Windows 7: Taskbar icon problem for browsers

I have Firefox & IE pinned to the taskbar. Up until recently, if I clicked on either of the icons they would open but also leave the icon on the taskbar. I could then click it again & a new window would open.




Now if I click on one of the icons a window will open but the (plain) icon disappears.


I know I can press ctrl-n to open a new window but I had got used to just clicking the icon.


I also don't like unexplained behaviour.


I've checked for viruses etc & done sfc/scannow - all ok.


I can't think of anything I've done that would cause this change.


I have tried this;.............
"1. Right click anywhere on empty taskbar space, click on Toolbars and click on Links.
2. Again right click on top of Links and uncheck “Show Text” and “Show Title”.
3. Now you will see Internet explorer shortcut icon in taskbar.
4. Just beside to Internet explorer shortcut in taskbar, right click and click on “Open Folder”.
5. Open Folder will open “Favorites Bar” window.
6. Drag and drop the Mozilla firefox or other shortcut icons here to show up in taskbar."


It hasn't worked asif I click on one of them I get an 'open file - security warning'.
If I change 'properties > shortcut > advanced > run as administrator' then I get a UAC warning: 'do you want to allow the following program to make changes...etc'.
a) any ideas what to do?
b) any idea why this has just started happening?


All I want is a one-click opening of a browser with the ability to click the icon again.

Thank you in advance.

Guess no one can help. Time to move to another forum.

hello..

since when the problem cause? you can try to System Restore

Hi Andy ! Though you have tried many things, you may try a little thing .
Unpin the icons from the taskbar, and then pin again. Look whether it is the save behavior or not. If not, no problem. But if it is still there (sfc /scannow showed nothing wrong ) you may go for a system restore as ryo suggested, but obviously use the restore point of a date prior to the problem began .