Windows 7 - Help with desktop icons

I need help w/ my desktop icons. They vanish when i open a program. When i minimize a program they are sill gone. The only way to get the icons back is to push the win+d keys. When the icons are not visible i can't right click at all, but when i can see my icons i can right click. I have checked the 'show desktop icons' in the right click menu. I also can see and have full access to my sidebar widgets and task bar.

This is very anoying please help!!!

sounds like a problem with explorer.exe you may want to try a repair install unless someone else has a better solution

Hi, try a system restore to an earlier time before you had the problem.

Hi.
You'll get better help by getting these - System Specs filled in.

Are your graphics drivers and chipset drivers upto date?

Thanks i will try your suggestions.

Thank you all. The install repair worked.