Skip to content
  • Categories
  • Recent
  • Tags
  • Popular
  • World
  • Users
  • Groups
Skins
  • Light
  • Cerulean
  • Cosmo
  • Flatly
  • Journal
  • Litera
  • Lumen
  • Lux
  • Materia
  • Minty
  • Morph
  • Pulse
  • Sandstone
  • Simplex
  • Sketchy
  • Spacelab
  • United
  • Yeti
  • Zephyr
  • Dark
  • Cyborg
  • Darkly
  • Quartz
  • Slate
  • Solar
  • Superhero
  • Vapor

  • Default (No Skin)
  • No Skin
Collapse
Code Project
  1. Home
  2. The Lounge
  3. Windows Explorer Icon Woes...

Windows Explorer Icon Woes...

Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved The Lounge
jsonquestion
42 Posts 9 Posters 3 Views 1 Watching
  • Oldest to Newest
  • Newest to Oldest
  • Most Votes
Reply
  • Reply as topic
Log in to reply
This topic has been deleted. Only users with topic management privileges can see it.
  • D Offline
    D Offline
    David Wulff
    wrote on last edited by
    #1

    Why oh why oh why is Windows Explorer suddenly displaying all of the icons in 256 colours? I have checked and double checked that my desktop resolution is set to x * y * 16 million, but they are still 8 bit! I have tried (with no success): - setting the resolution to 256 colours and restarting, then changing back to 16 bit and restarting, then changing to 32 bit and restarting. None have any effect on the icons, though they do with the rest of the system (as expected). - removing the system's icon cache and restarting to rebuild it from scratch. Background info: - I have not installed or changed anything in the past few days. - I have not played any games in the last few days. - I have not slept in the last few days - or at least that's what it seems like. Ahh - deadlines! :( Please someone tell me there is a checkbox is some secret dialog or wizard that reads "Confuse David". ________________ David Wulff http://www.davidwulff.co.uk "I loathe people who keep dogs. They are cowards who haven't got the guts to bite people themselves" - August Strindberg

    N R A S 5 Replies Last reply
    0
    • D David Wulff

      Why oh why oh why is Windows Explorer suddenly displaying all of the icons in 256 colours? I have checked and double checked that my desktop resolution is set to x * y * 16 million, but they are still 8 bit! I have tried (with no success): - setting the resolution to 256 colours and restarting, then changing back to 16 bit and restarting, then changing to 32 bit and restarting. None have any effect on the icons, though they do with the rest of the system (as expected). - removing the system's icon cache and restarting to rebuild it from scratch. Background info: - I have not installed or changed anything in the past few days. - I have not played any games in the last few days. - I have not slept in the last few days - or at least that's what it seems like. Ahh - deadlines! :( Please someone tell me there is a checkbox is some secret dialog or wizard that reads "Confuse David". ________________ David Wulff http://www.davidwulff.co.uk "I loathe people who keep dogs. They are cowards who haven't got the guts to bite people themselves" - August Strindberg

      N Offline
      N Offline
      Nish Nishant
      wrote on last edited by
      #2

      Which version are you using? 98/2000/ME/XP? Nish Nish was here, now Nish has gone; He left his soul, to turn you on; Those who knew Nish, knew him well; Those who didn't, can go to hell. I like to :jig: on the Code Project Sonork ID 100.9786 voidmain www.busterboy.org

      D 1 Reply Last reply
      0
      • N Nish Nishant

        Which version are you using? 98/2000/ME/XP? Nish Nish was here, now Nish has gone; He left his soul, to turn you on; Those who knew Nish, knew him well; Those who didn't, can go to hell. I like to :jig: on the Code Project Sonork ID 100.9786 voidmain www.busterboy.org

        D Offline
        D Offline
        David Wulff
        wrote on last edited by
        #3

        Good point. :-O I am using Windows 2000 Professional, SP2 ________________ David Wulff http://www.davidwulff.co.uk "I loathe people who keep dogs. They are cowards who haven't got the guts to bite people themselves" - August Strindberg

        N 1 Reply Last reply
        0
        • R Roger Wright

          You wouldn't believe how often this happens in my company, and that on all generations of Windows. Until now, I've always assumed it was caused by a SUE, but that's clearly not the case here. The only fix I've found that works reliably is to reinstall the video driver.

