Cannot access desktop icons any longer

You used the "Add or remove programs" in the control panel? When was that?

Click
Start/All programs/accessories/system tools/system restore.

Make sure that the "restore my computer to an earlier date" is selected click next an on the screen see if you have any bold dates previous to your deleting. Select one just before you uninstalled the programs (it gives details for each one when you click on them) and restore your computer to that date.