Windows Icons/images Changed

The icons on the start menu that are usually arrows to expand folders have changed to the mouse wingding. Likewise, the check boxes, dots that mark selections on windows toolbars (such as athe dot next to "Icons" for viewing prefs.) have changed to other wingding symbols also. I have absolutly no idea what did this. I have Outpost Firewall, Antivrus Running, Ad-Watch and PrevX running with the latest updates and the only new software I have installed is Half Life 2 (after which this proplem did not arise for 4 days)

 

Since this malady is so new, let's start with trying a System Restore revert to a date prior to the problem.

 

yeah, I tried that already....sorry for not mentioning that. It didn't do anything to fix it.

 

Try running a search for iconcache.db and delete all instances found. Reboot for effect.

 

If that doesn't help, then we'll need satisfy ourselves that you have no viral or malwares visitors.

Do an on-line scan at:

HOUSECALL Free on-line Virus Scan http://housecall.antivirus.com/

The also run AdAware.

ADAWARE http://www.lavasoftusa.com/

 

Then if you're still awake, run sfc /scannow from the Run box.

It may ask for your install CD.

 

Yeah, I ran AdAware SE Pro and it found nothing even with the latest definitions installed. Still searching the hard drives for ithe db file, but no luck so far...I think I iwll go start the virus scan...

 

Those are hidden files so be sure you are configuring the search tool for that.

Or use AgentRansack instead.

 

dang it! lol, I did not have hidden files selected. Im starting that search over. Thanks for the help by the way, I waited on hold with microsoft for almost an hour and the rep had no idea what to do and she thought it was pretty funny...

 

Since this is an unusual problem and if nothing offered yet has worked, it would be easier and faster to resort to a Repair install of XP. You'll keep all of your personal data and programs and only the XP system files will be replaced or repaired. You'll lose the updates unfortunately. I offer this as a next to the last resort, the last resort being a clean install after backing up all personal data.

Fonts problems can be one of the most difficult things to deal with since the fonts folder itself is mysterious in many ways. BTW, you could try TweakUi and use the "Repair Fonts Folder" tool it offers. I'm not sure that's relative but can't hurt.

Past my bedtime. I'll check tomorow.

GN

 

well, I deleted the icon db after runinng sfc /scannow and still nothing new...I might try the repair install. I have broadband, so getting SP2 again wouldnt be too log, but slightly annoying. Whatever will work Thanks!

 

---------Questions:----------
Does this happen regardless of whether you use xp theme or classic?

Does this happen if you log on in safemode or in another's profile such as "administrator "?

Perhaps you need to replace the luna.msstyles file or theme files if you are using such.

Have you tried fooling with the display preferences, modifying the font and sizes of these? For example:
In Windows XP:
Go to the Control Panel, Display, then Appearance.
Set the Font Size to Normal. Try changing this applying and changing it back to your preference. Sometimes windows forgets things and making a change seems to give the registry or any *.ini, if involved, a kick in the butt.

--------Thinking Outloud---------
I wonder if the startmenu has a template or style sheet? If so the problem may lie in this area. (Sorry, this information falls into one of those category's where I only have just enough basic knowledge of to know these things exist but I would have to look up the particulars to find out for sure if they are applicable or would produce the effects you are now having). I'm thinking these thoughts outloud so they can be tossed around for discussion, if one chooses, or search engine explored.)

--------Alzheimer's--------
I know this exact problem and topic came up at least twice on this board in the past. I'll be darned if I can find them in the archives. Grrrrr..I must be using the wrong keyword filters. I can't remember if this was ever resolved but I know the problem has been posted here before. This is driving me crazy....

-------A maybe if your not in a time crunch and are more interested in trying to figure out what the root cause is (this as opposed to restall/repair):
This is another board post with some great links, references and information:
http://www.experts-exchange.com/Web/Graphics/Fonts/Q_20533156.html

I found the conversation about fonts, registry entires and restore how-tos interesting.

-----I learned or had my memory refreshed that xp has no font limitation---
Windows NT, 2000 or XP

I am only including this because I had previously asked how many you had and if anyone knew of a font limitation. I had to edit my thread and take this out. The point was mute.

 

As a wild idea.

How about checking the Mouse settings themselves.

Ordinarily I would go looking myself. But after my episode last week I have to be ( very ) careful as I may not remember what I did.

But I seem to recall that the mouse itself has/had many different settings for various things. It may depend on the Mouse itself and what parts of its' software was installed.

BillyBob

 

I just took a look at the Mouse via Control Panel. I see there are MANY different Schemes.

BillyBob

 

This one is not the past post I was looking for but it does suggest a possible fix.......

Marlett Font???
http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?t=23331&highlight=start+menu+arrow

 

Stuntbike6,

Where did you go? How you coming along on this? It seems af if this particular problem makes people disappear. I sure would love to know, once and for all, if the root of the problem is font related. No one seems to comeback to share the final out come or to definitely say it is not the[a] font.

My curiosity is a curse sometimes.....