Hi Rose
Try the following and see if it helps:
Have you changed your theme back to the standard Windows XP theme? That
should reset the icons back to the default.
or..
How to Remove Default Desktop Icons in XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=315272
also..
Go here and scroll down to the section cons - Remove and Restore
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_i.htm
then.......
I removed Internet Explorer from my desktop How do I recreate it
http://www.jsiinc.com/SUBB/tip0900/rh0988.htm
Refresh the Desktop without Restarting Windows
http://www.annoyances.org/exec/show/article06-031
and ...lastly....
How to restore the operating system to a previous state in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q306084/
Icon Restore - Free Utility
http://www.download.com/3000-2347-10163500.html
If still no joy, then you may have some scumware on your system causing the
problem. Do the following to remove it:
Try the following and see if it helps. Even if you have already run some
programs, run them again according to the instructions in the information
below to thoroughly clean you system.
Dealing with Unwanted Spyware and Parasites:
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
Be sure to run CWShredder here
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3019.html
and AdAware and Spybot.
Download the newest version of HiJackThis here:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/files/hijackthis.php
(or Spybot - Search and Destroy DSO Exploit Fix 1.3.1 TX)
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4392.html
Also visit these two sites to test for parasites and help basic cleaning:
On-Line Check
http://aumha.org/a/noads.htm
and
Quick-Fix Protocol.
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php
Basically, throw everything here at your "infection".
And be sure to use the HijackThis. Please DO NOT post your log to this
newsgroup, but to the HiJackThis Support Forums below:
http://www.hijackthis.de/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=10&guestlanguageid=4
the Aumha HiJackThis Forum
http://forum.aumha.org/viewforum.php?f=30
or Bleeping Computer Forum
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum22.html
to allow the experts there to evaluate your log and advise you of any
necessary steps to clean your system.
(Note: You will have to Register before posting on these Forums. Please
follow all posting instructions carefully to avoid having your log deleted
or ignored.
Also this program searches for hidden .dlls that recreate the malware.
About Buster:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4289.html
CAUTION!!!!! Before you try to remove spyware using any of the programs
below, download a copy of LSPFIX from any of the following sites:
http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
(if your OS is Win2k or XP) The process of removing certain malware may kill
your internet connection. If this should occur, this program, LSPFIX, will
enable you to regain your connection.
You should also get a copy of WINSOCKXPFIX available at:
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
and
WinsockXP Fix- WinXP
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
with instructions, at
http://www.iup.edu/house/resnet/winfix.shtm
Also
From LavaSoft- all versions of Windows-
http://digital-solutions.co.uk/lavasoft/whndnfix.zip
(NOTE: It is reported that in XP SP2, the command netsh winsock reset
will fix this problem without the need for these programs.)
or ........
Winsock Fix Utility
http://www.dfwonline.net/files/WinsockFix.zip