Blank/generic icons on everything just after installing Windows 7

Lionte · 17 Jan 2015

So I wiped my laptop, partitioned, then installed Windows 7 Ultimate x64 on it. It was a yearly task so I knew what I was doing. At first, everything was smooth. But after a short while, all the icons were generic (Blank paper icon) even on the executables. The control panel also will not work at this time (It would be blank. I think it has a problem loading the icons so it won't load the control panel at all). Also, My Computer would sort of lag, showing the green progress bar on top (see screenshot).

Then, everything would go back to normal. Then, it would return. It's kind of random. I don't know when it would happen, it just happens.

I tried to flush the icon cache, disabled homegroup and disabled network discovery but no luck. Any ideas?

AddRAM · 17 Jan 2015

Where did you get your Windows 7 Ultimate dvd from ?

Could be something wrong with it.

Do you have a legal Windows 7 Ultimate key ?

Do you have a COA ?

We can help you create a new install dvd.

Lionte · 17 Jan 2015

"Where did you get your Windows 7 Ultimate dvd from ?"
Windows Home Basic DVD that came with laptop, imaged with UltraISO, then removed ei.cfg from \sources. Then copied everything to a flash drive and made it bootable. Then made CRC32 file hashes.

Still the same though. All of the flashdrive's and DVD's CRC32 file hashes matched my European friend's Windows 7 Ultimate LEGIT DVD.

"Do you have a legal Windows 7 Ultimate key ?"
Umm... Yes? huehuehueheue

"Do you have a COA ?"
I do actually.

"We can help you create a new install dvd.:
OKay :)

AddRAM said:

Where did you get your Windows 7 Ultimate dvd from ?

Could be something wrong with it.

Do you have a legal Windows 7 Ultimate key ?

Do you have a COA ?

We can help you create a new install dvd.

AddRAM · 17 Jan 2015

I was just gonna suggest downloading the proper iso and putting it on the flash drive but hey... you just keep trying it your way.

You were treated like a 5 year old on another forum ? I`m shocked.

Sorry for trying to help, Good Luck

Lionte · 17 Jan 2015

Hehe. yeah I was treated like that

Anyways, thanks for the help attempt. I appreciate it. Turns out a faulty shell32.dll inside SYSWOW64 caused it. Was poking around system32. That's why I didn't find the error. Combined with a faulty networking driver and a funny android USB driver, it locked up both the control panel and the "Computer" folder. Spent 4 hours fiddling stuff. Anyways, it's resolved now

AddRAM said:

I was just gonna suggest downloading the proper iso and putting it on the flash drive but hey... you just keep trying it your way.

You were treated like a 5 year old on another forum ? I`m shocked.

Sorry for trying to help, Good Luck

Lionte · 17 Jan 2015

One more thing: downloading a 4GB file is somewhat a hassle though. Almost all Windows 7 DVD's are the same. The ei.cfg file inside [your installer]\sources folder is just a plaintext file that dictates what version that installer would install. You can actually edit it using notepad, or remove it altogether and pick an available version on install time. Go check it out.

gregrocker · 17 Jan 2015

Please run the Diagnostics tool (MGADiag.exe) at this link http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=52012. Click "Continue", click the "Copy" button. In the Reply box, click on # from the toolbar, then Paste the report between the Code box tags which appear.

Layback Bear · 17 Jan 2015

PandaLion98

We have no idea who you are or what your knowledge level is. We have no way of knowing sitting behind our keyboards only reading your 5 post.

If you post smart mouth like a 5 year old what are we to expect.

So we all can get on the same page with respect please complete the suggestion by gregrocker post # 7.

Just in case here is a tutorial that can be helpful.

By Brink:
Windows Genuine and Activation Issue Posting Instructions

This from you post #3 is uncalled for in my opinion.

Cool but please don't treat me like a 5 year old (happened on another forum a few days ago.)

AddRAM is a respected member of this forum and should be treated in a respectful fashion.

AddRAM · 17 Jan 2015

PandaLion98 said:

One more thing: downloading a 4GB file is somewhat a hassle though. Almost all Windows 7 DVD's are the same. The ei.cfg file inside [your installer]\sources folder is just a plaintext file that dictates what version that installer would install. You can actually edit it using notepad, or remove it altogether and pick an available version on install time. Go check it out.

I know this, we all know this, most of us have an All in one dvd, no secret there.

Thank You for your support Jack :)

Lionte · 17 Jan 2015

Understood. I did not mean to offend anyone. I was simply stating my experiences with a shady help forum. I came here to try and seek help. Anyways, the issue is already resolved.

Layback Bear said:

Cool but please don't treat me like a 5 year old (happened on another forum a few days ago.)

AddRAM is a respected member of this forum and should be treated in a respectful fashion.