Microsoft's so called update removed all my desktop icons

[Saint James]

I almost put this in rantidote, as part of it is my frustration with the utter arrogance of Microsoft (at least this time they didn't try and change my default browser again). I am somewhat reluctant to allow updates, as often they seem to cause more harm than help.

Anyway, after reluctantly allowing a major update this morning, all my desktop icons are gone. Any idea how to get them back without having to brute force it? (or for that matter what may have happened?)

[GalateaDancer]

I wonder if it deactivated Show Desktop Items?

For XP:
1. Right-click the desktop.
2. Point to Arrange Icons By.
3. There should be a check next to Show Desktop Icons; if not, click to check it

For Vista, it's the same thing, except it's under View, not Arrange Icons By

[BrianB]

Originally Posted by Saint James

Any idea how to get them back without having to brute force it? (or for that matter what may have happened?)

I assume by "brute force" you mean a system restore. Unfortunately, the last time one of their updates hosed my system the only way I was able to get it back was to restore my PC to the configuration before the update. Now, I always put a week embargo on their updates and create a restore point before I install anything from them. If you don't want to do a system restore you should be able remove the updates individually with the Add/Remove Programs feature.
Brian

[Saint James]

Originally Posted by GalateaDancer

I wonder if it deactivated Show Desktop Items?

For XP:
1. Right-click the desktop.
2. Point to Arrange Icons By.
3. There should be a check next to Show Desktop Icons; if not, click to check it

For Vista, it's the same thing, except it's under View, not Arrange Icons By

Thanks. Found them. Did a little rearranging while I was at it (canned unused shortcuts)