This is a not uncommon problem. How it happens I can’t say, but how to get them back is easy.

Before I show you how to restore the shortcut icons, here is how to make them disappear:

• Right-click on an empty spot on your desktop.
• In the small menu move the pointer to View…
• Move the pointer horizontally to the additional menu.
• Move the pointer down to Show desktop icons. This item is checked when the icons are displayed. Click it so it will be unchecked.

The icons will immediately disappear.

To restore the desktop shortcuts just follow the same procedure.

• Right-click on the desktop.
• In the small menu move the pointer to View…
• Move the pointer horizontally to the additional menu.
• Move the pointer down to Show desktop icons. This item is unchecked when the icons are not displayed. Click it so it will be checked.

The desktop shortcut icons will be restored.

My own icons have never pulled the disappearing act, and I did not know about this. I am indebted to my friend AlexO for this solution.

.:.

© 2012 Ludwig Keck