Solved Blank icons/white thumbnails + slow My Computer

[Guy1]

After some time on the computer the icons become blank and My Computer doesn't load.
It all returns to normal after I end the task "dllhost.exe", and after some time the problem comes back again.

I've tried these solutions:
- SFC /scannow
- Recreating IconCache.db

System:
Windows 7 Home Premium x64
Laptop - Toshiba Satellite P775
8GB RAM
Intel HD Graphics 3000
Mobile QuadCore Intel Core i7-2670QM, 2400 MHz

Thanks!

 

[Debbie B]

Hi,

If this issue started occurring after doing some recent software changes on your computer, then I would suggest you to restore your system back to a date when it was working fine. System Restore will affect Windows system files, programs, and registry settings only.

For System Restore steps, you can refer to the URL mentioned: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/features/system-restore


If the issue still persists, try running Hardware Diagnostics on the computer.

 

[Guy1]

Hi,

If this issue started occurring after doing some recent software changes on your computer, then I would suggest you to restore your system back to a date when it was working fine. System Restore will affect Windows system files, programs, and registry settings only.

For System Restore steps, you can refer to the URL mentioned: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/features/system-restore


If the issue still persists, try running Hardware Diagnostics on the computer.

It's been going on for over a month so system restore is no option.
What Hardware Diagnostics do you recommend? (I think I've run them all...)
Thanks!

 

[Debbie B]

Hi,

I would recommend you to run Hard drive diagnostics. If there are no errors, then I would suggest you to try creating a New User account and then try to log in this New User account in Normal Mode.
If the issue still persists, you can even try restoring system back to factory settings and then check the performance of the system. Ensure backing up your data before reinstalling Operating system or PC restore.

Keep us Posted

 

[Guy1]

Hi,

I would recommend you to run Hard drive diagnostics. If there are no errors, then I would suggest you to try creating a New User account and then try to log in this New User account in Normal Mode.
If the issue still persists, you can even try restoring system back to factory settings and then check the performance of the system. Ensure backing up your data before reinstalling Operating system or PC restore.

Keep us Posted

The problem came up in the new user.

I'll consider restoring to factory settings.

 

[Layback Bear]

This could be a infection. Some infections do hide in dll host.
What security programs are you using?
This is a good program to use.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/166445-windows-defender-offline.html

Here is another one.

Free Online Virus Scanner | ESET

 

[Guy1]

This could be a infection. Some infections do hide in dll host.
What security programs are you using?
This is a good program to use.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/166445-windows-defender-offline.html

Here is another one.

Free Online Virus Scanner | ESET

Throughout the years I've always been very careful and strict about that subject - and haven't had infections.
Currently I use ESET Smart Security + Immunizations by Spbot/SpywareBlaster/Advanced SystemCare.

 

[Layback Bear]

Okay
Have a nice day.

 

[Guy1]

Hi,

I would recommend you to run Hard drive diagnostics. If there are no errors, then I would suggest you to try creating a New User account and then try to log in this New User account in Normal Mode.
If the issue still persists, you can even try restoring system back to factory settings and then check the performance of the system. Ensure backing up your data before reinstalling Operating system or PC restore.

Keep us Posted

The problem came up in the new user.

I'll consider restoring to factory settings.

As in most cases, formatting solved it (for now).

 

[Guy1]

After some grace period following the format - the problem came back.
So I did a System Restore, the problem disappeared for a few hours, and then came back again.

I've managed to pin point what exactly is causing the problem inside the dllhost.exe process with the help of Process Explorer (by Sysinternals) and its listing of Handles inside each process.
When the problem happened I went into the list of Handles inside dllhost.exe and started closing handles one by one to see after which one the problem disappears.
It turns out to be something called "ALPC Port/RPC Control" (Screenshot attached)

I really hope this info will help in figuring out this annoying problem.

Thanks!

---

Apparently it has something to do with codecs installed on the pc - in my case it is K-Lite.
I've uninstalled and things got back to normal - and when I installed the codecs again (I've tried different codec packs) it came back.
Furthermore, now there is another problem of "COM Surrogate has stopped working" with this error event:
"Faulting application name: DllHost.exe, version: 6.1.7600.16385, time stamp: 0x4a5bc6b7
Faulting module name: RPCRT4.dll, version: 6.1.7601.17514, time stamp: 0x4ce7ba59
Exception code: 0xc0020043
Fault offset: 0x0005cd99
Faulting process id: 0x778
Faulting application start time: 0x01cdbf761de92209
Faulting application path: C:\windows\SysWOW64\DllHost.exe
Faulting module path: C:\windows\syswow64\RPCRT4.dll
Report Id: 5cc678d8-2b69-11e2-a5c6-dc0ea12f8458"

And so I've followed these instructions:
http://helpdeskgeek.com/help-desk/fix-com-surrogate-has-stopped-working-in-windows-7/
And I'm trying to figure out if it helped.

