windows xp:Recreating show desktop icon in quick launch

Use Notepad to create a text file with the following contents:
[Shell]
Command=2
IconFile=explorer.exe,3
[Taskbar]
Command=ToggleDesktop

Save the file as Show Desktop.scf. (You can name it something else if you prefer, but make sure you use the .scf file extension.)

You can save the file where you want, and then create a shortcut on your Quick Launch toolbar.

You will also need to make sure that the SCF file extension is set up properly in Windows