Missing icon

[whitehill]

I've always had a small rectangular icon next to the start button and when I clicked on it I was taken straight back to the desktop from wherever. A couple of days ago it disappeared and I am really missing it. Can anyone tell me how to get it back please? My system is Vista home premium

[rojash]

Right-click the task bar
Choose tool bars
Check Quick Launch

[rojash]

Oops - sorry, that's for XP.

[MichaelZZ]

What you are looking for is the "Show Desktop" icon which should be in your Quick Launch Toolbar (QLT).
Two things to try:-
First of all, do you have two small right-facing arrows to the right of the other icons in your QLT? These indicate that there are other icons hidden to the right. Click exactly on these arrows and you'll see the hidden icons. If your little blue rectangle is there just drag 'n' drop it to where you want it to be.
Second, if you can't find it by the method above, go to Start -- Search -- For Files and Folders. Then click the down arrow at the side of Search Results and click on Computer. Then in the Search box type Show Desktop. When you see your blue rectangle, right click on it and go to Open File Location. You can then restore it from wherever it is to your Desktop or your QLT.

[mike11111]

Can't help you with your particular problem but a quick way to minimise all windows and return to the desktop is by holding down the Windows key (the one with the flag on between fn and alt) and pressing M.

[Old_Geezer]

Not a lot of help to you I know, but I had that problem once, a year or two ago. Googled the answer after a few attempts, so the solution is out there even if I don't recall what it is ;-)

[whitehill]

Hoorah, it's worked! Thank you so much MichaelZZ, and everybody who made suggestions, I am really grateful.