application icons on desktop does not show

[animelover72]

Hi,

I have this really weird problem that occurred after i installed a patch from Windows.

Currently all the application icons on my desktop have turned into a black square. This issue does not affect other items such as .doc, .jpg, .ppt type of items. I have checked the settings and the box that allows the icons to be visible is ticked. I have tried assigning a new icon to the shortcut/application but still end up with that black square. However I find that if I click refresh, all the icons show up for a couple of seconds before turning into the black box of doom again.

Although it isn't affecting the way the computer's running, it's pretty annoying. If anyone has any suggestions or know what this is, please feel free to post.

P.S. I forgot to save some restore points so system restore is out of the question.

[windows_user]

I suppose that may be related to some display settings problem. Can you provide the screenshot of your desktop? It will make us clear what the actual problem is because I didn't get what you said. You can attach the screenshot in your post. Since .doc, .jpg, .ppt type of items are left unaffected then that certainly means some settings issue and nothing else.

[animelover72]

Hi,

I've attached a screenshot of what some of the icons look like at the moment.
If I open up the desktop in explorer view, all the icons show up fine.

Please let me know if you need any more details.

[windows_user]

The file which you have installed before have some corrupt file that is why you are getting this issue. Just go to the "Documents and Settings\usarname\Local Settings\Application Data folder. Now there look for the IconCache.db if found the same then delete it. Delete it from the recycle bin also. After that restart the computer and you will get the proper desktop screen.

[animelover72]

Hi,

Just tried the suggested solution. Unfortunately it still didn't work

[windows_user]

Then I suppose this is related to video card drivers problem. Either it is faulty or it is corrupted. Did you tried updating the video card drivers? If not then try it. However if this doesn't work then I think the only solution that comes to my mind is to repair your Windows installation.