          D Offline
          D Offline
          David Wulff
          wrote on last edited by
          #4

          Thanks for the advice, Roger, I'll give it a shot. ________________ David Wulff http://www.davidwulff.co.uk "I loathe people who keep dogs. They are cowards who haven't got the guts to bite people themselves" - August Strindberg

          1 Reply Last reply
          0
          • D David Wulff

            Why oh why oh why is Windows Explorer suddenly displaying all of the icons in 256 colours? I have checked and double checked that my desktop resolution is set to x * y * 16 million, but they are still 8 bit! I have tried (with no success): - setting the resolution to 256 colours and restarting, then changing back to 16 bit and restarting, then changing to 32 bit and restarting. None have any effect on the icons, though they do with the rest of the system (as expected). - removing the system's icon cache and restarting to rebuild it from scratch. Background info: - I have not installed or changed anything in the past few days. - I have not played any games in the last few days. - I have not slept in the last few days - or at least that's what it seems like. Ahh - deadlines! :( Please someone tell me there is a checkbox is some secret dialog or wizard that reads "Confuse David". ________________ David Wulff http://www.davidwulff.co.uk "I loathe people who keep dogs. They are cowards who haven't got the guts to bite people themselves" - August Strindberg

            R Offline
            R Offline
            Roger Wright
            wrote on last edited by
            #5

            You wouldn't believe how often this happens in my company, and that on all generations of Windows. Until now, I've always assumed it was caused by a SUE, but that's clearly not the case here. The only fix I've found that works reliably is to reinstall the video driver.

            D 2 Replies Last reply
            0
            • D David Wulff

              Why oh why oh why is Windows Explorer suddenly displaying all of the icons in 256 colours? I have checked and double checked that my desktop resolution is set to x * y * 16 million, but they are still 8 bit! I have tried (with no success): - setting the resolution to 256 colours and restarting, then changing back to 16 bit and restarting, then changing to 32 bit and restarting. None have any effect on the icons, though they do with the rest of the system (as expected). - removing the system's icon cache and restarting to rebuild it from scratch. Background info: - I have not installed or changed anything in the past few days. - I have not played any games in the last few days. - I have not slept in the last few days - or at least that's what it seems like. Ahh - deadlines! :( Please someone tell me there is a checkbox is some secret dialog or wizard that reads "Confuse David". ________________ David Wulff http://www.davidwulff.co.uk "I loathe people who keep dogs. They are cowards who haven't got the guts to bite people themselves" - August Strindberg

              A Offline
              A Offline
              Andrew Peace
              wrote on last edited by
              #6

              The illusive checkbox is under desktop right click/Properties/Effects tab - Show icons using all available colours or something. -- Andrew.

              D 1 Reply Last reply
              0
              • A Andrew Peace

                The illusive checkbox is under desktop right click/Properties/Effects tab - Show icons using all available colours or something. -- Andrew.

                D Offline
                D Offline
                David Wulff
                wrote on last edited by
                #7

                It was already checked, but to be sure I unchecked it - restarted - checked it - restarted, but no change. :(( ________________ David Wulff http://www.davidwulff.co.uk "I loathe people who keep dogs. They are cowards who haven't got the guts to bite people themselves" - August Strindberg

                N 1 Reply Last reply
                0
                • R Roger Wright

                  You wouldn't believe how often this happens in my company, and that on all generations of Windows. Until now, I've always assumed it was caused by a SUE, but that's clearly not the case here. The only fix I've found that works reliably is to reinstall the video driver.

                  D Offline
                  D Offline
                  David Wulff
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #8

                  Alas, this didn't work, although at least now I have the latest video drivers! ________________ David Wulff http://www.davidwulff.co.uk "I loathe people who keep dogs. They are cowards who haven't got the guts to bite people themselves" - August Strindberg

                  R N B 3 Replies Last reply
                  0
                  • D David Wulff

                    Alas, this didn't work, although at least now I have the latest video drivers! ________________ David Wulff http://www.davidwulff.co.uk "I loathe people who keep dogs. They are cowards who haven't got the guts to bite people themselves" - August Strindberg

                    R Offline
                    R Offline
                    Roger Wright
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #9

                    Just to be sure, are you logged in as Administrator? I wonder if there are some Registry settings that are being picky about getting changed.

                    D 1 Reply Last reply
                    0
                    • R Roger Wright

                      Just to be sure, are you logged in as Administrator? I wonder if there are some Registry settings that are being picky about getting changed.

