Files don't appear on my desktop

So, happens this strange thing:
when i download a file,
i choose as destination the desktop.
The download finishes, but no file is shown!
I have to go in spotlight, search the name of the file,
choose show it in the finder, and then it appears!
I use firefox, but it's not related to it:
for exemple, if i uncompress a file, same thing,
the file is not shown on the desktop.
I've already repaired permissions,
it should be an osx problem,
but don't want to reinstall it only for this.
Any other things i could try?
Thanks

In Firefox, you really must make sure to select a destination. I assume you are using 1.5.0.7 (latest) or even 2.0 RC2 (just posted).
It is possible for downloads to go elsewhere (control + click and select destination) in FF (but Safari will ONLY download to the "download designated folder".
When expanding, some ".dmg" images will go into the trash afterwards unless you change the behavior in Disk Utility of what to do (preferences).
Click on desktop and it doesn't show up even though it is done? Sometimes things are in memory, and the Finder has a general amnesia problem with updating itself with changes. A long standing point of ire.
I would create a folder "Downloads" which seems to help keep things organized and in one place (and do hang onto all the updates and installers).

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I just started experiencing an odd problem and when I went searching, I found the topic in the archives, unanswered - so I thought I would try again.
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