What steps are you taking to achieve this? Normally I click Start then All programs. Select and right click on the program that needs a desktop icon and in the pop up menu hover over 'Send to...' and a side flyout appears. Click 'Create desktop icon' Done. Then I rename the new desktop icon if it is not exactly what I want.

Was the restore point in blue and sort of inset with larger numbers? You have to use the restore dates that are there, not just any date. If you haven't created a restore point before this, create one now. However it will not help you with this because you cannot go back to a day before the restore point was created. If the program was not affected you can create new icons. Try clicking on the program in --start--all programs and see if it comes up. If it does then go out and click on start again. Go to your program and click once to highlight it then go to the little side page that has the icons and drag them to the desktop

You might try copying the URL and pasting it in your browser location bar. If it doesn't connect when you hit the enter key try deleting the part after the last / and press the enter key again. If it connects then you can try to find what your're lookn ing for there. If you do find it you can copy and paste it in the properties section of your shortcut. The shortcut would then work.

Not sure what you mean, but if I am working and want to see my desktop I go to the right of clock and date in the notification area and click on the narrow vertical strip. it will pull up desktop and it will be on top of what you are doing. If you click there again the page you were on will be there.