I have a setup wizard program on my desktop (I believe called and executable file, ends in .exe). I used it to create a program and folder now located on my Programs list (in Start).

The folder in the Programs list contains several programs/files related to the main program, which is fine.

I'd like to get the .exe program (icon) off my desktop, but do not wish to delete it.

Here's the question: is there a way to move .exe file from my desktop and locate it "inside" the related program folder on the programs list?

Question #2: If not, is there a way to just move it to the programs list, without it being "inside" the related folder.

I was going to try to cut and paste, but wasn't sure if I would do something that couldn't be undone.

Sorry if I'm using incorrect terminology here. I'm not sure "folder" is the right term for a group of related programs in the program list (an arrow pointing to a new window with more programs in it).

I hope my question makes sense out there.

Thanks...

You can move your .exe file folder from your desktop to your C:\ ( anywhere as you wish ).

You also can put your folder on the Program List at the Start Button . Just drug and drop on there.

Regards
ABB

Click and drag... click on your icon,, tap your windows key( very botom row 2nd from left) and then this will pop up your start menu,, keep holding the icon you wish to move, and drag it to the folder, then drop

Thanks,

I realize (as I feared) that I used the wrong term. I want to move my exe file from my desktop to my programs list, not start menu.

I tried dragging and dropping where I want it, and that worked, but it only gave me a "shortcut" to the original file which is still on my desktop.

I want to move the exe file from my desktop and put it in the programs list.

I right clicked on the icon on the desktop and tried cutting, but it won't let me paste into the programs list. I don't see any other way to "move" it off the desktop.

Any other instructions to do so?

Thank you...

I think you misunderstand something here. The programs list is just a collection of shortcuts. It doesn't hold exe files. Program files need to be installed to a folder, usually in the Program Files folder.

I'm not sure whether the icon on your desktop is a shortcut or no, but I would suggest uninstalling the program, then reinstalling it properly.

I opened Properties on the desktop program and in the location path, it said Desktop, so I assumed that's where the program was located.

5 minutes ago, through experimentation, I actually figured out how to do what I was trying to do. (amazing!)

The drag and drop method worked when I held down the 'shift' key. This actually moved the "program" off the desktop and into the programs list.

If I look at properties now for the same program, it shows in as being located in "programs" vs. "desktop".

S.G. You said above that the program list is actually a list of shortcuts. I thought that shortcuts actually say "shortcut" in the file name. Or in the case of an icon, show a small arrow in the lower left corner. When this program icon was on my desktop, it did not have the small shortcut arrow in the corner.

Do I have this right?

Thanks...

Most of your links on your desktop and programs list are shortcuts yes,
If you do not have the arrow in the icon then it could very well not be a shortcut; some simple programs can run off just an .exe because everything is in there or it could be referring to instructions from somewhere else on your computer, in any event good job, you moved it so its all set, does it still work?

What sg is saying, is that you are trying to move the main program icon,, you should have a shortcut on the programs list, its no difference, just move that program to your programs file and drag,, and this will make a shortcut...
Its working fine though,, just don't delete it :)

Thanks eveyone...

Most Windows programs involve more than one file. In addition they generally need to be registered as to their location. So moving a EXE file from one folder to another will generally make the program unworkable. However, then may be some simple programs that can run if moved.

SG,

Good to know. I tried the exe file in the new location after reading your post, and it still works. Guess I got lucky on that one.

Just curious now for future reference, if it no longer worked due to moving location, and I moved it back to Desktop, would it likely work again?

Thanks...

Likely

If you download a program, it usually comes with some kind of setup file. This is probably the file that was on your desktop. That setup file only installs the main program. While the program is installed, it creates shortcuts to the program, usually in the start menu/all programs. When you have completely installed the program, either store the desktop setup file in something like 'setups', or just drag it into the recycle bin,(like I do), because I know I can just go download the program again if I need. A setup file serves its purpose to install the program onto your computer.

What cogs wrote is generally correct, but there are some small programs that don't need to be installed.

I would also disagree with deleting the program. Especially with freeware, its possible you may have a problem finding the file again, so I would keep a folder of setups or burn them to CD.

Thank you both.

I actually did both; burned a CD and moved the setup file to the programs list along with it's associated program.

All is well.