To restore desktop icon in the taskbar
Open Notepad and type the following text:

CODE
[Shell]
Command=2
IconFile=explorer.exe,3
[Taskbar]
Command=ToggleDesktop

Save the new file as Show Desktop.scf then drag and drop the icon on the Quick Launch bar or whatever location you want the shortcut to appear.

OR
Alternatively you can press 'start + d' keys on the keyboard.  Most keyboards have the start key it usually has a windows flag on it.  And 'start + m' will minimize all windows.