[PokeyJoe]

Symptoms: My Computer "icon" missing from desktop, also missing from folder location list, the "Customize Desktop" checkbox is grayed out/cannot select from the Display Properties, Desktop, "Customize" window.

You have either been infected with ware' OR added/altered a corresponding registry/group policy key.

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If you are novice at using making changes to the registry or group policy, don't. But if you will anyways, at least create a restore point and backup the registry first. (Start >> run >> C:\WINDOWS\system32\Restore\rstrui.exe)
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You'll undoubtedly need this too: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322756
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FIX: Locations of all controlling keys:

Registry Keys: (use Start>>run>>regedit)

RESTORE THIS KEY SETTING TO ZERO:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\NonEnu m]
"{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}"=dword:00000000

OPEN THIS KEY
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explor er]
DELETE ALL ENTRIES LEAVING ONLY THESE 2:
STRING: (Default)
DWORD: NoDriveTypeAutoRun

OPEN THIS KEY
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\NonEnu m]
DELETE ALL ENTRIES LEAVING ONLY THESE 2:
STRING: (Default)
DWORD: {20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}


Group Policy Keys: (use Start>>run>>gpedit.msc)

Local Computer Policy
[+] User Configuration
|-[+] Administrative Templates
|-[+] Desktop
SET: "Remove My Computer icon from the desktop" to "Not Configured"

DONE.
Now you should be able to refresh the desktop and see the My Computer icon and be able to use the "Customize Desktop" button from the "Display Properties: Desktop" tab and turn it on or off a safer way.


NOTE: if gpedit.msc gives you an Authority Error, you need to log onto the computer with and account with the computers administrative rights.

Also note, that if you are trying to alter a group policy using gpedit.msc on a domain controlled corp/edu computer, you are doing so in vain, the policy will automatically reapply as soon as you log back on to your standard account. All of these policies are there to keep your data safe and to keep you from infecting their network or caring a virus/trojan back to your own network/home pc. So, on behalf of your local security team, we are sorry for the inconvenience, but if you have a special need, please send us an email and well do what we can.

[Made-In-Canada]

... it's solved already... lol..