Howdy folks, it's been a long time since...

..."Start your computer in SAFE mode then restart it in Normal mode. This will rebuild the iconcache.db file".

I did this and it changed nothing. I then did a search on "iconcache.db" and I have no file like that...LOL.

"You could also download Tweak UI at the link below. After you install it you'll find it in Satrt>Programs>Powertoys for Windows XP>Tweak UI. Open it and under Repair then choose Rebuild Icons."

I also did this and it changed nothing...however...

I logged in as "Administrator"...(but the regular log-in is "Jack Ammann" which has "Administrator" privilages)...and I can not change the icon with right clicking the desktop icon...then <properties> <change icon>...choose one...and <apply> and <OK> out....and nothing happens...HOWEVER...if I drag the icon down into the Quick Launch area (next to <Start&gt...it turns into the web page specific icon...LOL...Wheeew!!!...A classic example of what's happening is...go to this web site...put a shortcut icon on your desktop(it's a red coffee cup)...but all get is a generic IE icon and I can not change it to any other icon...BUT, if I drag it down into the quick launch, it turns into the red coffee cup icon.

Sooooo...whata we do now?...LOL...I mean, this is a really mean little exercize. I even put in my XPSP2 recovery disk and I have no option to repair XP...all I can do is reinstall...LOL...OUCH.

I then did a search on "iconcache.db" and I have no file like that.


.

Jack, The iconcache.db is a hidden file so you would have to go into Folder Options>View tab and set it to Show hidden files and folders.

In Windows XP the file IconCache.db can be found in your: C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\ USERNAME\LOCAL SETTINGS\APPLICATION DATA\IconCache.db (where USERNAME is your account name).

Tufenuf

...and suddenly reappeared...LOL. As an example, go to http://www.blackviper.com and put a shortcut on your desktop. It's a really pretty one. But all I got for awhile was the generic web page icon...but now that pretty "BV" icon is back...another one is http://www.stinalisa.com ...really neat.

I'm fixed up. Thanks to all that helped.

..."This is only your web site specific desk-top icons,not any window icons,right?"...

Right.

"How about if you try C:\documents and settings\all users\desk top.click on desktop>right click>send to..."

I have all the same icons in the above file that I actually have on my desktop.

story about 3 months ago. Completely un-explained cause. All Icons became generic including XP OS ones.Didn't have any Internet specific as you do. I could change some, but not all, by change icon as you tried.

We have 2 desktops, but icons only affected on mine.
I tried a hard re-boot by pressing hard drive button, Then did system restore to 2 days before which brought back most icons to normal.
I then went to "other" desktop (with normal Icons) and switched back to my own. For some unknown reason, upon arriving at my desktop, ALL icons had returned to normal!! For what it's worth (if anything). G'Luck!