Desktop Gone/Disappeared/Unresponsive (Lion 10.7.3)

hi there,

not long ago, reason, needed obtain access hidden system files. must have been using outdated version of tinkertool (prior lion release), because once relaunched finder, desktop , of contents not reappear.
finder active, , can access hd seems desktop dead , unresponsive. point finder windows won't come top of screen if click on empty desktop area, if desktop area wasn't clickable.
however, can access documents stored on desktop through finder windows.
also, if have finder selected (i.e. if "finder" shows on menu bar) no finder windows open, file menu not allow me create new folders, option greyed out. it's if desktop literally not exist , isn't recognized finder application location create new folder default. because have access desktop through finder windows, can create new folders onto desktop or other location please. don't know if made sense... basically, cannot use desktop interface, icons disppeared desktop; it's dead.

i've tried following: rebooting, re-launching finder, repairing permission, deleting com.apple.finder.plist files, summoning .macosx/environment.plist through single-user command line.
i've upgraded system 10.7.2 10.7.3 in meantime.

tried looking com.apple.desktop.plist file, seems missing ~/library/preferences/ folder.
have feeling might root of issue: somehow, after summoning hidden files via tinkertool, system managed permanently delete com.desktop.plist file.

please, me out. don't want fresh install of system, neither go "genius" bar

 

so... no 1 has clue?

tried re-installing os (without erasing personal data) didn't work. think might have clean install. still refuse believe ever necessary. i've been able cleverly solve issues after 11 years of using osx.

so, heavy hitters out there, please if have idea, please don't hold out!

 

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