How to Restore the Desktop
Some computer users like to include as many icons on the desktop as they can, while others prefer to keep their desktop clean. One of the problems that can occur when a person cleans off his desktop is that he might inadvertently get rid of one of the icons or folder he needs. Some of these icons are not intuitive to restore. For example, the "My Computer," "My Documents" and "My Network Places" are all folders that are not easy to restore to the desktop.
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Instructions
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1
Select the "Minimize" button at the top right of any of the windows you have open. You also can simply close any open window by clicking on the "X" on the top right of the page. This is done to allow you to have a view of your desktop as you work to restore it.
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2
Click on the "Start" menu on the lower left of the screen and select "Control Panel" and then "Display" if you are using Classic View. If you are using Category View, click on "Appearance and Themes" after selecting "Control Panel." Then select "Display."
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3
Make sure the window that is now open is the "Display Properties" window. Find the "Desktop" tab on this page and click on the "Customize Desktop" button. This is located at the bottom of the window.
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4
Wait for the "Desktop Items" window to appear on screen. Find the section in this window that is titled "Desktop icons." Find "My Computer" in the list underneath this section. Click on the box next to "My Computer." Find any other items in the list you would like to restore to the desktop and click on the boxes next to them.
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Select the "OK" button to close the "Desktop Items" window. Select "OK" a second time to close the "Display Properties" window. Look at the desktop. The "My Computer" as well as other elements you chose should now be back on the desktop.
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Tips & Warnings
To restore files or folders on the desktop that were deleted, click on the recycle bin icon and find the deleted items on the list within the recycle bin and drag them onto the desktop.
