Hard Drive and Desktop Icons Have Disappeared From Dessktop

Question

I can locate all the files and access them via "search" and clicking on them, but can't see them on the desktop.
Problem started with difficulty using Spotlight, which eventually led to a freeze and when I restarted, the images were gone.
Have already tried: (1) Disk First Aid, which found a couple of minor problems, but was unable to complete the verification test,stating "underlying disk needs repair" and "1 HFS volume checked needs repair. . . (2) Trashing the Finder preference (which had no effect) . . . and (3) Restarting — both from the existing OS, as well as the Mac OS X Install CD. Tried several times with the latter (holding down the C key), but it did not override the damaged system.
Can't remember the last time I had to reinstall a system, bu it probably was at least 5 years Ago, if not longer, so am hoping to avoid that. Also have found a few directions online (and in an Apple document) that require rewriting a script, which scares me even more, since I've NEVER done that and am concerned about messing up my system even further.
Am hoping there's an easy fix that does not require taking the computer in for service.

Answer 1

Sorry. I am NOT using 10.2.
I am using 10.4.11!
Also working with the original set of disks that came with the computer.
The first time I tried to boot with the Software Install disk, I assumed it had not booted properly, because the entire desktop (such as it was . . . i.e., just a few assorted folders, apps down the side and icons for the install disk appeared with with it.)
The same thing happened when I held down the shift key while booting.
Both times when I tried to use Disk First Aid, a message stated that it was not compatible with the current OS.
And no, I did not think to see which OS was active either time. But I wouldn't be surprised to find 9.2 (Classic), . . . one of the operating systems identified on the disk) which was available as an option at that time, for users still using software that had not yet been updated by the manufacturers.
But even if I had thought of that, I probably also would have tried to avoid loading OS 10.0.4 if I didn't have to. (Why take an unnecessary step backward?)
Fast forward to today: My computer is still working. Miraculously, Spotlight has reappeared (on its own). I think I can access all or most of the files on my computer by using "search" . . . but the only ones currently on my desktop (and reappearing after a shutdown) are the few that op up at random, when Iaccidentally hit the "G" spot.
The icons for the hard drive and other peripherals still don't show up . . . which, in combiation with the missing file icons suggests to me that I still have a problem,which I would rather repair now, than wait for it to multiply or cause a major, irretrievable crash.