After you install Windows XP, you probably noticed that some of your icons
from previous versions of Windows you've used are missing. Microsoft did this
intentionally to help simply and reduce clutter. Of course, for some people,
this isn't the best choice or the user preference. So, if you want those icons
like "My Computer" and "My Network Places" back, just open Display Properties
(right click Desktop Wallpaper, left click "Properties") and click the
"Desktop" tab. Click the "Customize Desktop" button and on the "General" tab
check the items you want. You can also change the icons used by these desktop
items in the same screen. One final tip related to this screen is the "Clean
Desktop Now" button, which notifies you of unused icons on the desktop and
offers to remove them if you choose.