Maybe try making a new desktop shortcut with a path about like this;
"C:\Documents and Settings\mike\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\Show Desktop.scf"

when done you may need to right click it and select properties and mark it to start in a path similar to this;
"C:\Documents and Settings\mike\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch"

if it works, right click & delete the non working one, then drag the new onto that spot.

hi mike
where should i enter that shortcut

When you right click the desktop, choose properties, the select New... then Shortcut
Its says something like type the path to the item.

thanks mike , greatly appreciated

bud