Desktop Icon Display Problem

My *desktop program icons* are all messed up. See attachments for my screenshot.

As you can see in the red circle, there appears to be "layers of icons" for each program. Yet when I open a window or go elsewhere, the problem is not there. It happens only in desktop.

Obviously there is no issue with loading the correct icon. The problem is two fold:
- why the "second layer" of that ugly 8 bit .ico image?
- why on my desktop only?

I've been playing a lot with my desktop and icons recently. But I'm not sure what exactly triggered this. For example I am scatterbrained and lately I've been cleaning up my desktop. I had a work project dealing with fireworks and I wanted easier access to that folder. So I gave the folder a custom icon (a fireworks symbol). I did this 10+ times successfuly in the past with no problems for months. Now I did the same exact thing again with the fireworks and I guess I tripped some invisible wire...

Thank you sincerely for any person who wants to take a stab at the root cause of this.

that was beautiful man. fast and easy.

for future visitors in this thread with windows 7 in year 2021 or whatever, remember to save all open work because using that program could turn things ugly.

for those that want to see the attachment, please sign up.

furthermore, here is exactly what i am doing for anyone curious. see attachment on this post.

a custom icon that pairs well with where that folder goes.

for me, you can see clearly in the attachment i used the "monopoly man" for the "hosts" file shortcut.

i see him as a host. it works for me :)

search bing with

--> site:sevenforums.com how to create/change icons