Application and Associated Icons Revert to Default

[Guest]

Many of the application and associated file icons on my XP Pro box recently
changed--apparently of their own accord. The application icons (Word, Excel,
and various other MS and and non-MS programs) appear as generic executables.
The associated file icons have assumed the
Windows-Does-Not-Know-What-This-File-Is icon. I've tried TreakUI's icon
repair tool, but it had no noticeable effect. I also tried to locate and
delete the ShellIconCache file, but never did find it.

After I posted this problem a week ago, Kelly Theriot was kind enough to
give the following instructions:

<begin instructions>
Go to: Windows Explorer/Tools/Folder Options/View/Show Hidden File and
Uncheck Hide Protected Operating System Files.

Icon Cache is located here:

IconCache.db
C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Local Settings\Application Data

To clear and reset icon cache:

Right click the Desktop/Properties/Appearance/Advanced. Use the item
drop box and choose Icon. Change the pixel number by one. Ok your way
out.

Increase Icon Cache (Line 121)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Tip:
Add Icon Cache Size to Folder Options/View (Line 166)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
<end instructions>

I followed the instructions to clear and reset the icon cache, and I ran the
script to increase the size of the icon cache, but the problem persists. It's
not clear to me whether I am supposed to delete the icon cache. Shall I
delete the icon cache, or is there something else I should pursue?

 

[Guest]

Try TweakUI. After installed, go to the Repair tab and rebuild icons.

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

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the reply. I tried the TweakUI tool before I posted--should have
included that in the original message. Any other suggestions?

 

[Guest]

Here is a great source for tweaks and fixes (it's in My Favorites)
www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Look through, might find something else you like. I did.