That happens to me once in a while too.

Right click a clear area on your desktop and select "Refresh" from the
context menu that pops up.

Mike

"Aunt Murry" <AuntMurry@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:F59768CA-1533-46D8-AD08-191FD020F6C8@microsoft.com...
> I'm have Vista home basic.
>
> Whenever I copy a file from any directory or location, and then perform a
> paste command to the desktop, the file does not appear on the desktop. If
> I
> repeat the paste command, Vista tells me that the file allready exists on
> the
> desktop and asks me if I want to replace it. If I then reboot my computer-
> the pasted file appears- albeit somewhat hidden because its under the
> gadget
> bar.
>
> There must be a solution for this, but I haven't found it!
> --
> Best wishes to all newsgroup members!