Desktop icons changing with IE7

[Bobbi]

I seem to have messed up my computer.

I've just now installed IE7 and ran into the problem of my self-made desktop
icons for websites being replaced by the general IE symbol. I read some old
posts and think I've learned how to fix that, but in the meantime I took one
suggestion of resetting my desktop appearance special effects to NOT use
large icons and then resetting it again to USE large icons. That was a
mistake. Now I can't seem to change the desktop icons which refer to
websites on the web: I select the one I want from
my special icon folder and click OK and then apply, but it won't change it.
The icon flashes briefly but then remains the same old IE symbol.

So my questions are now:

(1) How to get the desktop to replace the icon with the one I've selected,
and
(2) How to get IE7 to stop changing them.

Note: I CAN change desktop icons for shortcuts which refer to web pages
which are entirely on my computer. Why not for shortcuts which refer to real
websites?

Thanks,
Bobbi

 

[Don Varnau]

Hi,
1. You may have to leave "large icons" unchecked. Other posts have suggested
that an icon size larger than ~46 will cause the problem with favicons.

Set icon size from Control Panel> Display> Appearance> Advanced> Item> Icon.

2. You might try FavOrg http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm line
108.
I don't know that this will help with icons on the desktop.

3. Or, a more complicated workaround...
Find "IExplore.exe" (probably in Program Files\Internet Explorer)
Right-click and drag IExplore.exe to the desktop and choose "Create
shortcut." Right-click that shortcut> Properties> Target, modify the Target
to include the URL.
Example:
"CProgram Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE"
becomes
"CProgram Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE" www.yahoo.com
Note a space between EXE" and ww
Rename the shortcut if desired.

From Internet Options> General> Browsing History> Settings> View Files, copy
favicons from the Temporary Internet Files folder to another folder you've
created. Try different Views and "Arrange by" options on the TIF folder to
group favicons together.

Back at the new shortcut on the desktop, apply the custom icon. Since it's
no longer an Internet Shortcut, it's an .lnk (.LNK) file, IE7's attempts to
apply a favicon won't change your icon selection.

Hope this helps,
Don
[MS MVP- IE]


"Bobbi" <bobbi@example.invalid> wrote in message
news:eN4uozA8KHA.4832@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> I seem to have messed up my computer.
>
> I've just now installed IE7 and ran into the problem of my self-made
desktop
> icons for websites being replaced by the general IE symbol. I read some
old
> posts and think I've learned how to fix that, but in the meantime I took
one
> suggestion of resetting my desktop appearance special effects to NOT use
> large icons and then resetting it again to USE large icons. That was a
> mistake. Now I can't seem to change the desktop icons which refer to
> websites on the web: I select the one I want from
> my special icon folder and click OK and then apply, but it won't change
it.
> The icon flashes briefly but then remains the same old IE symbol.
>
> So my questions are now:
>
> (1) How to get the desktop to replace the icon with the one I've selected,
> and
> (2) How to get IE7 to stop changing them.
>
> Note: I CAN change desktop icons for shortcuts which refer to web pages
> which are entirely on my computer. Why not for shortcuts which refer to
real
> websites?
>
> Thanks,
> Bobbi

 

[Bobbi]

Hi, Don-

I haven't tried your suggestion #3 yet, as I have a couple of questions on 1
and 2:

1. Is any number less than, say, 46 OK, or should it be a power of 2, like
16 or 32?

2. Regarding kelly's tweak on 108: it's in French and I'm not sure where I'm
supposed to look and what it's supposed to do.

