Small top margin/gap on Windows 7 desktop, Dell computer

If you have received a Dell computer recently, you probably notice that, when the UAC window pops up or you change the theme of Windows, all the maximized windows are not fit to the full screen any more. They shift down and leave a small margin or gap on the top.

Notice the space between the edge of the screen and the top of the title bar.

This is caused by a process called toaster.exe. This process belongs to Dell DataSafe Local Backup. One simple way is to uninstall this software. But it seems that this software is integrated into Dell factory image restore, I am not sure it is safe to uninstall. I checked the startup service shown in the msconfig, and found a familiar name, which is SoftThinks Agent Service. SoftThinks is the software vendor that provides this problematic software. So here is the way to get rid of the process toaster.exe and you don't need to kill it every time your computer starts:

1. Open 'Control Panel'
2. Double click on the ‘Administrative Tools’
3. Double click on the ‘Services’
4. Scroll down and find the ‘SoftThinks Agent Service’, double click on it. In the pop-up window, change the startup type to ‘Disabled’, and then click ‘OK’.
5. Restart your computer, problem solved ;).

The steps above can be also applied to disable the DataSafe program.

If you cannot find the SoftThinks Agent Service, you can choose to update or uninstall Dell DataSafe Local Backup. 

中文版: http://time360.blogspot.com/2011/07/dellwindows-7-toaster.html

Location is not available: C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\desktop refers to a location that is unavailable (2)

I have post one entry before about the problem, Location is not available: C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\desktop refers to a location that is unavailable. To make people easier solve this problem, I put the whole solution here.

This problem is usually caused by an anti-virus software, Norton first, followed by Kapersky. The ultimate solution is quite simple, uninstall these sofwares completely. If you have difficulty to uninstall them, use the official tool. The one for Norton is at http://service1.symantec.com/Support/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039, and the one for Kapersky is at http://www.kaspersky.com/support/find?words=uninstall&faq_id=&search=search.

Of course, you need an anti-virus software in your system. Why not try other brands, like Trend, McAfee, Avira?

In addition, when there is a major release of anti-virus software, try to download and install the whole new installation file. DO NOT patch the old one using a patch installation package. Make sure you have uninstalled the old version from your computer and reboot first.

More details on this problem can be found at http://nw360.blogspot.com/2008/11/location-is-not-available.html.

Location is not available: C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\desktop refers to a location that is unavailable.

If you have anti-virus software installed and are simply looking for a solution, go to http://nw360.blogspot.com/2009/08/location-is-not-available.html.


This desktop issue has happened twice.

When I turned on my laptop, Vista takes an extended period of time to show you it is "preparing your desktop".

After the desktop appears, a message window pops up with the title ""Location is not available". The content is

C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\desktop refers to a location that is unavailable. It could be on a hard drive on this computer.or on a network. Check to make sure that the disk is properly inserted, or that you are connected to the Internet or your network and then try again. If it still cannot be located the information might have been moved to a different location.
Moreover, the desktop theme is changed to windows classic.

The solution is quite simple, reboot the PC. If this doesn't work, go to Last Known Good Configuration (advanced) when you start Vista. This option enables you to start Windows Vista with the last registry and driver configuration that worked successfully. How to access this startup option, please visit Windows Vista Advanced Boot Options.

If both approaches provided above are not working, try to restore/ recover your vista system. If you have Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE) installed, start it and do the system restore or system recovery. Alternatively, you can access the System Recovery Options menu via the Windows installation disc. Refer to http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/windows/en-US/help/2b3724d1-f4ad-5b26-16dc-3e9e66f4be5e1033.mspx for details.

As I pointed out, the cause may be the Norton anti-virus software. If all the approaches don't work, try to uninstall the software even under the circumstance that the desktop location is not available. Using Norton removal tool to make sure you have uninstalled Norton products completely. The Norton removal tool is available at http://service1.symantec.com/Support/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039.

However, what caused this problem?

1. It may be a software conflict.
2. The software is associating with the system tightly.
3. It may be an anti-virus software.
4. The biggest suspect is Symantec/Norton security softwares.

OK, the cause of this issue still remains unknown, but I do think it is Symantec/Norton software. Suppose you have Symantec/Norton anti-virus software installed. Start your PC, when see the desktop, shut down the computer immediately. What will happen on next startup? Before using Norton anti-virus software, I didn't have this problem at all with McAfee total protection. Refer to the section above to get the information on how to uninstall Norton products.

Update: 25/08/2009

Some people left their comments here and it seemed their problems were not caused by Norton. However, the common point is that they are caused by the anti-virus software. Therefore, if you have this problem, uninstall your anti-virus software completely. Use the official uninstall tool if it is necessary. Then reboot your system. Now the problem should be solved. So far, I haven't met this problem using McAfee and Avira. If you would like to stick to your original anti-virus software, try to use different versions.

Where there is a major version of the anti-virus software released, especially Norton, I recommend uninstall the old version first then install the new one. DO NOT over install the new version on the old one.