Windows XP Professional Icon Question

Hello,

I have just installed Windows XP Professional. I just switched from
Windows Me. My question is about the icons on my desktop. I cannot
seem to make them get adjusted on the screen the way I want. I try to
make adjustments to the vertical (icon spacing), but they won't move.
I have auto arrange and align to grid unchecked. I would like to group
them a little closer and have only 7 icons in a row versus 9. Any ones
help would be gratefully appreciated.

Thank you!