 

[Guy1]

Apparently it has something to do with Acronis True Image:

After some searching, this is what I've done:
1. Logged out of the Sync in Acronis ([DUPLICATE] Slow folder display issues possibly caused by Acronis True Image 2013? | Knowledge Base) [I already had "Acronis Nonstop Backup Service" and "Acronis Sync Agent Service" stopped and set to manual, and so I started "Acronis Sync Agent Service", logged out of Sync and stopped the service. Left "Acronis Scheduler2 Service" on and set to Automatic]
2. Renamed ti_manager_proxy_1.dll (Com Surrogate failure | Knowledge Base)

Now I have dllhost.exe running but the problem doesn't happen. Hopes it stays this way.
If not, apparently it only happens with Acronis 2013, so I'll install the 2012 or 2011 version.

Edit: this solved it.

 

[DrBackBeat]

Guy1, you are my absolute hero.

I've struggled with this problem for a month now. First it was just plain annoyance, lately it has become impossible to do my work, let alone the bad impression I gave my customers when I fixed their PC's but couldn't fix my own.

I've tried everything, and also followed your instructions, and failed. I was at the end of my wits...and only then I discovered that there was a second page. The second I saw the word Acronis, I knew what triggered the problems. Removed it, no problems ever since. You are awesome. So awesome I made an account on this forum only to mention your awesomeness

Thanks a bunch and keep up the good work.

 

[Guy1]

Guy1, you are my absolute hero.

I've struggled with this problem for a month now. First it was just plain annoyance, lately it has become impossible to do my work, let alone the bad impression I gave my customers when I fixed their PC's but couldn't fix my own.

I've tried everything, and also followed your instructions, and failed. I was at the end of my wits...and only then I discovered that there was a second page. The second I saw the word Acronis, I knew what triggered the problems. Removed it, no problems ever since. You are awesome. So awesome I made an account on this forum only to mention your awesomeness

Thanks a bunch and keep up the good work.

Glad to hear! and thanks!

 

[tiliad58]

I have been having this problem for several months, and tried everything on this site and others to no avail. I even dealt with the Acronis 2013 dilemma, and it did not solve it.

What did finally work was going into My Computer > Advanced System Setting > Advanced > Performance Options > Visual Effects. I turned off Aero Peak, and several others, and it solved my issue. I also turned off all the "Fade" options and few others as well. Now my system is stable and windows explorer opens without incidence.

My suggestion is look at your graphic intensive processes and go from there. You may have to play around with some of the visual effects to get the problem resolved... Worked like a champ and has not reoccurred in over a month.

 

[tusharpatil001]

WOW....Guy1 you saved the day...
I did all looked into possibilities for this blank My Computer until I zeroed on dllhost*.exe which is associated with Acronis True Image 2013. To identify this blank outs I ran sfc, malware, anti-virus scans, uninstalled couple more programs, but I didn't find this root cause. I even don't know how to key in tag word to google out this program. But google image searched help when I uploaded my screen shot which matched your...& whole problem solved. My one techie friend advises to format & re install but I was not at all ready for it as I found out its system application interfering this. In past when I use to encounter this problem I use to log off by keeping task manager on & then I use to click Cancle as Windows wait to background programs to end, so after clicking Cancle My Computer started to work fine but still I didn't founded the culprit dllhost....!!!
So big thanks to Guy1...you really saved the day...& Most important this platform from where I got DIY attitude...BIG THANKS-SevenForums....

 

[qbswzz]

thanks a million bro you are truly my hero .you saved me

 

[masterpiece]

@guy1

hey bro..

m also having same problem..when i try to access DOWNLOAD FOLDER (specially) .... icons go blank n my computer folder does not show..

same as u attached the screenshot..

plz help me...

 

[Wilmo]

Hey, people. I checked out this thread, and I have the same problem. However, dllhost.exe is not a problem for me (it seems), as it doesn't show in Task Management.

I also tried the visual settings which someone talked about, and it helped partially. Now I can see almost all the desktop icons, however not all of them, and my computer is still very slow.

I'm running a full virus scan in order to make sure I'm not infected.

Can anyone help this noob?

 

[Tookeri]

It only shows if you first click the button Show processes from all users. Icons and thumbnail problems are related to dllhost. I suggest you take a look here: Windows 7 dllhost.exe memory leak - Microsoft Community

 

[Wilmo]

I tried clicking the button Show processes form all users, but it only shows for a couple of secons and then it disappears again.

Also, I tried some of the answers you linked to. Downloading Media Preview did not solve the issue (it actually made all the icons turn white again). Neither did the Autoruns, however I'm not sure how to apply these changes. I tried saving them, but I only get a file which I don't know where to put. Also I tried resetting the thumbnail cache using the Run command "cleanmgr", but nothing happens when I press Enter.

I also have trouble opening some programs.