Windows 7: help-icons gone missing

Working on a friend's Dell 17R Windows 7 HP 64bit-after last boot,a row of "short-cut icons" that were located(in a "frame") at the top center of the desktop are missing.These were not "regular desktop short-cuts"(the type with the arrow)-those are all still intact and working,as well as three desktop "gadgets"(clock,calender,and weather)Also unaffected were all items pinned to the task bar as well as those in the notification area.First,can anyone tell me what this array of "short-cuts" is/was called so I know what to look for and where? Were they a Windows,or Dell feature? Among the missing are Firefox,Skype,and Vuze-Thanks for the read!

Sounds like it might be the Dell dock The Dell Dock, by Stardock : Powered by ObjectDock check the start menu to see if you can get it back.

Thanks a ton-looking now-will get back to you

derekimo- Great call buddy-up and running-how embarrassing was that (for me)

You gave me the biggest hint when you said Dell, Glad you got it back.