"Offering free computer help, hints, and tips to the Internet populace." Now with over 3,820 tips!

Windows XP and the Display - Desktop

Add or Remove Special Desktop Icons

SUMMARY: Add or remove these Windows XP Desktop icons - My Documents, My Computer, My Network Places, and Internet Explorer.


 

Do you try to keep a clean Desktop on your Windows XP machine? Tired of icons such as My Documents, My Computer, My Network Places, and Internet Explorer taking up space and hiding your wallpaper?

Or, do you frequently need access to these features and find that they are not immediately available on your Desktop? Tired of searching through the "Start" menu?

Here's how to enable or disable such Desktop icons:

1. Right-click an empty area of your Desktop and choose "Properties".

2. When the "Display Properties" multi-tabbed dialog box appears, click the "Desktop" tab.

3. Click the "Customize Desktop" button near the bottom of the dialog box.

4. A "Desktop Icons" dialog box will appear. Underneath "Desktop icons", check or uncheck the icons as desired.

5. When done, click "OK" on the dialog boxes to close them.

If the "Internet Explorer" checkbox is missing in the "Desktop Icons" dialog box, you can still add the Desktop icon in other ways. For more information, visit Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 945402.



 

Got something to add? Post a comment!

Everyone is invited to submit comments. Registered users also receive their own visitor profile page with a summary of recent posts.
Register | Login

Your name:
 E-mail:
* Home/Blog Page:
Comment:
(Max chars: 5000)

* = optional field

 


Print This Tip

Get E-Mail When New Tips are Online

Return to the Windows XP and the Display - Desktop page.

 


New in MalekTips:

RSS Feeds- Subscribe!

You want the latest tech tips and tricks in your e-mail Inbox - FREE? Type your e-mail address below and click 'Get Tips!'.
 


( sample / details )
( opt-out instructions )