--- a/desktop/Makefile.am
+++ b/desktop/Makefile.am
@@ -2,8 +2,3 @@ include $(top_srcdir)/Makevars
 
 dist_desktop_DATA = joe.desktop jmacs.desktop jstar.desktop jpico.desktop
 
-update-databases:
-	-update-desktop-database $(desktopdir)
-
-install-data-hook: update-databases
-uninstall-hook: update-databases