IconCache .db Recovery

[Justin Cornell]

I was attempting to modify some desktop icons and (foolishly) deleted my iconcache.db folder. I followed these instructions as it would have accomplished what I wanted, if I were on that version of windows the tutorial was wrote for (vista)

"Open Task Manger
Open Command Prompt - cmd.exe
In Task Manager, end process explorer.exe (which locks the Icon Cache Database file and wont let you delete it)
Back again at cmd.exe
cd %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local
del IconCache.db /a
explorer.exe
Check if the icons got rid of the bloody shield."

Along with my icons being totally blank. It messed up alot of if not all other UI functions. I am wondering what the best course for recovery is.

 

[rgd1101]

If it just cache, reboot your computer

 

[Justin Cornell]

The IconCache.db file is gone so it doesn't get rebuilt on the restart.

 

[rgd1101]

So you did restart? we know is gone because you deleted it.

 

[Justin Cornell]

yeah, I already restarted more than once.

 

[rgd1101]

Did you do more then just deleteing the iconcache file?
You could sfc scan https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/929833/use-the-system-file-checker-tool-to-repair-missing-or-corrupted-system-files
or use you windows 10 disk to repair.

 

[gardenman]

Maybe go to
C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer
and delete all of the iconcache*.db files in there and reboot.

See this page for more info:
http://www.thewindowsclub.com/rebuild-icon-clear-thumbnail-cache-windows-10

 

[Justin Cornell]

I tried that , actually used that tutorial as well . I set a restore point before I started messing with things as well. However, when I run it, it wont complete successfully.

 

[gardenman]

There's also a link on the same page, to a program that they have created that will rebuild the icon cache for you. Warning: I have not tested the program, if you do... you do at your own risk.

 

[Justin Cornell]

I used their program as well no change.

 

[Justin Cornell]

The sfc scan came back as saying everything was in order. havnt tried the disk repair

 

[gardenman]

Did you remove the shortcut image on the icons with a special .REG file before trying to clear your iconcache?

 

[Justin Cornell]

Wow, thanks for talking me through that lol. I used the program Ultimate Windows Tweaker 4.2.2 to modify desktop shortcuts so they would not to display the small arrow they have in the bottom left. I used the option to restore them and I rs'd and the icons were back, all lost functionality from windows not being able to find the icons is back as well. Thanks!

 

[gardenman]

Yay! Glad you got it working. Thats where I was going with that question.

I found the answer here: https://www.tenforums.com/performance-maintenance/39380-corrupt-iconcache-db-does-not-rebuild-new-fix.html

Anyway, glad its fixed!