Disappearing parts

[embee]

I have windows XPpro on my computer. System restore is not doing its job. Whenever I try to make a restore point it can't be done and there are none recorded. Can anybody help? Also for no apparent reason all the icons have disappeared from the opening desktop display. How can I get them back?

[zimzam]

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_restore.htm should help you with the restore problem. As to the vanishing icons, If you drag a new shortcut to your desktop, does it disappear?
Check that you dont have the icons hidden.
Right click your desktop -> Select "Arrange Icons By"
Verify that the option to "Show Desktop Icons" is checked.

[embee]

Thank you zimzam. With your help I managed both problems.