I attempted to open a folder in c/windows/system32 by opening with Internet Explorer and many of the folders changed its Icon to Internet Explorer. (I didn't open it by the way)
Please see attached screenshot.(This is just some of the icons)
Is there a way of changing back to the original icon.(I believe it was a yellow folder)
Has any harm been done?
You're welcome. However, they are files and not folders. Only folders, that are capable of containing files and other folders, have the default yellow icon.
My Computer
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom Built
OS
Windows 10 Pro x64, Windows 8.1 Pro x64, Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1,
CPU
INTEL i9-7920X LGA 2066
Motherboard
Gigabyte X299-WU8 F3
Memory
64 GB (4 X 16 GB) G-Skill V Series DDR4 3200 Quad Channel
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA GTX 1060 SC 3 GB
Sound Card
Realtek Onboard ALC1220
Monitor(s) Displays
2 x Samsung S27E310
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
Samsung 2 x 970 EVO Plus 500 GB NVMe
1 x 6TB WD 6003FZBX SATA
1 x 6TB WD 60EFRX SATA
12 x 3TB WD 30EFRX SATA
A filename extension is an identifier specified as a suffix to the name of a computer file. The extension indicates a characteristic of the file contents or its intended use. By default, Windows Explorer hides file name extensions in Windows 7 and earlier versions of Windows. However, you can make file name extensions visible.
Start Windows Explorer, you can do this by opening up any folder.
Click Organize.
Click Folder and search options.
Click the View tab.
Scroll down until you notice Hide extensions for known file types, un-check this line by clicking the check box.
Note To hide file name extensions, check this line.