I'm very frustrated...  I just set up my computer (two weeks ago) and have had trouble with the desktop.  Most of the time, the desktop just won't work right.  The icons that are on the big part of the screen disappear and the pinned icons at the bottom won't open.  This seems to happen only after the computer goes to sleep and then is woken up.  The only way I can use anything on the desktop is to restart the computer.  If I leave for a few minutes and come back, the computer has gone to sleep and I can no longer open the icons. 

I wondered about this being a glitch in Windows so have tried to download Windows 8.1.  However, I haven't been able to do this because I can't sit at the computer and keep it awake long enough for the download.  I'm obviously not a tech wizard but I'm not an idiot either.  I've never before been so frustrated with a new computer.  From the talk I hear, I'm not the only one...

most of this issue (icon disappear) caused by 3rd party software like CCcleaner or any registry cleaner software

try this method

http://www.askvg.com/fix-desktop-tile-missing-from-windows-8-start-screen-cant-add-from-all-apps-page/

try also running system file checker

https://support.microsoft.com/kb/929833/en-us

• Edited by britishdhez Monday, January 12, 2015 7:14 AM
• Proposed as answer by Michael ShaoMicrosoft contingent staff, Moderator Tuesday, January 20, 2015 1:23 AM
• Marked as answer by Alex ZhaozxMicrosoft contingent staff, Moderator Thursday, January 22, 2015 5:23 AM

most of this issue (icon disappear) caused by 3rd party software like CCcleaner or any registry cleaner software

try this method

http://www.askvg.com/fix-desktop-tile-missing-from-windows-8-start-screen-cant-add-from-all-apps-page/

try also running system file checker

https://support.microsoft.com/kb/929833/en-us

• Edited by britishdhez Monday, January 12, 2015 7:14 AM
• Proposed as answer by Michael ShaoMicrosoft contingent staff, Moderator Tuesday, January 20, 2015 1:23 AM
• Marked as answer by Alex ZhaozxMicrosoft contingent staff, Moderator Thursday, January 22, 2015 5:23 AM

Hi JoyfulinKansas,

What is your current situation?

Which Windows Version are you running bu now? Windows 8 or Windows 8.1

This might be caused by 3rd-party software, you may troubleshoot this issue in clean boot, follow the instructions below:

Perform a clean startup to determine whether background programs are interfering with your game or program

Another thing is please make sure all the drivers ( Reference ) are up-to-date, also Windows update.

Further, in addition to the SFC command, you may also take a try with the following DISM command:

Dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

Reference: Fixing component store corruption in Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012

Best regards

Sorry, I haven't checked this board in a while.  I haven't installed any new software on this computer.  I am still having the issue where the icons disappear from the desktop except for the ones pinned at the bottom and those won't open.  It happens after the computer has been left alone for a few minutes.  For example, today I have had to restart my computer three times because of this issue.  I haven't yet tried the things you suggested but I will do that and report back.

My speakers are also not working although everything I can find says they are...

I have updated a few times so should be good in that sense.