Windows 7: Can't maintain specific desktop icon setting!

Before responding with help, please read everything carefully!

I apologize for my emphasis and the wall of text in advance!
*Takes a deep breath*

System:

Windows 7 Ultimate x86, Version 6.1 (Build 7601: Service Pack 1)

What I'm looking for:

I'm asking if anyone knows the precise location to the setting for the Desktop View icon size setting, either a settings file or registry location (NOTHING ELSE). This is viewable by: Right-clicking the desktop -> Selecting View -> Large Icons, Medium Icons, or Classic Icons

Problem:

Every time I set the option to Classic Icons, it resets to Medium Icons after rebooting.

I'm NOT looking for any of the many ways to change this setting through means of:

1) Personalize -> Window Color -> Advanced Appearance settings -> Icon Size
2) Theme settings
3) Group Policy settings
4) Ease of Access -> Change Administrative Settings -> Apply all settings to the logon desktop (Remains unchecked)
5) Ctrl + Mouse-Wheel method of changing icon size
6) Rebuilding Icon Cache
7) HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\WindowMetrics\Shell Icon Size
8) HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\ThemeChangesDesktopIcons

To reiterate:

• This is NOT a problem with setting the icon size or themes.

  Minimum icon size is 16, which on Medium is larger then Classic at 32 (default).

• It's NOT a problem with any 3rd party programs or services.

  I've tested with a selective startup disabling all non-Microsoft services and startup programs.

• Neither is it a malware or virus issue.

  I've explored this to no end.

I've tried "sfc /scannow" to locate any altered/corrupt/missing system files as well, all are accounted for and working properly.

I need to locate the exact location for this particular setting (View: Large/Medium/Classic) and find out why it will not save appropriately. I've been to so many forums with so many different fixes and none of them work. I believe I've covered all methods I've attempted but I might have missed one. I rarely have need to ask on forums, but I've exhausted my search abilities to no avail.

*Catches breath*



I've tried to do as much homework as possible in advance; something that should be simple has become a rather tall order. Would anyone be able to help please?

I'll just chalk this up to unknown or not found. Thanks for anyone who attempted to find this but couldn't like I had. Cheers!