i know youve already solved it, but there is a pretty easy way using an XP powertoy, Tweak UI
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powe...s/xppowertoys.mspx
look though the column on the right and youll find the Tweak UI setup file. download and install it.
go to start -> all programs -> powertoys for windows xp -> tweak ui
click "Desktop" on the left (not the plus button, but "Desktop" itself) and from there you can simply untick Recycle Bin to remove it, and tick it again to put it back
the other method suggested above is really good tho
this is just another way to do it.