How do i prevent Windows Explorer icon from changing by folder

Windows Explorer's icon changes by the folder it is pointing to. That is, on a folder, it shows yellow folder, but on Desktop it shows a desktop, on computer it shows a computer, and so on. Further, even if explorer is already showing an icon, changes folders change the icon. How do i prevent Windows from changing the icon? Or, better yet, just show a simple folder icon no matter what is selected? -- Background: I use the keyboard, starting Explorer via winkey-E and switching to explorer via alt-tab. A yellow folder means explorer. Other icons just don't register (as quickly).

No, i do not have it pinned. Regardless, i start explorer via winkey+e. Will this work on that too? (I am at home now; it's the computer at the office that uses Windows 7.)

No difference. Explorer's icon still changes based on the folder selected. On re-reading my post, i see i left out some important details. The icon referred to is the upper left corner of the window, which also shows up when using alt-tab and on the taskbar.

@SlartyBart, yes, i mean those, except i am using classic Menu and the XP theme. More importantly, those are *also* the same icons that show up when using alt-tab.

@ICit2lol Yes, it is a work machine, and as a developer, i have requested and received admin privileges. The official reason is that i need to install software, which is indeed true. It also allows me to customize my machine.

As a keyboarder, i may open up a few explorer windows to specific folders and alt-tab to them as required. The yellow folder tells me it is explorer, without really thinking. But on a number of occasions i had multiple windows to the desktop, simply because the icon didn't click. (Pun intended.)

I'd like either to stop it from changing, or just change the desktop to use the same icon as normal folders.