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Windows 10 Missing/Broken EXE Icon

Anonymous
2020-03-11T03:18:47+00:00

Just the other day an icon for a game I just installed disappeared only a couple days after installing it. The Change Icon screen shows the actual icon, but both the EXE and shortcut show a blank/white icon. However, here's the strange part, making a copy of the EXE shows the icon properly. But when naming the copy to the original name it's broken again. (See attached image.) I've had this happen to another icon before, but that one somehow got fixed. For this one I have done the rebuild icon cache method multiple times. I have updated everything as suggested on other forums and sites. No luck. Can someone at least explain this and maybe offer a fix if possible? Thanks.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2020-03-11T23:58:11+00:00

    Hi Norak,

    1. Open File Explorer.
    2. Click the "View" tab.
    3. Select the "Hidden items".
    4. Close the File Explorer.
    5. Press Windows key + R.
    6. Copy-paste, %localappdata% and press enter.
    7. Locate "Iconcache.db".
    8. Permanently delete by pressing Shift key + Del.
    9. Close the File Explorer.
    10. Restart your computer, and when it boots up, check to see whether or not the problem has been resolved.

    I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let me know how it goes.

    Thank you!

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  1. Anonymous
    2020-03-15T05:03:46+00:00

    Yes, it was the most helpful as the icon cache is usually the issue with missing/broken icons. Rebuilding the cache is the best method for missing icons. My issue just appears to be a weird anomaly with the file itself. Thanks again.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2020-03-13T23:32:52+00:00

    Hi Greg. I'm not really concerned about the shortcut, it's the icon on the EXE file itself that I'm baffled about. The EXE icon is missing even though it's part of the file resources. However, I did find a way to extract the icon set and use that as the shortcut icon. I guess there's nothing else I can do for it at this point, it just may be a bizarre anomaly that no one can figure out. Thanks.

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  3. Anonymous
    2020-03-12T04:45:38+00:00

    Hi Norak. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 year Windows MVP, and Volunteer Moderator here to help you.

    I'd just create another desktop shortcut for any that disappear or malfunction as it's more effective and time saving than trying to repair them.

    See here all ways to create desktop shortcuts in Windows 10:

    https://www.howtogeek.com/436615/how-to-create-...

    https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/make-desktop...

    https://www.isunshare.com/windows-10/change-des...

    I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. If you will wait to choose if I resolved your problem, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

    ________________________________________________________

    Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

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  4. Anonymous
    2020-03-11T03:56:28+00:00

    Hi Norak and thanks for reaching out. My name is Joseph. I'm an independent advisor. I'll be happy to help you out today.

    I would suggest you refer to the below steps and check if it helps to resolve the issue.

    Run DISM & SFC.

    1. Press the Windows key, type in CMD right-click and click on "Run as an administrator".
    2. Copy-paste: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
    3. Press Enter. Wait until completes.
    4. Copy-paste: sfc /scannow
    5. Press enter. Wait until completes.
    6. Restart your computer, and when it boots up, check to see whether or not the problem has been resolved.

    I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let me know how it goes.

    Thank you!

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