The fix is so simple that you're not even gonna believe it! Just wait for the final to come out! lol, j/k

Ok, in my version changing "PaintDesktopVerion" in the reg doesn't seem to work in the XP beta. But this does (in my version which is 2416, waiting for beta 2). Right click on desktop>Arrange Icons By>Lock Web Items on Desktop. This should work but makes the icons look ugly... eeww.
Also, to remove the "comments" links from the nav bars:
(from the faq)
Open regedit.exe
go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
change "LameButtonEnabled" to 0
remove the text from "LameButtonText"
Restart Windows XP
There, have fun with your beta.
The Questionnaire