black boxes instead of desktop icons

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  1. Posts : 9
    windows 7 pro
       #1

    black boxes instead of desktop icons


    dell studio 1545
    win 7 pro 64 bit

    hi everyone, im wayne from the uk.
    i have been searching this and other forums for hours trying to find the cause/remedy for randomly appearing black boxes instead of desktop icons after boot up.
    its 50/50 wether normal icons appear or if black boxes appear.
    the icon texts are always present.

    every time i boot in safe mode they appear normally.
    i use the "small icon" setting, if i change to medium or large icon size i still get the "small icon" sized black box overlayed on the larger icon (half icon half black box).

    has anyone come accross this problem or have any advice for me, bearing in mind my computer skills are limited.

    many thanks in advance
    wayne
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #2

    Had this before, run and antivirus scan and a malware scan.
    http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

    Yes, it can be one of many other causes and others and, maybe, myself will tell you about them, but if malware is the cause we must get it remedied, before bigger problems arise.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 9
    windows 7 pro
    Thread Starter
       #3

    thanks richc46, i run malwarebytes regulary, spybot and am protected with norton 2010.
    other than cookies no probs found.
    i ran full scans on all 3 a few hours ago.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #4

    Ok first, good for you regular virus and malware checks, so many do not take that precaution:

    But I digress,

    When did this happen
    and
    What did you do befoehand? New program, unistall something, make other changes?
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 22,814
    W 7 64-bit Ultimate
       #5

    Hello t5wayne, welcome to Seven Forums!



    Have a look at the tutorial at the link below to see if it's any help; be sure to keep us informed.

    Icon Cache - Rebuild
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 9
    windows 7 pro
    Thread Starter
       #6

    hi,its probably been happening for months now, i have installed and uninstalled many programs.
    i have not been too worried about this problem as when i moved over to 7 from vista i had many issues with internet explorer not functioning correctly and windows updates have resolved all of those problems, bieng niave i was hoping a windows update would resolve the desktop issues also.

    i probably sound stupid to those with knowledge of computers but i build and repair houses, i am basically a novice in this area.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 9
    windows 7 pro
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Bare Foot Kid said:
    Hello t5wayne, welcome to Seven Forums!



    Have a look at the tutorial at the link below to see if it's any help; be sure to keep us informed.

    Icon Cache - Rebuild
    thank you bare foot kid, i will take a look now
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #8

    The tut given to you by barefoot has helped many and I hope that you will be added to the list.

    You do not sound stupid, you sound very intelligent, trying to take care of your big investment with malwarebyte scans and well as antivirus scans.

    After we solve your problem, you may want to stay a while and you will learn quickly. That is how I got to where I am.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 9
    windows 7 pro
    Thread Starter
       #9

    hi, first restart gave me black boxes again but i ran without saving to desktop, saved to desktop before running the second time and i have icons back.
    i will restart a few times incase its the 50/50 chance of desktop icons appearing.
    will update shortly
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 4,466
    Windows 10 Education 64 bit
       #10

    Is it all icons or just shortcuts? If it's just the icons for shortcuts, did you install anything or tweak any thing in an attempt to remove the arrows from shortcuts?
      My Computer


 
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