Windows Vista Desktop Icons are blacked out

Have two accounts on my PC, both administrators. When I log on to one, all the desktop icons have a smaller black square imposed on the color icon. If I log on using the other user account, no problem. How do I fix this?

I did have permission/access problems previously so this may be related. The problem wasn't 100% resolved (beyond my PC expertise). Last post on BBS recommended clean install.

One other related question, if I reformat my hard drive and do a clean install, but move (copies of) data files back in that came from the configuration that had access problems, will they still have access problems even though copied to a new OS install?

This problem has been driving me crazier then I already am. Thanks for any help.

 

Hi artful,

shoot lost link give me a few.....

Link is still lost. I will have to find it later. In the meantime maybe the stuff below will help with at least one of your problem.

Does a desktop refresh help at all? Collapse all open windows and click an empty spot on desktop to make it has focus. Now simply hit your F5 keyboard key. Desktop will refresh. No joy...read on

Possibly the iconcache is corrupted....
You may want to clear the icon cache database. The icon cache can be cleared by deleting the hidden file named IconCache.db in the following location:
You need to make sure folder options are set to show system files.
1. http://www.tech-recipes.com/rx/1521/how_to_view_hidden_and_system_files_and_folders_in_vista/

After doing the above....
2. Open Computer.

3. Browse to
C:\Users\\AppData\Local

where username is the name of the current user.

4. Right click on IconCache.db and select Delete.

5. When prompted, click Yes to confirm.

6. Close the window and empty the Recycle Bin.

7. Restart your computer.

8. Once your computer has started back up, the icon cache will be rebuilt and your icons should now display correctly.

If not see below.....................
Have you been experimenting with removing or customizing the shortcut arrow? This where the arrow is located or should be located. Some tweakers will break this. Is this a possibility?

http://www.vistaheads.com/forums/mi...icons-problem-black-box-corner-each-icon.html