Windows 10: Can't delete Desktop Icons with a right click

Nisko,

On your question, as mentioned on the tutorial, a local account works on the specific computer where you create it. Account settings are not available on another Windows device. Your settings do not follow you, so to speak.

A Microsoft account provides access to a group of services using an MS email address and password, and you can use it on another Windows device. Your settings follow you.

 

Thank you! I ran into my confusion when I was asked to sign into my Microsoft Account and my email address and password didn't match. But I am under the assumption that, when I logon to my computer, I log on with a Microsoft Account. What you told me (above) I am already familiar with. So I am still confused. How can I tell if I'm logging on with a Microsoft Account (or a Local Account)?

 

PS: On my other issues, I'm starting to think my only clean option is a clean install. Your opinion please?

 

Nisko,

Did you have any luck on the context menu issue after a Repair Install with an In-place Upgrade?



The Microsoft Account (MSA) and the Local account can get confusing. We're in the same boat there.



Is the passsword you are entering into the login screen when you start the computer the one for your Microsoft account?

It is my understanding that to add someone to your 'family' you need to sign in to Windows with a Microsoft account.


When you open File Explorer > This PC > Windows (C) > Users, do you see two folders with the name of your accounts? If not, can you show us what you see there.

 

No luck with a Repair Install. Attached are what I see under Users and in User Accounts in the Control Panel. There seems to be at least one mismatch (Boby vs. Bobby) which I would like to correct but don't know how. The other accounts in the two attachments don't seem to match (at least some of them).

I hate the thought of a clean install since I have so many programs, settings, pointers, etc.

 

Nisko,

A Reset where you remove everything is second best to a clean install. It automates the process, and is worth considering. However, a clean install that clears the hard drive is best.

Keep in mind that one of those 100+ programs may be the culprit causing the context menu issue!!!
You may want to consider bringing back programs slowly, and over time, to see if there are any performance changes after each. Any negative effect of a program installation can be rolled back by either uninstalling it, or by using System Restore.

Some of the programs you want to reinstall may be available here: Ninite - Install or Update Multiple Apps at Once
Have heard about this program, but have never used it. Maybe someone here has.


You mentioned having 3 drives that are used for backups. Does the program used to create the images have some sort of option to make an image of the programs so you can move them to a new install?

Also, how about the option of using two drives, one for the system, and one for programs and data?

I am just tossing in some thoughts for your consideration.

Someone in these forums has probably come across a solution. Hopefully they will jump in with suggestions and a way to accomplish the task at hand.

 

I use Ninite all the time when building or rebuilding systems. Highly recommended! Judging from the accounts showing from the OP a couple of posts back, he's a sysadmin, and will probably find it quite helpful.
--Ed--

 

Thanks to you both. Cottonball, I think I'll do the clean install and install the most important programs first so I can get back to work. I'll do a little research on "Ninite."I use Macrium (free) to create the images - but I do have another backup program that will back up file by file. I wasn't aware that I could reinstall a program that way. Please explain. My Data is on a separate drive - and I Image that too. The only data (other than that(which is inherent within the program itself) is in the Users file and I don't know how to move that file to the Data drive. I'm not even sure there's an advantage. Maybe you have an opinion (or Ed?)? Thanks.

 

Nisko,

Have read about a way to transfer programs using an image, however, have not used programs of that nature. I think it was EaseUS Todo, but not sure.

I was just writing down some thoughts, but, would not be able to help you in the movement of the programs. Neither do I know the consequence of moving the Users file to the Data drive.


BTW, do you have any image made before the context menu problems began? That would save some work!

 

I probably have an image before the context menu issue started. However, since that image was made, I've fixed some other issue - so I don't want to go backwards.