Windows 7: Program Icon changed

I am using Windows 7 Ultimate 64/ 8MB ram /Intel i5 CPU / Gigabyte MOBO



I was changing themes by using the control panel appearance section
and selecting the various themes available including High
Contrast, just to see how they looked.
After doing so and returning to the theme I had been using for some while
I noticed that three program icons had been replaced by the generic icon that usually indicates there is no program associated with a file.
Other programs are fine.
However, the programs still work but the .exe file ( in the programs folder)and the icon that shows up in the task-bar as well as the short-cut icon is not that of the program but the "generic" icon as mentioned.
I tried reinstalling the three programs but the same icon appears each time after
re-installation.


It is not such a big problem as I can use the program but I wonder why this could have occurred and if in fact it has anything to do with me selecting various themes.

The programs are
Diagram Designer / Edrawmind map / wordformat2.
which I believe are all 64 bit compatible and did have the program icon when originally installed.

Any suggestions to reinstate the correct icon?

This should work for you.

Icon Cache - Rebuild - Windows 7 Forums

You could try rebuilding the icon cache;

Icon Cache - Rebuild

HTH

Thanks for the lightning responses.

I have checked out the Iron cache link but before I use the tool is there any reason for this happening?
If all icons were affected I might feel it necessary to use the tool but just for three programs it seems overkill. Not that I don't appreciate the advice. But I might find using the tool could cause more problems so I like to have a bit more information first. I still don't see why re-insallation does not correct the problem and why only those programs were affected

Thanks

It won't hurt to run it.

I ran it months ago for one Icon and it worked.

You could right click on the icon and select properties and then go to change icon and pick one.

I don't believe there is a setting in the "program executable" properties that allows you to change the icon; I know it's there for shortcuts, however.

As stated by the OP:

"However, the programs still work but the .exe file (in the programs folder) and the icon that shows up in the task-bar as well as the short-cut icon is not that of the program but the "generic" icon as mentioned."

If the program executable icon can be changed, where is that option? I have experienced the same problem as the OP and would like to be able to change the icon on a "program by program" basis instead of using the "rebuild icon chache" option.

Well George I'm sorry I can't help. You have got me lost. I was always under the understanding that a icon on the taskbar, desktop, start menu were exe. Because when used they would send you to the desired program, file, folder it was designed to get you to without having to know the exact path. This is what I used to refresh my memory.

Try this site for the icons, I've used it before: Icons & Icon Packs - Download Free PNG Icons | IconsPedia

Hope this helps,

Harry

Maybe I didn't make my statement as clear as I could have. I realize the shortcut points to the directory where the "program.exe" (such as "Norton.exe) exists, but the shortcut has its own properties. Therefore, when you go to the program folder (Norton, in this case) and check the "program.exe" (Norton.exe) properties, there is no option for changing the icon; see images below. The OP states that the "program.exe" is also generic...do you know how to change that icon on a program by program basis? That's my question. If you know how to change the "program.exe" icon, I would like to know how to do it; if you don't mind sharing the information.