Zaccyboy, I had a similar problem but mine was merely that the properties icons were hidden, not missing as I note yours are. This will not address your problem but maybe it'll help save some time for others. I'm running BLENDER 2.82. My icons were hidden but there is a very tiny arrow near the top of the properties menu that brings hidden icons back. See image 1.

Also, if you place your cursor on the boundary ( between the properties menu and whatever you have open next to it ) and acquire the double arrow, a left click and drag to the right brings the icons back. See image 2.

Zaccyboy, I had a similar problem but mine was merely that the properties icons were hidden, not missing as I note yours are. This will not address your problem but maybe it'll help save some time for others. I'm running BLENDER 2.82. My icons were hidden but there is a very tiny arrow near the top of the properties menu and clicking it brings the hidden icons back. See image 1.

Also, if you place your cursor on the boundary ( between the properties menu and whatever screen you have open next to it ) and acquire the double arrow, a left click and drag to the right brings the icons back. See image 2.