How to Remove the Shortcut Arrows From the Desktop Icons in Vista

Windows Vista includes an arrow similar to this on desktop shortcuts.

Windows Vista lays a small arrow over the corner of desktop shortcut icons to help differentiate them from actual files that are located on the desktop. The arrows can be annoying and make your desktop less attractive. If you find the arrows unsightly and can keep track of which icons are shortcuts and which are actual files, you can remove the arrows by editing a value in the Windows Vista system regsitry.

Instructions

1. Click on the Windows logo orb. Type "regedit" into the "Start Search" box on the menu. Press the Enter key.

2. Browse to the key "HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\lnkfile" in the left side of the Registry Editor program.

3. Right click on the "IsShortcut" value in the right side of the Registry Editor. Select "Delete" from the menu.

4. Close the registry editor and restart Windows Vista for changes to be finalized.

Tips & Warnings

• Always be careful when you edit the Vista registry. Removing the wrong value can make your system stop functioning.

References

• Computer Performance: Editing the Windows Vista Registry with Regedit
• Software Tips and Tricks: Remove Shortcut Arrow from Desktop Icons
• My Digital Life: How to Remove Shortcut Arrow on Icons in Windows