I have found a workaround for this (known) issue.

Find and download a copy of the freeware utility "IconSaver" version 1.2. Here is a discussion thread mentioning the utility with a download link:

http://www.autoitscript.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=8312

Create a folder and extract the files. Run IconSaver and save your desktop icons (after positioning them the way you want). Put a shortcut to bothe IconSaver.exe and RestoreIcons.exe in you Startup folder. Having IconSaver resident in memory will restore your icons when your screen mode changes (like, coming out of a screensaver). Running RestoreIcons will restore your icons on startup (having IconSaver resident alone doesn't appear to work).

No more problem. Desktop icons stay where you want, always. You're welcome.

This is a workaround. There is a problem with Windows XP not liking the 1024X600 screen resolution as it relates to restoring icon positions on screen mode changes and Dell needs to develop a fix for it ASAP.

This is a problem with the video changing resolution during boot up.  It starts with 800x600 and goes to 1024x600 after the driver loads.  I found the only fix (so far) to download the file noted below:

http://www.pcnineoneone.com/tweaks/layout.zip

After you have downloaded the file, extract its contents into a folder. Open the folder and double click LAYOUT.REG to merge the information into your registry. Now copy the library LAYOUT.DLL to your Windows\System32 directory. To save your current desktop icon layout, right click on the Recycle Bin or My Computer on your desktop and select Save Desktop Icon Layout. To restore your previous desktop icon layout, right click the Recycle Bin or My Computer and select Restore Desktop Icon Layout.

This is just a work around for the problem, but it's much quicker than dragging all the icons around each time you reboot, or refresh the screen.  I use it and will say it does what it's supposed to do, but not having to do this would be much better.

Another issue I've found with the mini is that McAfee won't display the update staus (rotating arrow icon in the taskbar) but it does update.  I'm still working on a fix for that one.

I also had this problem. Dell even shipped a NEW Mini. That had the same problem. After spending over 4 hours with support, I finally got to someone who know what was happening.

Here is what you need to do. After starting your PC, change the screen resolution from 1024 down to 800. Rearrage the Icons the way you want them. Shutdown and restart your PC.

The Icons will appear where you want them. Now you can change the screen resolution back to 1024.

The Icons will stay put.

This is a problem with the Intel Display Driver and Dell is aware of this problem and this resolution.

Bruce 

I've noticed on my Mini that the screen resolution starts at 800x600, then jumps to 1024x600.  I guess I was right when I thought that resolution change was the reason the icons changed position.  This means a video driver update is probably what will resolve it without the workaround.

I also had this problem. Dell even shipped a NEW Mini. That had the same problem. After spending over 4 hours with support, I finally got to someone who know what was happening. Here is what you need to do. After starting your PC, change the screen resolution from 1024 down to 800. Rearrage the Icons the way you want them. Shutdown and restart your PC. The Icons will appear where you want them. Now you can change the screen resolution back to 1024. The Icons will stay put. This is a problem with the Intel Display Driver and Dell is aware of this problem and this resolution. Bruce

Many thanks Bruce! This solved my problem with the desktop icons not staying put.

Elfyn

I was having this same problem.  I was able to fix this by upgrading the BIOS.

www.dell.com --> "Drivers & Downloads" --> "Enter a Tag" --> enter your Dell Service Tag --> "Go" --> scroll down search results, expand "Bios" --> "Download Now"

Version info...

Name: Dell Inspiron 910 System BIOS
Release Date:    1/12/2009
Version:    A04   
Download Type:    BIOS
File Format:    Windows/DOS   
File Size:    2 MB

I'll have to try that on mine.

Hi there.

I had the same problem ... but after having installed the A04 BIOS, it works like a charm and the icons stay where they're supposed to ...

Thanks a lot!

Oliver.