Had the same problem. Please go to this link, there are separate programs for 32 & 64 bit Windows (I have 64 bit, that works fine, cannot know about the 32 bit, but....):
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/save-and-restore-desktop-icon-layout-in-windows-vista/
Al;though designed for Vista, it is fine with Windows 7 Ultimate. Might do for XP, haven't needed to use it there.
Just tried this with Win7 Home edition 32 bit and although the menus appear when you rightclick on 'My Computer' selecting these options has no effect whatsoever ... might be something i am doing wrong but i wasn't keen on downloading registry altering files
off the internet anyhow so i abandoned it.
Instead I resolved the problem with shifting icons just by sheer persistance:
start your computer as normal, move your icons into place but don't open or start any programs then restart your computer .. you may have to do this twice or 3 times
if it's still playing up then try typing (windowskey left) + r. In the box type msconfig, this should bring up 'System Configuration' then click on the 'Startup' tab
here you will find a list of all of the programs and applications that start as soon as windows is loaded and you are logged on.
Uncheck some of the boxes (some need to stay checked like drivers and antivirus programs), most of the others can be safely left unchecked without adversely affecting the way Windows works and might even make it start up a bit faster.
I am not entirely sure which program i unchecked as i ended up unchecking about 25-30 boxes and my icons will now stay put!