How to Have an Empty Desktop in Windows XP

The Windows desktop is usually a functional space where you can store program icons, projects you're working on and any files your not yet sure what to do with. However, as the screen you see on your computer the most, it might be a good idea to spruce it up aesthetically. If you want, it's possible to maintain an entirely empty Windows XP desktop.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Look for an empty place on your desktop. Right-click on the empty place. From the menu, click on "Arrange Desktop Icons By" and then "Show Desktop Icons" from the next menu. Clicking on this will de-select the option and cause all icons to disappear.
2. Bring back the icons. Although the icons do not appear on screen, they remain stored on your hard drive. When you want to see them again, click on "Show Desktop Icons" again and they will reappear.
3. Access your icons and data. You can access your icons and data anytime you want them by clicking on "Show Desktop Icons." However, if you want your Windows desktop to remain empty, you can also access your data directly from the hard drive. From your hard drive choose "Documents and Settings" then the name of your Windows account and then "Desktop."
4. Remove the icons more permanently if you prefer. Start by moving all of your data to other places and deleting any desktop shortcuts you have. Then, right click on an empty place on the desktop, choose "Properties" and click on the Desktop tab.
5. Click on the "Customize Desktop" button. Then, uncheck the check boxes next to "My Computer," "My Documents," "My Network Places" and "Internet Explorer." You can always bring them back by checking them again.
6. Find a good wallpaper. With your Windows desktop completely empty, find a nice picture to show off your new clean space.

Tips & Warnings

• To make your desktop even cleaner, you can also hide the Windows taskbar. Right click on the taskbar, choose "Properties" and then the Taskbar tab. Check "Auto Hide Taskbar" to make it disappear. It will reappear when you place the pointer over it.

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