If Desktop shortcuts keep disappearing try the following:


(source: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/978980 )


Disable the System Maintenance troubleshooter

If you must have more than four broken shortcuts on your desktop, you can disable the System Maintenance troubleshooter.

NoteIf you disable the System Maintenance troubleshooter, all the maintenance tasks that it performs are disabled. Therefore, we recommend that you use Method 1.

To disable the System Maintenance troubleshooter, follow these steps:
  1. ClickStartstart button, and then clickControl Panel.
  2. UnderSystem and Security, clickFind and fix problems.
    Note: IfSystem and Securityis not displayed you will need to change how you are viewingControl Panel. To change your view, click the down arrow in View byand selectCategory.View by is located in the top right corner of the Control Panel.


  3. On the left navigation pane, clickChange settings.
  4. SetComputer MaintenancetoOff.