How can I unlock the icons from horizontal/verical grid, that is so they can be moved to any position on the screen?

For Windows Vista, Right click on a blank part of the desktop, put you cursor on view and when the menu appears, click on autoarrange to remove the checkmark. You can then place icons anywhere on the desktop by dragging them to the location you want. For Windows XP, right click on a blank space on the desktop, put your cursor on "Arrange Icons by" and again uncheck the autoarrange option.

Thank you JG.

You're welcome!

Just want to say thank u also Mr. Gunther. Re-formatted comp and having a little trouble tweaking the custimzation points!