LiteStep is a shell replacement that supports virtual desktops in much the same way as [choose a XWindows Manager here]... probably because it's modeled after (liberated from) AfterStep.
The move from Win32 to XWin was much easier this time around because I'd gone from WinXP + LiteStep to XWin + Fluxbox... and the only thing I lost was the annoying configuration screens in the Control Panel.
Ironically, Windows XP PowerToys from Microsoft features a virtual desktop manager. You can get it at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/downloads/powertoys.asp [microsoft.com]. This is what I use, and it doesn't give me any hassle. Worth a look.
Also see: LiteStep (Score:1)
The move from Win32 to XWin was much easier this time around because I'd gone from WinXP + LiteStep to XWin + Fluxbox
PowerToys (Score:1)