Summary

The Internet Explorer namespace icon is hidden from the Desktop by default in Windows Vista. This article tells you how to restore the missing Internet Explorer icon to the Desktop. Note that the desktop icon appears by default when you switch to Classic Start menu.

Restore the Internet Explorer Desktop icon

Note: If you want to automate the steps below, download the REG file available at the bottom of this page.
  • Click Start, Run and type Regedit.exe
  • Navigate to the following branch:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ HideDesktopIcons \ NewStartPanel

Note: If the above branch does not exist, you need to create the keys manually.

  • Create a new REG_DWORD (32 bit) value, and then name it {871C5380-42A0-1069-A2EA-08002B30309D}
  • Leave the value data for {871C5380-42A0-1069-A2EA-08002B30309D} to 0
  • Close Regedit.exe