                      D Offline
                      D Offline
                      David Wulff
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #10

                      At the moment I am logged in as a power user, but when I updated the drivers I logged in as an administrator. ________________ David Wulff http://www.davidwulff.co.uk "I loathe people who keep dogs. They are cowards who haven't got the guts to bite people themselves" - August Strindberg

                      R 1 Reply Last reply
                      0
                      • D David Wulff

                        Why oh why oh why is Windows Explorer suddenly displaying all of the icons in 256 colours? I have checked and double checked that my desktop resolution is set to x * y * 16 million, but they are still 8 bit! I have tried (with no success): - setting the resolution to 256 colours and restarting, then changing back to 16 bit and restarting, then changing to 32 bit and restarting. None have any effect on the icons, though they do with the rest of the system (as expected). - removing the system's icon cache and restarting to rebuild it from scratch. Background info: - I have not installed or changed anything in the past few days. - I have not played any games in the last few days. - I have not slept in the last few days - or at least that's what it seems like. Ahh - deadlines! :( Please someone tell me there is a checkbox is some secret dialog or wizard that reads "Confuse David". ________________ David Wulff http://www.davidwulff.co.uk "I loathe people who keep dogs. They are cowards who haven't got the guts to bite people themselves" - August Strindberg

                        S Offline
                        S Offline
                        Steve Hopkins
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #11

                        Isn't this an indicator like the fuel or engine lights on a car. It means that your Windows reinstall is overdue! X| if(E_NOINTERFACE == pThat->QueryInterface(IID_IUnknown,(void**)&pUnk)) { // I aint no pUnk bitch! }

                        D 1 Reply Last reply
                        0
                        • S Steve Hopkins

                          Isn't this an indicator like the fuel or engine lights on a car. It means that your Windows reinstall is overdue! X| if(E_NOINTERFACE == pThat->QueryInterface(IID_IUnknown,(void**)&pUnk)) { // I aint no pUnk bitch! }

                          D Offline
                          D Offline
                          David Wulff
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #12

                          I only hope this is not the case, considering I have spent the past two years tweaking the environment just how I like it. I fear a simple "repair" probably wont change which the offending settings (and it must be a setting as I have completed rebuilt the icon cache many times). If I have to do a full install, I am upgrading to XP... ________________ David Wulff http://www.davidwulff.co.uk "I loathe people who keep dogs. They are cowards who haven't got the guts to bite people themselves" - August Strindberg

                          S 1 Reply Last reply
                          0
                          • D David Wulff

                            At the moment I am logged in as a power user, but when I updated the drivers I logged in as an administrator. ________________ David Wulff http://www.davidwulff.co.uk "I loathe people who keep dogs. They are cowards who haven't got the guts to bite people themselves" - August Strindberg

                            R Offline
                            R Offline
                            Roger Wright
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #13

                            My next step would be to start spelunking the Registry for "video" and forage about from there. The HKLM, HKCU, and HKU would be likely places to search. I won't bother with the usual disclaimer about backing up the Registry first - I don't either, and I'll bet no one at Micro$oft does.

                            D 1 Reply Last reply
                            0
                            • R Roger Wright

                              My next step would be to start spelunking the Registry for "video" and forage about from there. The HKLM, HKCU, and HKU would be likely places to search. I won't bother with the usual disclaimer about backing up the Registry first - I don't either, and I'll bet no one at Micro$oft does.

                              D Offline
                              D Offline
                              David Wulff
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #14

                              Am doing. I've already spent about thirty minutes looking at every entry matching "icon", but that didn't help. I'll try video, bbp, "256", "8 bit", etc, though. Roger Wright wrote: I won't bother with the usual disclaimer about backing up the Registry first Already did that too. I have task scheduler automatically backup the registry every Friday night, which is when NAV does it's weekly scan too. ________________ David Wulff http://www.davidwulff.co.uk "I loathe people who keep dogs. They are cowards who haven't got the guts to bite people themselves" - August Strindberg

                              N M 2 Replies Last reply
                              0
                              • D David Wulff

                                I only hope this is not the case, considering I have spent the past two years tweaking the environment just how I like it. I fear a simple "repair" probably wont change which the offending settings (and it must be a setting as I have completed rebuilt the icon cache many times). If I have to do a full install, I am upgrading to XP... ________________ David Wulff http://www.davidwulff.co.uk "I loathe people who keep dogs. They are cowards who haven't got the guts to bite people themselves" - August Strindberg

                                S Offline
                                S Offline
                                Simon Walton
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #15

                                You mean your current Windows installation is two years old? I wouldn't be able to handle that see. I need a fresh install once a year. Simon ...needs a bath. badly. Sonork ID 100.10024

                                D 1 Reply Last reply
                                0
                                • S Simon Walton

                                  You mean your current Windows installation is two years old? I wouldn't be able to handle that see. I need a fresh install once a year. Simon ...needs a bath. badly. Sonork ID 100.10024

                                  D Offline
                                  D Offline
                                  David Wulff
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #16