Bobbi





"Don Varnau" <don_04[at]varnau[dot]org> wrote in message
news:utJgJNC8KHA.644@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> Hi,
> 1. You may have to leave "large icons" unchecked. Other posts have
> suggested
> that an icon size larger than ~46 will cause the problem with favicons.
>
> Set icon size from Control Panel> Display> Appearance> Advanced> Item>
> Icon.
>
> 2. You might try FavOrg http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm line
> 108.
> I don't know that this will help with icons on the desktop.
>
> 3. Or, a more complicated workaround...
> Find "IExplore.exe" (probably in Program Files\Internet Explorer)
> Right-click and drag IExplore.exe to the desktop and choose "Create
> shortcut." Right-click that shortcut> Properties> Target, modify the
> Target
> to include the URL.
> Example:
> "CProgram Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE"
> becomes
> "CProgram Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE" www.yahoo.com
> Note a space between EXE" and ww
> Rename the shortcut if desired.
>
> From Internet Options> General> Browsing History> Settings> View Files,
> copy
> favicons from the Temporary Internet Files folder to another folder you've
> created. Try different Views and "Arrange by" options on the TIF folder to
> group favicons together.
>
> Back at the new shortcut on the desktop, apply the custom icon. Since it's
> no longer an Internet Shortcut, it's an .lnk (.LNK) file, IE7's attempts
> to
> apply a favicon won't change your icon selection.
>
> Hope this helps,
> Don
> [MS MVP- IE]
>
>
> "Bobbi" <bobbi@example.invalid> wrote in message
> news:eN4uozA8KHA.4832@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>> I seem to have messed up my computer.
>>
>> I've just now installed IE7 and ran into the problem of my self-made
> desktop
>> icons for websites being replaced by the general IE symbol. I read some
> old
>> posts and think I've learned how to fix that, but in the meantime I took
> one
>> suggestion of resetting my desktop appearance special effects to NOT use
>> large icons and then resetting it again to USE large icons. That was a
>> mistake. Now I can't seem to change the desktop icons which refer to
>> websites on the web: I select the one I want from
>> my special icon folder and click OK and then apply, but it won't change
> it.
>> The icon flashes briefly but then remains the same old IE symbol.
>>
>> So my questions are now:
>>
>> (1) How to get the desktop to replace the icon with the one I've
>> selected,
>> and
>> (2) How to get IE7 to stop changing them.
>>
>> Note: I CAN change desktop icons for shortcuts which refer to web pages
>> which are entirely on my computer. Why not for shortcuts which refer to
> real
>> websites?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Bobbi
>

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Asked/Answered in WinXP General (where we've also discussed the 2+ years of
Windows Updates you've not yet installed, including SP3). If you must make
identical posts to multiple newsgroups, please cross-post one (1) message to
all of them. Thank you.

Multiposting vs Crossposting:
http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm


Bobbi wrote:
> I seem to have messed up my computer.
>
> I've just now installed IE7 and ran into the problem of my self-made
> desktop
> icons for websites being replaced by the general IE symbol. I read some
> old
> posts and think I've learned how to fix that, but in the meantime I took
> one
> suggestion of resetting my desktop appearance special effects to NOT use
> large icons and then resetting it again to USE large icons. That was a
> mistake. Now I can't seem to change the desktop icons which refer to
> websites on the web: I select the one I want from
> my special icon folder and click OK and then apply, but it won't change
> it.
> The icon flashes briefly but then remains the same old IE symbol.
>
> So my questions are now:
>
> (1) How to get the desktop to replace the icon with the one I've selected,
> and
> (2) How to get IE7 to stop changing them.
>
> Note: I CAN change desktop icons for shortcuts which refer to web pages
> which are entirely on my computer. Why not for shortcuts which refer to
> real
> websites?
>
> Thanks,
> Bobbi

 

[Bobbi]

PA Bear- I believe you were the one who suggested that my original post in
windowsxp.general should have been posted in this forum, so I did. I do
understand that cross-posting wastes everyone's time. Is there a way to
cross-post one message to multiple newsgroups?
-Bobbi

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABearMVP@gmail.com> wrote in message
newsYtHbnF8KHA.4508@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> Asked/Answered in WinXP General (where we've also discussed the 2+ years
> of Windows Updates you've not yet installed, including SP3). If you must
> make identical posts to multiple newsgroups, please cross-post one (1)
> message to all of them. Thank you.
>
> Multiposting vs Crossposting:
> http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm
>
>
> Bobbi wrote:
>> I seem to have messed up my computer.
>>
>> I've just now installed IE7 and ran into the problem of my self-made
>> desktop
>> icons for websites being replaced by the general IE symbol. I read some
>> old
>> posts and think I've learned how to fix that, but in the meantime I took
>> one
>> suggestion of resetting my desktop appearance special effects to NOT use
>> large icons and then resetting it again to USE large icons. That was a
>> mistake. Now I can't seem to change the desktop icons which refer to
>> websites on the web: I select the one I want from
>> my special icon folder and click OK and then apply, but it won't change
>> it.
>> The icon flashes briefly but then remains the same old IE symbol.
>>
>> So my questions are now:
>>
>> (1) How to get the desktop to replace the icon with the one I've
>> selected,
>> and
>> (2) How to get IE7 to stop changing them.
>>
>> Note: I CAN change desktop icons for shortcuts which refer to web pages
>> which are entirely on my computer. Why not for shortcuts which refer to
>> real
>> websites?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Bobbi
>

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

> ...Is there a way to
> cross-post one message to multiple newsgroups?

Yes: I'm crossposting this reply to WinXP General!

