Desktop EMPTY on install...?

Just did a fresh install (not upgrade) of XP Pro and after all was said and done, my new desktop is a pretty rolling plains picture and the ONLY icon I have is Recycle Bin.
Is this normal? What happened to My Computer, Documents, etc?
(Now when I did an upgrade on another computer from 98 the icons stayed)

 

Yes, its normal. If you want desktop icons, you'll have to put them there. I personally like it empty, putting icons I use frequently on the quick launch tool bar. The rest of the infrequently used shortcuts I put into a HD folder with a quick launch shortcut to that folder.

You can also "pin" shortcuts to the start menu.

Regards - Charles

 

Go to the Display Properties in the control panel then Desktop tab and at the bottom you'll see Customize Desktop.

 

Hmmm...

As far as putting the icons on the desktop, the only way I'm familiar with is creating shortcuts. Right click and drag My Computer from Start menu to desktop...but then this creates the ugly shortcut arrow.
How do you put them there without the arrow?
(Or will Dad's reply of Go to the Display Properties in the control panel then Desktop tab and at the bottom you'll see Customize Desktop work? - I'm at work now so I can't try...just looking to see if I get a reply before I get home...)

 

To get rid of the arrows: right clik on icon > properties > change icon tab. In the dialog box you get a choice of appearences for the icon. Pick one and apply and etc.

In the properties display: that gives you a choice of having the classic icons, my documents etc, on the desk top. In there also are options for XP to rearrange the desktop and get rid of your "unused" icons. Uncheck that.

Regards - Charles

 

Went through the exercise while I was posting. Still couldn't get rid of the arrow! I know in 9X there is an option to do so. Don't remember the way. Somebody else could chime in who knows. Don't like clutter, I keep the desktop empty, so I never went thru the exercise before.

Regards - Charles