                                  Yep. My motto is: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it. If it is broke, add that to the list of things never to attempt again." It's got me through 24 months with only a minor mishap (my motherboard stopped working for some unknown reason - possibly linked to the large black patches that appeared around some of the components...) I'd truely hate to lose it know and lose all my tweaks (that is the only reason I didn't upgrade my home machine to Windows XP). ________________ David Wulff http://www.davidwulff.co.uk "I loathe people who keep dogs. They are cowards who haven't got the guts to bite people themselves" - August Strindberg

                                  1 Reply Last reply
                                  0
                                  • D David Wulff

                                    Why oh why oh why is Windows Explorer suddenly displaying all of the icons in 256 colours? I have checked and double checked that my desktop resolution is set to x * y * 16 million, but they are still 8 bit! I have tried (with no success): - setting the resolution to 256 colours and restarting, then changing back to 16 bit and restarting, then changing to 32 bit and restarting. None have any effect on the icons, though they do with the rest of the system (as expected). - removing the system's icon cache and restarting to rebuild it from scratch. Background info: - I have not installed or changed anything in the past few days. - I have not played any games in the last few days. - I have not slept in the last few days - or at least that's what it seems like. Ahh - deadlines! :( Please someone tell me there is a checkbox is some secret dialog or wizard that reads "Confuse David". ________________ David Wulff http://www.davidwulff.co.uk "I loathe people who keep dogs. They are cowards who haven't got the guts to bite people themselves" - August Strindberg

                                    R Offline
                                    R Offline
                                    Roger Wright
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #17

                                    You might want to watch this thread at TechRepublic. This guy is having video problems similar to yours but using a different flavor of Windows. And if you want to ask a question there, let me know if you're not a member. It takes "points" to enter a support question, and it takes time to earn them, so I'll share.

                                    D 1 Reply Last reply
                                    0
                                    • R Roger Wright

                                      You might want to watch this thread at TechRepublic. This guy is having video problems similar to yours but using a different flavor of Windows. And if you want to ask a question there, let me know if you're not a member. It takes "points" to enter a support question, and it takes time to earn them, so I'll share.

                                      D Offline
                                      D Offline
                                      David Wulff
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #18

                                      Thanks for the link and the offer, but after reading it a few times it seems we have completely unrelated problems. I'll keep it in my bookmarks for the time being though, to see where it goes. ________________ David Wulff http://www.davidwulff.co.uk "I loathe people who keep dogs. They are cowards who haven't got the guts to bite people themselves" - August Strindberg

                                      N 1 Reply Last reply
                                      0
                                      • D David Wulff

                                        Am doing. I've already spent about thirty minutes looking at every entry matching "icon", but that didn't help. I'll try video, bbp, "256", "8 bit", etc, though. Roger Wright wrote: I won't bother with the usual disclaimer about backing up the Registry first Already did that too. I have task scheduler automatically backup the registry every Friday night, which is when NAV does it's weekly scan too. ________________ David Wulff http://www.davidwulff.co.uk "I loathe people who keep dogs. They are cowards who haven't got the guts to bite people themselves" - August Strindberg

                                        N Offline
                                        N Offline
                                        Nish Nishant
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #19

                                        Do you have PowerToys? Nish Nish was here, now Nish has gone; He left his soul, to turn you on; Those who knew Nish, knew him well; Those who didn't, can go to hell. I like to :jig: on the Code Project Sonork ID 100.9786 voidmain www.busterboy.org

                                        D 1 Reply Last reply
                                        0
                                        • D David Wulff

                                          It was already checked, but to be sure I unchecked it - restarted - checked it - restarted, but no change. :(( ________________ David Wulff http://www.davidwulff.co.uk "I loathe people who keep dogs. They are cowards who haven't got the guts to bite people themselves" - August Strindberg

                                          N Offline
                                          N Offline
                                          Nish Nishant
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #20

                                          What's funny is that icons look pretty good in 256 colors. Yet there is something missing. That's why you and I and everyone else want the icons in 24 bit color. For such a small thing as an icon being less beautiful, a lot of people including me would be prepared to reinstall windows Nish Nish was here, now Nish has gone; He left his soul, to turn you on; Those who knew Nish, knew him well; Those who didn't, can go to hell. I like to :jig: on the Code Project Sonork ID 100.9786 voidmain www.busterboy.org

                                          D 1 Reply Last reply
                                          0
                                          Reply
                                          • Reply as topic
                                          Log in to reply
                                          • Oldest to Newest
                                          • Newest to Oldest
                                          • Most Votes


                                          • Login

                                          • Don't have an account? Register

                                          • Login or register to search.
                                          • First post
                                            Last post
                                          0
                                          • Categories
                                          • Recent
                                          • Tags
                                          • Popular
                                          • World
                                          • Users
                                          • Groups