What do I do to keep my foldersand startup drive icon on the desktop

sfsinfoina,

Have you tried using "Stacks"?

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201955

For hiding your HD you can click on the Finder on the desktop, and Finder Preferences, and select what drives you wish to appear on the desktop.

Stacks will keep all your files not visible when you launch, but are readily available in the same way.

Check these two checkboxes at a minimum.