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I have files and a folder that does not show up in File Explorer when I try to add a photo to my lock screen background and also when I try and use File Explorer separately. I have tried all of the following without success. I followed the link in here regarding “How to Rebuild Icon Cache, Clear Thumbnail cache in Windows 10” to the tens forum and that did not work.
1. Updated and ran full scan and a Defender Offline Scan.
2. Use Refresh
3. Restart File Explorer
4. Clear Icon Cache
5. Check if files are hidden.
6. Repair system files vis SFC.
7. Used Disk Cleanup and checked the Thumbnails box.
When I tried to Clear Icon Cache
Step 2: Navigate to the following location: C:\Users%username%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer. You can just copy the location and paste it to the address bar to find it quickly.
Step 3: Delete all the files beginning with iconcache. Then you will see a new folder named IconCacheToDelete.
I got an error message when I tried to delete these it says The action can't be completed, because the file is open is windows explorer. In MS Answers I found … download the batch file from TenForums and follow the instructions for running it at https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/5645-rebuild-icon-cache-windows-10-a.html That did not work either.
I used this method …
Step 2: In Command Prompt, input the commands below one by one and press Enter after each:
Cd /c %userprofile%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer
Then I entered … attrib –h iconcache_*.db
Error was parameter format not correct
I tried putting double-quotes around a folder or file name that has spaces and that did not work either.
I would be grateful for a solution for this problem. A lot of my picture icons are all messed up. Thanks in advance. Michael
Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.
Follow above steps and this will rebuild the cache without restarting the machine
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Hi Michael, I am Paulo and I'd like to help.
You can check these methods for Windows 11 to rebuild the icon cache
https://www.elevenforum.com/t/rebuild-icon-cach...
(Disclaimer: Elevenforum is a non-Microsoft website but the page provides accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.)
I just did a clean install of windows because within the last few days after an office update (I have office 2021 home and business) and first I was having trouble saving documents locally all a sudden and then could not open word documents, power point, excel that were locally stored on computer. However, I could open them if stored on one drive. Long story longer repairing and reinstalling Office did not fix the problem and I had other issues created by last windows update so decided to do clean install.
However, with clean install documents that I save on desktop (PDF which I use NitroPro as my default PDF) the icon is blank. I tried to change icon manually by going to properties, but I only have the following icon properties: general, security, details, and previous version and do not have ability to change icon/customize. so I was going to delete icon cache; however, it appears I have to delete in two areas and then rebuild the icon cache and the rebuild.
I just spent the last 10 hours getting all my files off the computer, doing a clean install and reinstalling my programs I just don't even understand how the cache could get corrupt. all I do is want to do is fix my blank icons which are related to one program (i.e it affects all my PDF files which I have nitropro as my default and yes I I have current version downloaded and activated on the laptop).
as mention I was going to follow below instructions but several people have had issues doing this and I really don't want to create any issues on the lap top given I just finished doing a clean install.
Any advice?
File Explorer > Folder Options > Views to show Hidden System Files.
But this is not enough in Windows 11, Windows 10 or Windows 8.1. You will have to navigate to the following folder:
C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer
Rebuild Corrupt Icon Cache, Clear Thumbnail cache in Windows 11/10 (thewindowsclub.com)
for those struggling just follow:
Hi Paulo,
I tried this and got errors …
DEL /A /Q "%localappdata%\IconCache.db"
Error a positional parameter cannot be found that accepts argument /Q
Try without the /Q
DEL /A "%localappdata%\IconCache.db"
OK get the arrow prompt now
DEL /A /F /Q "%localappdata%\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer\iconcache*"
OK gets arrow prompt again
shutdown /r /f /t 00
The last command will instantly restart the computer.
It did not. I closed down the Terminal and the screen was all white so I hit control alt del and restarted manually.
Problem persists. I try to add a photo to my lock screen app and the picture folder I go to does not have a sub folder in it, which is the one I need. Any solutions?
Michael