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My earlier post Incorrect icon shown for a file type in Vista (March 31, 2008) tells you how to refresh the shell icons in Vista. In case the solution posted in that link does not help, you may want to clear the icon cache database. The icon cache can be cleared by deleting the hidden file named IconCache.db in the following location:
Note: %userprofile% represents the path to user profile folder.
Rebuilding the Icon Cache Database
1. Close all folder windows that are currently open.
2. Launch Task Manager using the CTRL+SHIFT+ESC key sequence, or by running taskmgr.exe.
3. In the Process tab, right-click on the Explorer.exe process and select End Process.
4. Click the End process button when asked for confirmation.
5. From the File menu of Task Manager, select New Task (Run…)
6. Type CMD.EXE, and click OK
7. In the Command Prompt window, type the commands one by one and press ENTER after each command:
CD /d %userprofile%\AppData\Local
DEL IconCache.db /a
EXIT
8. In Task Manager, click File, select New Task (Run…)
9. Type EXPLORER.EXE, and click OK.
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do I need to use Vista CD to do icon rebuilt as described in article?
my issue is alike: all icons in start menu and in installed program sector is shown as IE links, and when pressed – opens IE and suggests to download the same program file…any other suggestions to solve my problem?
It worked nicely. Much obliged.
THAT YOU SO VERY VERY VERY VERY MUCH!!!!!
Thank you for posting this! I just installed Windows 7 RC on my laptop a few days ago, and had the disappearing icon issue crop up this afternoon. This quick fix took care of it. :)
I had moved my Win7 RC1 to a new Harddisk and lost all icons .. Rebuilding the Icon Cache solved my problem! Thanks!
Hermann
Does not fix my problem, tried this multiple times on different method. Issue is certain apps (MSN, Office, Steam) have their default (white) icon on taskbar, explorer etc. Change icon is greyed out in properties. Seemed to happen when installing Office while MSN and Steam were running or something and failed on itself. System restore hangs too. Reinstall impending unless i can fix icons >(
FINALLY! Thanks for this explanation…
(Vista) Or… just try: Control Panel > Default Programs > Set Your Default Programs. Then select your current web browser from the list on the left and click “Set this program as default”.
Sounds redundant, but I believe this forces the recreation of the shell icon cache, as does this solution, but in a simpler manner. Worked for me.
@Zellers: You’re correct! We have an article covering that.
Fix Incorrect icon shown for a file type in Windows Vista
Hi there,
Your method restored the icons in my Vista start menu. Thanks very much!
after searching forever for a solution to my icon issue, i finally fixed it with your help. This page explained it as simple as it gets. If your shortcut icons keep changing on you, this will solve your problem folks! Thank you my friend so much. Have a blessed day!