DeskSave for Windows

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Editors’ Review

Download.com staffNovember 7, 2008

This program effectively saves and restores your desktop icons to their original positions, but some features failed to work during our assessment.

DeskSave's small, simple interface can be accessed via a system-tray icon. You can conveniently save, restore, import, and export icon layouts using the right-click context menu. It automatically saves your icon layout, so if your icons are moved, restoration is either a handy one-click option away or you can choose from the backup files. While you're supposed to be able to add DeskSave to the Windows shell extension, the program failed to restore the icons when we used this feature.

While the program does clean your registry for icon layout and backup files, the ability to lock desktop icons would have been a nice touch. While not exceptional, meticulous folks who like to keep their desktop icons placed just so will appreciate what this freeware offers.

What’s new in version 8.2.1

Version 8.2.1 has 64 bit support (except for shell extension), improved auto restore, and a new menu structure.

DeskSave for Windows

Used DeskSave for Windows?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: August 1, 2008

Latest update: November 7, 2008

Version: 8.2.1

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows 98
Windows 10
Windows Vista
Windows XP
Windows 95
Windows NT
Windows 2000
Windows ME

Additional Requirements: Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP/Vista

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 8,352

Downloads Last Week: 2

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Last Updated

User Reviews

4.4/5

8 User Votes

I like this program. I have lots of icons.
imametsfanJanuary 24, 2011
Pros
This program works really well; it might just supplant what I've been heretofore using.
Cons
I wonder if this program (2-and-a-half years past it's last release date) is still being supported?
Summary
Ease of use alone makes this a great program. I hope it gets upgraded soon.
Very simple to use....and effective!
joelb662July 18, 2010
Pros
Simple, basic, functional
Cons
Can be confusing. Execute from tool tray.
Summary
Works very well. I formerly swore by Icon Restore, but that does not seem to support 64-bit systems. So, DeskSave 8.2.1. Which you should execute from the tool tray. Double-clicking the icon will merely restore the last saved layout. Multiple functions are all executable from the tool tray!
AT LAST! A desktop restore tool that actually works.
padcrusherJune 28, 2009
Pros
No need to install, it runs as a stand alone .exe program. Great features; multiple saves for different resolutions, automatic restore and save, works from shell extension or taskbar icon. Well thought out options page.
Cons
None that I can think of.
Summary
I've tried a few programs that were supposed to do this job, such as 'desktop restore' and 'icon restore' but they never quite worked properly for me, there was usually an icon or two missing or misplaced after a restore. Not so with DeskSave. I have an Asus eee pc 1000H which I need to use at different resolutions from time to time, I have 40 desktop icons, so when they get messed up, so do I! But this little gem of a program really delivers as advertised. Also, regardless of what the CNET reviewer says, the shell extension works perfectly, you just have to go into the options menu to enable it, that's all.
WORKS VERY WELL
erich41December 9, 2008
Pros
Just set it and forget it. Keeps layout intact.
Cons
There is nothing not to like.
Summary
Works so far.
nowinuseSeptember 5, 2008
Pros
Easy and works.
Cons
None so far.
Summary
What's not to like? Icons stay in place after a system restore or download. Works in Vista.
GOOD PROGRAM
erich41September 24, 2007
Pros
Does what it says.
Cons
Summary
Excellent tool
purplebladeAugust 6, 2007
Pros
It actually works and is free. Other free programs listed here that have much more downloads do not work.
Cons
I had a hyperlink named "scan" and a folder named "scan" on the desktop. It got confused and put one icon right on top of the other one at restore even though during save they were in different positions. minor annoyance that should really be fixed.<p>Other than that it worked just great. Read my scating review on "Icon Restore" Anyone who gave that tool a positive rating is a moron.
Summary
Excellent tool!
RambolitoJuly 26, 2007
Pros
It's simple and just does exactly what you want: Save your desktop icon layout! This is a lot easier than using printscreens to get everything back into place.
Cons
Summary

Developer’s Description

By Thorsten Blauhut

Back up and recover icon layouts.

With DeskSave the desktop icon layout can be saved in order to restore it in case it gets mixed up e.g. by changing screen resolution. Thus it is useful e.g. for developers who want to test their applications in different screen resolutions and do not want their desktop icons to be disarranged. Icon layouts can be restored automatically when screen resolution changes. Version 8.2.1 has 64 bit support (except for shell extension), improved auto restore, and a new menu structure.