Bobbi wrote:
> PA Bear- I believe you were the one who suggested that my original post in
> windowsxp.general should have been posted in this forum, so I did. I do
> understand that cross-posting wastes everyone's time. Is there a way to
> cross-post one message to multiple newsgroups?
>
>> Asked/Answered in WinXP General (where we've also discussed the 2+ years
>> of Windows Updates you've not yet installed, including SP3). If you must
>> make identical posts to multiple newsgroups, please cross-post one (1)
>> message to all of them. Thank you.
>>
>> Multiposting vs Crossposting:
>> http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm Bobbi wrote:
>>> I seem to have messed up my computer.
>>>
>>> I've just now installed IE7 and ran into the problem of my self-made
>>> desktop
>>> icons for websites being replaced by the general IE symbol. I read some
>>> old
>>> posts and think I've learned how to fix that, but in the meantime I took
>>> one
>>> suggestion of resetting my desktop appearance special effects to NOT use
>>> large icons and then resetting it again to USE large icons. That was a
>>> mistake. Now I can't seem to change the desktop icons which refer to
>>> websites on the web: I select the one I want from
>>> my special icon folder and click OK and then apply, but it won't change
>>> it.
>>> The icon flashes briefly but then remains the same old IE symbol.
>>>
>>> So my questions are now:
>>>
>>> (1) How to get the desktop to replace the icon with the one I've
>>> selected,
>>> and
>>> (2) How to get IE7 to stop changing them.
>>>
>>> Note: I CAN change desktop icons for shortcuts which refer to web pages
>>> which are entirely on my computer. Why not for shortcuts which refer to
>>> real
>>> websites?
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>> Bobbi

 

[Don Varnau]

Hi,
I hadn't checked Kelly's link recently. Try downloading FavOrg from
http://wittswallpapers.com/Oldies/indexoldies.html

Icon size: The reports were that any size smaller than 46 resolved the
issue.

Don


"Bobbi" <bobbi@example.invalid> wrote in message
news:uGFdbkE8KHA.3880@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> Hi, Don-
>
> I haven't tried your suggestion #3 yet, as I have a couple of questions on
1
> and 2:
>
> 1. Is any number less than, say, 46 OK, or should it be a power of 2, like
> 16 or 32?
>
> 2. Regarding kelly's tweak on 108: it's in French and I'm not sure where
I'm
> supposed to look and what it's supposed to do.
>
> Bobbi


> "Don Varnau" <don_04[at]varnau[dot]org> wrote in message
> news:utJgJNC8KHA.644@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> > Hi,
> > 1. You may have to leave "large icons" unchecked. Other posts have
> > suggested
> > that an icon size larger than ~46 will cause the problem with favicons.
> >
> > Set icon size from Control Panel> Display> Appearance> Advanced> Item>
> > Icon.
> >
> > 2. You might try FavOrg http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
line
> > 108.
> > I don't know that this will help with icons on the desktop.
> >
> > 3. Or, a more complicated workaround...
> > Find "IExplore.exe" (probably in Program Files\Internet Explorer)
> > Right-click and drag IExplore.exe to the desktop and choose "Create
> > shortcut." Right-click that shortcut> Properties> Target, modify the
> > Target
> > to include the URL.
> > Example:
> > "CProgram Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE"
> > becomes
> > "CProgram Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE" www.yahoo.com
> > Note a space between EXE" and ww
> > Rename the shortcut if desired.
> >
> > From Internet Options> General> Browsing History> Settings> View Files,
> > copy
> > favicons from the Temporary Internet Files folder to another folder
you've
> > created. Try different Views and "Arrange by" options on the TIF folder
to
> > group favicons together.
> >
> > Back at the new shortcut on the desktop, apply the custom icon. Since
it's
> > no longer an Internet Shortcut, it's an .lnk (.LNK) file, IE7's attempts
> > to
> > apply a favicon won't change your icon selection.
> >


> > "Bobbi" <bobbi@example.invalid> wrote in message
> > news:eN4uozA8KHA.4832@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> >> I seem to have messed up my computer.
> >>
> >> I've just now installed IE7 and ran into the problem of my self-made
> > desktop
> >> icons for websites being replaced by the general IE symbol. I read some
> > old
> >> posts and think I've learned how to fix that, but in the meantime I
took
> > one
> >> suggestion of resetting my desktop appearance special effects to NOT
use
> >> large icons and then resetting it again to USE large icons. That was a
> >> mistake. Now I can't seem to change the desktop icons which refer to
> >> websites on the web: I select the one I want from
> >> my special icon folder and click OK and then apply, but it won't change
> > it.
> >> The icon flashes briefly but then remains the same old IE symbol.
> >>
> >> So my questions are now:
> >>
> >> (1) How to get the desktop to replace the icon with the one I've
> >> selected,
> >> and
> >> (2) How to get IE7 to stop changing them.
> >>
> >> Note: I CAN change desktop icons for shortcuts which refer to web pages
> >> which are entirely on my computer. Why not for shortcuts which refer to
> > real
> >> websites?

