IE is considered a "Windows Feature" :) You can get rid of the IE client by going to Control Panel->Programs->Turn windows features on or off and uncheck the IE entry. The HTML engine will remain as it is used by the help and several UI components but the IE UI should be gone.
FYI: The fix that solved it for one person is not the full fix. I have done the same thing but the problem keeps returning. Sometimes a week later, sometimes after coming out of sleep mode.
I was able to go to Control Panel / Appearance and Personalization / Change window glass colors / then select a darker color such as the dark blue. Now I can read the icons on the taskbar.
Just fixed this on my own pc thanks to fseal :)
One thing i noticed whilst looking at my themes is that if you are using an aero theme when your ac adapter is plugged in, it will change it to the basic theme once you unplug the cable, hence the washed out colours and taskbar. If you change your theme when you battery is unplugged and set it from basic to an aero theme, and do the same when it is plugged into a charger, then your problem will be solved.
Ty for all the help guys :)
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