The Show Desktop Icon is not a standard program shortcut but a Windows explorer command file written in plain text.If you have accidently deleted the Show Desktop Icons, here're the steps involved to recreate it:
Step 1: Open a new notepad file and type the following text:
[Shell]Step 2: Save this file as "Show Desktop.scf" - remember to use the quotes else notepad may save it with a .txt extension.
Command=2
IconFile=explorer.exe,3
[Taskbar]
Command=ToggleDesktop
Step 3: Use the mouse to drag the Show Desktop.scf icon to the Quick Launch toolbar or another location where you want the shortcut to appear.
Alternatively, you can press the Win+D shortcut key for Show Desktop. It's much the same as Win+M which will minimize all the open windows to the task bar.
Windows that don't have a minimize button are minimized using Win+D but not with Win+M. That's the simple difference.
Find this article at: http://labnol.blogspot.com/2006/10/how-to-restore-missing-show-desktop.html
web: http://www.labnol.org/ email: amit@labnol.org
Reader Comments
I wonder what are the rest of the commands available for these scf files.
Written on 14/10/06 11:50 PM
Hi Amit, I have a question about this - is there any way to place an icon/shortcut in the quick launch bar that opens an explorer window for my desktop (instead of actually taking you to the desktop)? I use my desktop a lot for major stuff, and it's annoying how the main focus of my work gets drawn away when I quickly want to open something and I click on the show desktop icon. Basically, I want an icon that opens a folder containing my desktop's material. Any thoughts? Thanks!
Written on 15/10/06 10:35 AM
That was something that I had always wanted to know..thanks..
btw...is this the only .scf file or what..i dont remember having encountered this extension...
Written on 16/10/06 12:00 AM
Right click anywhere on the task bar and choose "Minimize all windows" option.
Written on 16/10/06 12:44 PM
@Anonymous: you can try this,
1. right mouse click anywhere on desktop
2. New->shortcut
3. In the dialogbox, click on browse, select desktop
4. press ok, and name the shortcut whatever you want
5. finally drag it to quick launch. (you can do this for any folder you want)
Written on 17/10/06 1:31 PM
Hi
My original "show desktop" icon was replaced on bootup by a default
icon and the "Open with.." window appears in W2000. I tried your fix but I still get a default icon and if I click it it opens up the "Open with.." window any ideas? BTW my WIN M minimises all windows is there a maximise WIN ? keys
Many thanks
Written on 3/1/07 10:44 PM
thanks, i typed the command in a notepad and then i placed it on the quick launch and it works perfect. my desktop icon is back
Written on 1/3/07 11:46 AM
go to RUN,
type regsvr32 /n /i:U shell32
and press enter. Icon will appear.
Written on 20/3/07 2:13 AM
very useful info. thanks.
Written on 21/3/07 10:16 AM
I rarely, if ever, register,sign-up, etc. for any site but your continued no bs, simple, down to earth answers have made me a believer in this site. So count me among your your fan base. Thanks to all especially other fans of the site,. Congrats!!
Written on 30/6/07 12:21 PM
Thanks so much for this little piece of info, I'd been wondering forever how to get it back :) Keep up the good work
Written on 30/8/07 5:22 AM
Now working perfectly - Thank you!!
Written on 28/9/07 3:51 PM