 

[Bobbi]

Hi, Don. I set the icon size to 40, and that seems to have solved most of
the problems. I still need to make my shortcuts to web pages read-only,
though.
Thanks!
-Bobbi

"Don Varnau" <don_04[at]varnau[dot]org> wrote in message
news:uGxWdZK8KHA.3276@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> Hi,
> I hadn't checked Kelly's link recently. Try downloading FavOrg from
> http://wittswallpapers.com/Oldies/indexoldies.html
>
> Icon size: The reports were that any size smaller than 46 resolved the
> issue.
>
> Don
>
>
> "Bobbi" <bobbi@example.invalid> wrote in message
> news:uGFdbkE8KHA.3880@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>> Hi, Don-
>>
>> I haven't tried your suggestion #3 yet, as I have a couple of questions
>> on
> 1
>> and 2:
>>
>> 1. Is any number less than, say, 46 OK, or should it be a power of 2,
>> like
>> 16 or 32?
>>
>> 2. Regarding kelly's tweak on 108: it's in French and I'm not sure where
> I'm
>> supposed to look and what it's supposed to do.
>>
>> Bobbi
>
>
>> "Don Varnau" <don_04[at]varnau[dot]org> wrote in message
>> news:utJgJNC8KHA.644@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>> > Hi,
>> > 1. You may have to leave "large icons" unchecked. Other posts have
>> > suggested
>> > that an icon size larger than ~46 will cause the problem with favicons.
>> >
>> > Set icon size from Control Panel> Display> Appearance> Advanced> Item>
>> > Icon.
>> >
>> > 2. You might try FavOrg http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
> line
>> > 108.
>> > I don't know that this will help with icons on the desktop.
>> >
>> > 3. Or, a more complicated workaround...
>> > Find "IExplore.exe" (probably in Program Files\Internet Explorer)
>> > Right-click and drag IExplore.exe to the desktop and choose "Create
>> > shortcut." Right-click that shortcut> Properties> Target, modify the
>> > Target
>> > to include the URL.
>> > Example:
>> > "CProgram Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE"
>> > becomes
>> > "CProgram Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE" www.yahoo.com
>> > Note a space between EXE" and ww
>> > Rename the shortcut if desired.
>> >
>> > From Internet Options> General> Browsing History> Settings> View Files,
>> > copy
>> > favicons from the Temporary Internet Files folder to another folder
> you've
>> > created. Try different Views and "Arrange by" options on the TIF folder
> to
>> > group favicons together.
>> >
>> > Back at the new shortcut on the desktop, apply the custom icon. Since
> it's
>> > no longer an Internet Shortcut, it's an .lnk (.LNK) file, IE7's
>> > attempts
>> > to
>> > apply a favicon won't change your icon selection.
>> >
>
>
>> > "Bobbi" <bobbi@example.invalid> wrote in message
>> > news:eN4uozA8KHA.4832@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>> >> I seem to have messed up my computer.
>> >>
>> >> I've just now installed IE7 and ran into the problem of my self-made
>> > desktop
>> >> icons for websites being replaced by the general IE symbol. I read
>> >> some
>> > old
>> >> posts and think I've learned how to fix that, but in the meantime I
> took
>> > one
>> >> suggestion of resetting my desktop appearance special effects to NOT
> use
>> >> large icons and then resetting it again to USE large icons. That was a
>> >> mistake. Now I can't seem to change the desktop icons which refer to
>> >> websites on the web: I select the one I want from
>> >> my special icon folder and click OK and then apply, but it won't
>> >> change
>> > it.
>> >> The icon flashes briefly but then remains the same old IE symbol.
>> >>
>> >> So my questions are now:
>> >>
>> >> (1) How to get the desktop to replace the icon with the one I've
>> >> selected,
>> >> and
>> >> (2) How to get IE7 to stop changing them.
>> >>
>> >> Note: I CAN change desktop icons for shortcuts which refer to web
>> >> pages
>> >> which are entirely on my computer. Why not for shortcuts which refer
>> >> to
>> > real
>> >> websites?
>