Recently I received a query wherein the user had incorrectly associated .zip file type with Adobe Reader. Later they got the association problem straightened out by running the .zip association fix from the File association fixes for Windows Vista page. The problem is that the .zip file type is still showing the Adobe Reader icon, although the association settings are correct.
FORCING A REFRESH OF THE ICON CACHE
Usually, the icon should be refreshed after a restart. If that does not happen, you can force a shell icon refresh by performing a task that triggers the calling of SHChangeNotify API. For example, you can use the Default Programs applet and set Internet Explorer as your default browser, in order to refresh the shell icons. Follow these steps:
1. Click Start, Default Programs
2. Click Set your default programs
3. Select your web browser, email client or any other item in the list.
4. Click the Set this program as default button.
5. Click OK.
Check if the icon for .zip file type is fixed.
MORE INFORMATION
Whenever the file association settings are changed or new association is created via the registry or script, the system might not be aware of the change unless the SHChangeNotify API is called specifying the SHCNE_ASSOCCHANGED event, or until the system is restarted.
Related Posts
- How to Rebuild the Icon Cache in Windows Vista and Windows 7
- Repairing or Rebuilding the Icons in Windows XP Using Tweak UI
- Change the Default Icon for Unknown File Types in Windows Vista
- Fix: MP3 Files Are Saved With Incorrect File Extension When Downloaded
- How to Copy Error Message Text to Clipboard
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed! We feature Tips, Troubleshooting information, Scripts and Utilities for Microsoft Windows Operating Systems!
Prefer an E-mail subscription?
Thank You!
Oh, you beauty! this problem occurred all of a sudden. the problem when i downloaded a zip file from my e-mail client as my dad had sent me some photos from nov 5th (thanks dad!), and all the zip file icons were replaced with internet explorer icons. when i tried to open the files explorer started going nuts opening and closing the same window attempting to open this zip file with IE. managed to associate the files with vistas explorer, but then all the icons looked wrong. i might sound stubborn, but i love to browse and having the right kind of icon makes it so much easier. and i love the little yellow folder with the zip running up it’s middle. has it’s own charm. and all of a sudden it was gone. i was frustrated as all hell,and then i came across this piece of solid gold advice, and SHAZAM!, my icons are all back and working just as it used to. breathed a sigh of relief and felt compelled to tell the world. seeing as though most of the world is ignorant, i thought i’d post here. so if you too have this problem then take this young mans advice, because it totally works.thanks again good sir.