Windows Tips: ACCESS YOUR DESKTOP ICONS FROM YOUR TASKBAR
2) Select the START MENU PROGRAMS tab, then the ADVANCED button.
3) In the right panel, under the PROGRAMS folder, you will see any shortcuts you have already placed atop your START menu. Right click here in the white space here and choose NEW, then SHORTCUT.
Success!You will now be able to view and access your desktop shortcut icons (not non-shortcut icons). If you want ALL desktop icons to be visible (Recycle Bin, My Computer etc.), you will need to place shortcuts to these other icons on your desktop.
Hint:If you normally hide your taskbar, so that it is not always on top of other windows, you can access it at any time from any program by pressing and holding control, then pressing escape(the ESC key at top left of your keyboard). You may then quickly choose your desktop folder and access desktop icons as well as any other programs accessible via your taskbar and programs menu.
OPEN EXPLORER RATHER THAN MY COMPUTER TO VIEW FILES
(This is a great tip!! One of the most useful customizations...)
To change the default view to Explorer:
4). Under registered file types, double click on FOLDER.