Microsoft points out that people who buy Windows XP are free to set up their own shortcuts and icons on the screen to any programs they wish. In fact, "if you want to take your desktop and make it ...

Microsoft is telling PC makers that ship Wndows XP to have at least three icons on the desktop: MSN, Internet Explorer and Windows Media Player.

Highlighted icons may happen when a Windows XP desktop is set to use a Web page as the background. Right-click on a blank corner of the desktop, and click Properties in the menu.

PC makers that ship Windows XP with icons on the desktop will have to include at least three Microsoft-mandated icons: MSN, Internet Explorer and Windows Media Player. Aug. 8, 2001 8:20 p.m. PT 4 ...

This has affected Windows XP, Vista and 7 systems. ... Separately, if you type in “Desktop icons” in the Windows search area, a new window opens that says “Desktop Icon Settings.” ...

If you want to customize your Windows XP desktop and add a new, interesting effect, you can make your desktop icons have a background color. You can use the advanced settings of the Appearance ...