removing desktop icons

[Don]

I'm new to XP and haven't yet been able to find the method of removing the
desktop icons for "shortcut to web sites" and "contains letters, reports..."
I've tried deleting them but they return at the next boot up. How do I keep
them from returning to the desktop? Thanks-

 

[Don]

I forgot to mention that I have already gone to the option in the control
panel/display/desktop/customize/general and unchecked the boxes for "My
Documents" and "My Network Places" - The shortcuts still reappear after the
reboot. Where's Bill when you need him?

 

[Don]

I have found that the problem I am trying to correct involves the desktop
TASKBAR not the actual desktop. I have removed the icons previously
mentioned from my desktop but they continue to reappear on the desktop
taskbar at the bottom of my screen. Is there any way to prevent this?

 

[Sharon F]

The taskbar has several areas:
The start menu, the area the task buttons for open programs hang out and
the "notification area" that was previously referred to as the System
Tray. You may also have a toolbar displayed on the taskbar.

If the icon is in a toolbar, right click and delete it.

If the icon is in the notification area (by the clock) that signifies
the program is loaded at startup or - not as common - the user has
opened the program and the tray icon appears during that time or while
performing certain tasks.

If you are concerned about icons in the notification area that belong to
startup items, change the program's startup behavior. Open the main
program and use its menus to alter this. If the menu cannot be found or
is not available, you can try the Startup Configuration Utility (start>
run> MSCONFIG). On the Startup tab of this tool, uncheck the box for the
program that you do not want loading at that time.

The change will take effect at the next restart. You will get a notice
from MSCONFIG that the startup has been altered. Check the box so that
it doesn't nag you with this tidbit at every startup and click OK. The
startup notice will appear in the future if and when you use MSCONFIG to
change something else in startup.

Sharon F
MS MVP [Shell/User]