all desktop icons disappear

[Bobbie]

Beginning yesterday, when my boss launches any program ALL desktop icons
disappear. The Start Button, Quick Lauch, toolbar and clock area are that's
visible.
If we right-click on the desktop when the icons are missing nothing
happens... no menu displays. Right click on the toolbar and Start Button
does work.
We can get the icons back using the Show Desktop shortcut in Quick Launch
area. In fact Show Desktop will toggle between all desktop icons being
visible and all missing.
We checked for a stuck Windows key. No change. Any suggestsions? We're
using XP Pro if that matters.
Thanks for any help.
Bobbie

 

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP\)]

Since it began yesterday, you might try using System Restore to take your
system back to a time prior to when this began. Start\All
Programs\Accessories\System Tools\System Restore.

--
In memory of our dear friend, MVP Alex Nichol.

Michael Solomon MS-MVP
Windows Shell/User
https://mvp.support.microsoft.com/communities/mvp.aspx
Backup is a PC User's Best Friend
DTS-L.Org: http://www.dts-l.org/

 

[Frank Saunders, MS-MVP]

Beginning yesterday, when my boss launches any program ALL desktop icons
disappear. The Start Button, Quick Lauch, toolbar and clock area are
that's
visible.
If we right-click on the desktop when the icons are missing nothing
happens... no menu displays. Right click on the toolbar and Start Button
does work.
We can get the icons back using the Show Desktop shortcut in Quick Launch
area. In fact Show Desktop will toggle between all desktop icons being
visible and all missing.
We checked for a stuck Windows key. No change. Any suggestsions? We're
using XP Pro if that matters.
Thanks for any help.
Bobbie

Right click a blank spot on the desktop.
Put the Mouse cursor over "Arrange icons by ..."
Make sure there's a checkmark for "Show desktop icons".

--
Frank Saunders, MS-MVP, IE/OE
Please respond in Newsgroup only. Do not send email
http://www.fjsmjs.com
Protect your PC
http://www.microsoft.com./athome/security/protect/default.aspx
http://defendingyourmachine.blogspot.com/

 

[Bobbie]

Right-clicking on the desktop doesn't give a menu... nothing happens.

I think we'll use System Restore. Was hoping to find the specific problem
but at this point we're just ready to have it working correctly

Thanks for the suggestion
Bobbie

 

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP\)]

There are so many things that can cause the same issue, if a user has a way
of getting things back together, it's often better or at least easier to use
that option than to spend time trying to figure out the specific source.
Once you get things back together, when you have the time, you can then try
retracing your steps up to the time things began to go wrong and see if you
can figure out what happened. Sometimes, you never find it.

--
In memory of our dear friend, MVP Alex Nichol.

Michael Solomon MS-MVP
Windows Shell/User
https://mvp.support.microsoft.com/communities/mvp.aspx
Backup is a PC User's Best Friend
DTS-L.Org: http://www.dts-l.org/

 

[Bobbie]

System Restore worked great. Thanks for the help
Bobbie

 

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP\)]

You're welcome, Bobbie, glad I could help.

--
In memory of our dear friend, MVP Alex Nichol.

Michael Solomon MS-MVP
Windows Shell/User
https://mvp.support.microsoft.com/communities/mvp.aspx
Backup is a PC User's Best Friend
DTS-L.Org: http://www.dts-l.org/