Icons and thumbnails dissapeared

Hey,

I'm running out of ideas. All of my icons dissapeared yesterday for some unknown reason. On desktop there is just blank space where they should be, only the text description of each shortcut or file remains. No icons are showing in explorer either. The only place where I can see them is the start menu. Also the iconcache.db file is nowhere to be found.

What I've tried so far:
-fixing it with the .bat that should force windows to rebuild the file
-rebuilding the file with command prompt
-reverting windows to eariler date
-uninstalling yesterday's update (which couldn't be done btw., but reverting to last working state got rid of it apparently)
-done a complete scan for viruses and malware (nothing found)
-running the system file checker in cmd (it found some corrupted files and fixed them, but according to log nothing even remotly connected to icons or thumbnails)
-during all of that restarted pc probably 50 times just to be sure.

and that's about it. Any ideas what to try next? (aside from the obvious answer - reinstall windows)

Perhaps try to make a new user and see, if the problem is system wide or user dependent. Otherwise I have no idea, but must be stressful.

Perhaps try to make a new user and see, if the problem is system wide or user dependent. Otherwise I have no idea, but must be stressful.

Thanks for the idea. I just tried it, but it doesn't work on other users either. Just a screenshot to show you what I'm dealing with:



wow... and now I'm even more confused... When I was choosing the image to upload, all icons and thumbnails are working in that "choose your file" window. (using chrome as browser)

Try the following 2 tutorials :

1. Icon cache rebuild
Icon Cache - Rebuild in Windows 10

2. Thumbnail clear and reset
Thumbnail Cache - Clear and Reset in Windows 10

Thanks, but that didn't do anything either. I even tried to run a repair install of windows, but for some reason it's not allowing me to check the keep all my programs installed or even keep just the personal files options. (and yes, I'm trying to run it from the same dvd I originally installed it before)

I guess I'll either get used to using windows without icons, or just give up and reinstall everything.

(and yes, I'm trying to run it from the same dvd I originally installed it before)

.

When that DVD was created, what was the Windows 10 version ?
Was it 10240 ?

What is your current Win 10 version ?
Is it 10586 ? ( Type winver in the search box > press Enter. That will show your Windows 10 version ).

If yes to both of the above, that is why you had trouble using the old DVD for reinstall.

Try this method. Please make sure you follow the instructions to the letter.

Use the Tech Bench link below to download Win 10 iso file:


scroll down toSelect Edition > click the pointer at the right and selectWindows 10 ( 1stone on the list )> click Confirm.
click the pointer and select Language > make sure you pick the same language the computer is now running > click Confirm
Select the bit version, 32 or 64-bit. Make sure you select the same bit version as the computer is now running.
At the bottom, click the pointer next to Save > click Save As > navigate to a folder of your choice > click the chosen folder > clickSave
The iso will start downloading to your chosen folder.
When it is done, go to that folder > open the folder > right click at the iso file > clickMount > clickSetup.exe
Installation will begin.
It will allow you to keep you files, settings and apps.
No product key is required.
Activation will be automatic.

When that DVD was created, what was the Windows 10 version ?
Was it 10240 ?

What is your current Win 10 version ?
Is it 10586 ? ( Type winver in the search box > press Enter. That will show your Windows 10 version ).

I'm an idiot, it didn't occur to me that the version nr. would change with updates. Anyway, it worked. And now my icons are working again. Thank you for your help.

You are welcome.
Happy computing.