Computer icon on desktop vista

Fortunately, you can easily put all those missing icons back on the desktop. In this edition of the Windows Vista Report, I'll show you the two procedures you'll need to return Computer, Documents, Network, and Internet Explorer icons to your desktop.

You can even put the Control Panel icon on your desktop. As you may remember, Windows XP's Desktop Items dialog box had a check box that allowed you to put Internet Explorer's icon on the desktop. However, there isn't a similar check box in Vista's Desktop Icon Settings dialog box. In order to get the Internet Explorer icon back on the desktop, you have to edit the registry.

Before I show you how, I have to remind you that editing the registry can be tricky, so make sure that you create a restore point and have a recent backup.

Now that you know how to restore icons to the Vista desktop, will you restore all of the icons or just a few? Which ones? Stop by the discussion area and let us know what you think. Delivered each Friday, TechRepublic's Windows Vista Report newsletter features tips, news, and scuttlebutt on Vista development, as well as a look at new features in the latest version of the Windows OS. Automatically sign up today!

Greg Shultz is a freelance Technical Writer. Previously, he has worked as Documentation Specialist in the software industry, a Technical Support Specialist in educational industry, and a Technical Journalist in the computer publishing industry. Restoring the Computer, Documents, and Network icons Figuring out where to start with restoring the Computer, Documents, and Network icons to the desktop can be a bit tricky, especially if you don't know where to look.

To begin, right-click on the desktop and select the Personalize command from the Context menu Figure A. Figure A Right-click on the desktop and select the Personalize command. When you do, you'll see the Personalization folder from the Control Panel. Best Linux Laptops. Best Wireless iPhone Earbuds. Best Bluetooth Trackers. Best eReaders.

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