Microsoft has confirmed an issue in Windows XP, Vista and 7 which causes random incorrect icon change problem due to icon cache not updating correctly.
Problem Symptom:
Some icons in the following locations are randomly changed to other icons on a computer that is running Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7:
- My Computer
- Windows Explorer
- Desktop
- Quick Launch bar
Problem Cause:
This issue occurs because the icon cache is not updated correctly.
Solution:
To fix this problem, follow these steps:
1. Close all open windows if a Close Open Programs Interaction dialog box is displayed.
2. Verify the Max Cached Icons string value that locates in the following registry subkey equals to 2000:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer
3. Delete IconCache.db that locates in the following path:
Windows XP
%userprofile%\Local Settings\Application DataWindows Vista or Windows 7
%userprofile%\AppData\Local
PS: You can download the "Diagnose and repair Windows File and Folder Problems automatically" troubleshooter to automatically fix the problem. To run this troubleshooter, click the Run now button at following link:
This article was posted by VG in following section: Troubleshooting, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP.
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MITHI
whenever i delete a program icon on desktop (tuneup utilities, acronis true image etc..) the real program also looses icon is there any solution for this problem
MITHI
whenever i delete a program icon on desktop (tuneup utilities, acronis true image etc..) the real program also looses icon is there any solution for this problem
Mike
Glad I read all the way down to the link for the automatic fix. No way am I going to be able to follow those instructions!
SCBright
Well, I think this is random...
I never had such problem even in XP. Thanks VG!
helmutcheese
By default a lot of users (inc myself) will not even ahve this Reg Key.
You can make it but I have read it can cause issues.
Best let the Auto Tool do it.
M
Thanks VG!
I used to have this problem all the time!
I ended up using the tweak to save the icon positions to keep them in place on reboot.
Thanks so much!
Someone
This happens sometimes I install programs or launch a program that uses UAC. Yesterday, the icon for PowerPoint files became the Windows Media Player icon. Is this the same issue as above?
macpro622776
This hasn't happened to my computers here at home, however it regularly happens when I'm at school on XP. Strange.
david
the registry info need to be further enhanced, i.e. what type of key is to be created (dword? string? etc.).
there are numerous posts (found in google) stated the key (Max Cached Icons) is a hit-or-miss.
btw, my Win7 x86 doesnt have the iconcache.db.
VG
^^ Its a String value.