All shortcuts and files in Folder icons not visible

[pdoth]

I noticed about 2 weeks ago that the yellow folder icons on my desktop were open but appeared empty. Usually you can see what appears to be pieces of paper/files poking out from them. Now, they appeared empty.

When you click on one of the folders all the contents - files/shortcuts/etc are all there and working as they should do but, something has changed, and from past experience this usually means it's only a question of time before something else goes down.

It's not just the folders on my desktop either, any 'group' type folder icon anywhere else on the pc appears empty where before you could see something inside them.

I have run a full diagnostic and reset using Tweaking.com also run sfc, chkdsk, Windows 'Start menu Troubleshooter' and CCleaner. No joy, they remain looking empty.

PC running Win 10 64bit -  version 1607 OS build - 14393.953

* As far as I remember this issue did not follow any update or prog install.

[Boggin]

You could try rebuilding the icon cache - https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/5645-rebuild-icon-cache-windows-10-a.html
 
I used this the other day and right clicked on the desktop icon to select Run as administrator.

[pdoth]

Certainly worth a try Boggin, this has been driving me mad.

Quick question though, under the 'notes' section "Rebuilding the icon cache will not help with the following icon issues:" the last item reads - "Thumbnails of folders, pictures, videos, and documents."

Considering my problem seems to involve the 'thumbnails' etc of items inside a desktop folder, is it likely to fail?

I know the simple answer is - try it and see, but, is this a possibility?

Many thanks for taking the time to help.

[Boggin]

It was a try it and see for me because of the difficulty I have in opening programs from the desktop icons - didn't help though.

The only other suggestion I have at the moment is to use your restore points.

[pdoth]

Believe me, anythings worth a try at this stage.

One strange thing I did notice whilst I was 'messing around' with the settings, I logged in to another account on my pc which I set up some time ago to try and sort out another 'issue' involving the Store not opening. When I logged in to that all the folder icons were working as they should.

I suppose you could argue then that the 'simple' thing to do is either upgrade this other account and use that or, make yet another new User Account. Problem is this is all hassle, plus, is this the future for Win 10, every few weeks months, you have to start a new User Account so you can use the software as it was/is intended?

It would be good to find out what the problem is first before putting a sticking plaster over yet another wound to the OS.

[Boggin]

It's not just in Win 10 that profiles can become corrupt and there's no real explanation as to why they do.

I'd see if you can wind it back before creating new accounts.

[pdoth]

Good idea. Thanks 

[daitrongpham]

Start task manager, right click explorer.exe in processes and end process tree. If explorer does not restart, go to file>new task (run...) type 'explorer' and press enter. This should show reset your desktop.