If you’re new to Microsoft’s Windows 2008 Server R2 (Release 2) then you might have noticed that the familiar personalization options are missing. This includes the ability to add or remove the My Computer, Networking, Control Panel and User Folders icons to the desktop.
Despair not! Part of the Windows 2008 Server R2 security model is to not include any features which the user did not ask to be installed. This includes desktop personalization or as Microsoft has dubbed it, the Windows Desktop Experience. To add this feature you will need to go to the Control Panel and click on Programs and Features (Click Start –> Click Control Panel –> Click Programs and Features).
In the upper left hand portion of this screen look for Turn Windows features on or off. Clicking this will open the Windows 2008 Server R2 Server Manager.
Alternatively, if you have Administrative Tools enabled on the Start Menu you can simply Click Start –> Administrative Tools –> Server Manager to arrive at the same application.
From the Server Manager application click on Features in the left menu.
Now from the Add Features Wizard select Desktop Experience and then click next.
Now click the Install button to begin the installation.
Finally, click Close and then Yes to restart your computer when prompted.
You’ll now be able to right click your Desktop and choose Personalize. Alternatively you Click Start –> Control Panel –> Personalization. In addition to being able to add desktop icons, you’ll notice you can change your mouse pointers, desktop backgrounds, desktop themes, etc.
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