Put XP Start menu icons on the Desktop

Want My Computer or My Docutments icons back on the desktop rather than on the Start menu? You can control whether they display using the Control Panel:
 
Double-click Display icon
On the Desktop tap:
Click Customize Desktop button
On the General tap, you can select to display on the Desktop one or more of the following:

My Documents
My Computer
My Network Places
Internet Explorer

You can also drag and drop icons from the Start menu to the Desktop. For My Pictures and My Music, a drap and drop will copy the entire folder. Drag and drop the other icons such as My Computer, My Documents, or My Network Places will place a shortcut to the folder on the desktop.

You can also:

Click Start
Right-click the My Computer icon (or other Start menu icon)
From the shortcut menu, select Show on Desktop ')}

Article written by MyComputerAid.com