Windows 7 - minor issue

I always make shortcuts on my desktop for the parts of control panel i use the most. Since using windows 7, my shortcuts keep disappearing. one time they lasted a month so i thought i was in the clear. last time they lasted a week. Is it me? just wondering if im alone on this one.

I've never heard of this issue.

You can do a few things...

Regular Shorcut
Create shortcut
Target: "Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\NVIDIA Control Panel"

Batch File
Open Notepad
Enter the line: rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL timedate.cpl for Time & Date
Or the line: control powercfg.cpl for Power Configuration
Save as all files, timedate.bat
Create shortcut to timedate.bat

Manual Shorcut
Create New Shortcut
Target: rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL timedate.cpl
Change Shortcut Icon

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/192806
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of..._%28Windows%29

Here's an example of a control panel shortcut:
Internet Options Shortcut - Create

There is one other thing you can do. Stick them into a folder and make a toolbar. E.g. like this:

hi WHS could you tell me how to do that?

Very simple. "All" is a folder that contains the 5 folders (programs, system functions, etc.) Each one of these 5 folders contains shortcuts for the subject at hand. The ones you see blown up are from "Programs". I keep "All" on the desktop for maintenance convenience (when I want to add or delete), but you can put it anywhere.
To make the toolbar from the "All" folder, right click on the Taskbar > Toolbars > new toolbar. Then navigate to your "ALL" folder (or whatever name you give it) and select it.
You can make toolbars of the individual folders too. But that will ultimately crowd your taskbar too much. And the length of the foldername ("All" in this case) will determine the amount of space that will be taken on the Taskbar. So you have an interest to use short names.
Here is a Video Tutorial that I made on the subject. If you watch it, I am sure it will become clear.

thanks but the link to the video just takes me back to this page. the link is inncorrect.

The link works for me, but here's where he's linking you to,
Toolbars - How to Use in Windows 7 and Vista

i made my folders but when i lock the taskbar a icon of the folder comes up is there a way for it to not?

Before you lock it if you right click on the seperator, and make sure "show title" and "show text" are checked.

Taskbar - Pin or Unpin a Folder

thanks, you can not fit much more on your superbar.