Desktop Layout (open folders)

My desktop behavior has recently changed. When opening a desktop folder, i like to have it open on the right side of the screen, with small icons, and the icons organized to suit me. Until recently, this has been the case. Now when I open a desktop folder, it opens in the middle of the screen, and the icons are arranged in a grid alphabetically (at least I got it to remember small icon view). Is there a way to change this behavior? Remember, I'm asking about folders arranged on my desktop, not in explorer.

On the destop right click for choices and layout and view.
Also right click on one of the icons, press control (on keyboard) and use the scroll wheel to adjust size of icons

Sorry, I forgot to say I've already done all the obvious stuff. It just never seems to remember my settings, instead reverting to some default of it's own. As well, anytime I make changes to the folder view and apply them, the icon layout of the closed folders and desktop shortcuts re-arranges alphabetically and to a grid. I've downloaded some software that saves my desktop layout and can easily restore it. Now it's just the open folder layout I'm trying to resolve.