I LOST my recycle bin Icon off my desktop ?

Microsoft offers solutions to this problem here

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/810869

If you cannot restore the Recycle Bin by using the resolutions that are listed in this article, work around this issue by creating a shortcut to the Recycle Bin:

1. Click Start, and then click My Computer.

2. On the Tools menu, click Folder Options.

3. Click the View tab, and then click to clear the Hide protected operating system files (Recommended) check box.

4. Click Yes when the warning message appears, and then click OK to close the Folder Options dialog box.

5. Click Folders on the toolbar.

Note If Folders is not visible on the toolbar, point to Toolbars on the View menu, and then click Standard Buttons.

6. In the left pane, under Folders, locate the Recycle Bin folder, and then drag the Recycle Bin folder to the desktop.

7. On the Tools menu, click Folder Options.

8. Click the View tab, and then click to select the Hide protected operating system files (Recommended) check box. Click OK.

Note This procedure does not re-create the original icon. However, this procedure restores most of the features of the Recycle Bin, including the following:

* Delete a file by dragging it to the Recycle Bin icon on your Desktop.

* Retrieve a file that you deleted by double-clicking the Recycle Bin icon on your Desktop, right-clicking the file that you want to retrieve, and then clicking Restore.

* Empty the Recycle Bin by right-clicking the Recycle Bin icon on your Desktop, and then clicking Empty Recycle Bin.

When you use these step to work around the problem, you cannot right-click the Recycle Bin shortcut to access the Recycle Bin Properties. To set properties for the Recycle Bin, follow these steps:

1. Double-click the Recycle Bin shortcut on the Desktop. The Recycle Bin folder opens.

2. In the upper left corner of the Recycle Bin folder, right-click the Recycle Bin icon, and then click Properties.

Here's how to restore your Recycle Bin to your Desktop:

1. Right click an empty area of your Desktop.

2. Select Personalize.

3. Under the "Task" category, click the "Change Desktop Icons" link.

4. Place a checkmark in the Recycle Bin checkbox.

5. Click OK.

Other option is to undo the system change with "System Restore". Thru this option you undo changes to your computer’s operating system and programs without affecting personal files such as documents or photos.

Take in account that when you use a Restore Point, you are going back in time, so any change done to the system after the date of the Restore point (like programs installations) will be lost, because you are going back to a point when they were not installed, only your personal files (documents, photos, music, etc) will not be affected.

To use System Restore:

1. - Click the Start button Picture of the Start button,

2.- Type System Restore in the Search box,

3.- Click System Restore (type your password or provide confirmation if prompted).

4.- Follow the steps in the wizard.

System Restore might suggest a recent restore point or you you can choose from a list of available restore points.

1. Right click on desktop and choose personalize. 2. Click on Change Desktop Icons. 3. The desktop Icon Setting window will now open 4. Check the box for Recycling Bin.

if that didnt work then try doing a system restore.

and if that doesnt work then your missing some windows files. reinstall windows vista