Desktop icons can't be changed

All of a sudden all my desktop icons are set to the icon of one of my program files (excep the icon for My Computer). I can't change any of them back using the 'properties' option. When I try to 'apply' the change, it changes it in the properties window, but doesn't do it on the desktop.

What gives? Is there some file that's got some global property set or a flag that doesn't allow changes to the desktop icons?

Every desktop icon except the My Computer icon is like this. Any new shortcuts or folders I create also inherit this "default" icon.

Help!

 

Do you have a copy of Tweakui?

There is a part of the program that will rebuild the icons for you.

You did not indicate whether you were running XP or 2000/NT. the versions for the two of them are different, so I will send you links to both of the versions.

This one is for XP.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/downloads/powertoys.asp


This is for the rest.

http://www.microsoft.com/ntworkstation/downloads/PowerToys/Networking/NTTweakUI.asp

Just install tweakui and go to the repair page and tell it to rebuild the icons.

If this does not work, let us know so we can look at other possible causes.

 

Howdy dgibb

What's the program?

buck

 

Try deleting the 'ShelliconCache' file in your Windows folder.

Subsequently, reboot.

You need to be able to view hidden files to see the ShellIconCache file: click Folder Options on the View menu in Windows Explorer, click the View tab, click Show All Files, and then click OK.