTV
IT Library Technology Resource Directory Connected Home asp.netPRO Windows SuperSite 
 
 Windows IT Pro is a Division of Penton Media Inc.
 © 2009 Penton Media, Inc. Terms of Use | Privacy Statement | Reprints and Licensing