My Computer icon is missing, group policy prohibits me from getting to the desktop settings to restore it

Hi,

 

 

1.  What is the exact error message you receive?

2.  Have you made any changes to your computer recently?

 

 

 

I would suggest you to follow the steps and check if it helps.

 

Method 1: Perform a clean boot and then check if it helps.

How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state

Note: Make sure to perform the steps under Steps to configure Windows to use a Normal startup state to boot your computer normally.

 

Method 2: Run System File Check (SFC) scans and checks if it helps.

System File Checker (sfc)

 

 

Method 3: Create a new user and check what happens.

How to create and configure user accounts in Windows XP

 

 

 

There are no error messages, its just the "My Computer" icon is missing.  As I stated in the previous post, Group Policy prohibits me from going into Display Properties to add the My Computer icon.

"My Computer" shows up on other profiles, so I know its profile specific, but I would prefer to restore the icon rather than having to delete my profile and create a new one.

Is anything else missing or odd about your desktop?  Whenever you have an unexplained Group Policy restriction, malware is usually at the bottom of it.

Download, install, update, and run (not at the same time) scans with these two free tools:

MalwareBytes AntiMalware
SUPERAntiSpyware

Can you put My Computer on the Start Menu (rather than an icon on the Desktop)?  --> Right-click Start > Properties > Start Menu > Customize > Advanced > check appropriate box in the list > OK

Can you see My Computer in a Windows Explorer window?

Because you have XP Pro, the Group Policy editor should be available to you (if it, too, hasn't been disabled by malware).

Start > Run > gpedit.msc > OK

There are several places to check:

User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Desktop ---> if "Remove My Computer icon on the desktop" is Enabled, disable it.  (If this policy is enabled, you wouldn't be able to see My Computer on the Start Menu or in Windows Explorer, in addition to it not being on the Desktop).

User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel > Display ---> If "Hide Desktop tab" is Enabled, disable it.