Q. In my Windows XP computer, I apparently clicked something that removed all the icons from my Desktop. I can get to my Desktop folder through Windows Explorer, but when I try to drag icons from there to the Desktop, a message comes up that says, “Cannot move (icon). Destination folder is the same as the source folder." I don't understand that, but more importantly, can you help me get my icons back?

A. Yes, I’ll be happy to help you round up your meandering icons, though they actually are still on your Desktop by virtue of being in your Desktop folder. That’s why, when you tried to drag them from the Desktop folder to your Desktop, Windows barked at you. It was telling you that you can’t move them to your Desktop, because they are already there. They are just hidden.

To un-hide them, right-click a blank area of your Desktop. From the menu that appears, select Arrange Icons By and from the sub-menu, select Show Desktop Icons. In your case, there will not be a check mark in front of "Show Desktop Icons" because it has been toggled off, so click to insert a check mark and turn it back on.

Q. I get confused with slashes and I’m never sure if I’m supposed to use a forward slash (/) or a back slash (\). Is there any rule of thumb that governs which should be used at what times? Thanks for being there, Mr. M. I love your weekly newsletter.

A. All Web addresses use the forward slash (leaning to the right) to separate one resource from another. Web page names, for example, are separated from domain names, and the specific folder or sub-folder within which a Web page resides. Think of each forward slash (originally called an “oblique”) as representing one step on the path to locating a particular Web page, e.g.: http://cnn.com/US, the “US” being a sub-folder for United States news on the CNN Web site.

On your computer, the slash serves a similar purpose, though you'll note the slash appears in a backwards position, leaning to the left. It is also used to represent the various steps in the path from your computer’s C: or root directory, to a particular file or document, such as C:\MyDocuments\Letters.

Mr. Modem's Sites of the Week:

Appliance Repair Clinic
This useful site provides consumers with helpful information for every major household appliance, and includes troubleshooting, maintenance tips, answers to frequent questions, a diagnostic section, and where to find appliance parts.
www.repairclinic.com

Furr Angels
More than 400 pages of information relating to the welfare of cats and dogs. Sections about adopting and sponsoring pets, books, questionnaires, pet safety, pet names, and pet health. Share your pet stories or sign up for their “mews” letter.
www.furr-angels.com

Vintage TV Sets
From a 1948 Admiral, to the popular ‘59 Silvertone, to everybody’s favorite ‘64 Zenith, here you'll find a wide variety of vintage TVs. Transport yourself back to the days when a 12-inch set was considered a "big screen" TV. They're all here, Conrac, Coronado, Crosley, Emerson, GE, Hallicrafters, Motorola, Hotpoint, Philco, RCA, Sentinel, Setchell, Tele Tone, and Trutone. The only thing missing is John Cameron Swayze—a reference that will be meaningless to younger readers. Here’s a hint: “Takes a licking, but keeps on ticking.” Still nothing? Sorry, you’re just too young.
www.vintagetvsets.com

For plain-English answers to your questions by email, plus useful PC tips, subscribe to Mr. Modem’s Weekly Newsletter. For information, visit www.MrModem.com.