Desktop ICONS disappeared/changed

[JoAnn Paules [MSFT MVP]]

John -

I was talking to my husband about this. He said it happens to him at work
often. He said just reboot and everything will be fine. He said it's always
the same icons that go first too. Something about something stepping on the
part of the RAM where this info is stored.

I've learned that he's usually right. And yes, I've told him that I say
that.

 

[JoAnn Paules [MSFT MVP]]

John -

I was talking to my husband about this. He said it happens to him at work
often. He said just reboot and everything will be fine. He said it's always
the same icons that go first too. Something about something stepping on the
part of the RAM where this info is stored.

I've learned that he's usually right. And yes, I've told him that I say
that.

 

[JoAnn Paules [MSFT MVP]]

John -

I was talking to my husband about this. He said it happens to him at work
often. He said just reboot and everything will be fine. He said it's always
the same icons that go first too. Something about something stepping on the
part of the RAM where this info is stored.

I've learned that he's usually right. And yes, I've told him that I say
that.

 

[JoAnn Paules [MSFT MVP]]

John -

I was talking to my husband about this. He said it happens to him at work
often. He said just reboot and everything will be fine. He said it's always
the same icons that go first too. Something about something stepping on the
part of the RAM where this info is stored.

I've learned that he's usually right. And yes, I've told him that I say
that.

 

[JoAnn Paules [MSFT MVP]]

John -

I was talking to my husband about this. He said it happens to him at work
often. He said just reboot and everything will be fine. He said it's always
the same icons that go first too. Something about something stepping on the
part of the RAM where this info is stored.

I've learned that he's usually right. And yes, I've told him that I say
that.

 

[John Blaustein]

JoAnn,

For whatever reason, all my icons are back. Your husband was right.

Yes, everything is backed up.

The plot thickens, however.

When I open System Properties and click on the System Restore tab, it
freezes and I get an error message about rundll32.exe not running and
DrWatson PostMortem Debugger not running. I send both error reports to MS.

I got a message back from MS support in response to my "call for help." The
suggestion was as follows:

As a Customer Service Representative, I can assist you with the support
options available with your Microsoft product. However, I have taken the
time to look through our self help website and found that the rundll32.exe
file is located in the c:\windows\System32 folder. RunDLL32 is used to run
DLL
s as programs. The following steps may resolve your issue:

1. Search for the file in c:\windows\servicepackfile\i386 folder.
2. Copy to c:\windows\system32 folder.
3. Restart your computer.

I followed these instructions, but the problem persists -- clicking the
System Restore tab still causes a "crash" -- the rundll32.exe error message.

I am really baffled by this whole thing.

Since last posting here, I remembered one key thing -- no doubt important.
A week ago, I got a new HDD and used the Western Digital utility to transfer
my C: drive to the new HD. I've done this in the past with no problem. I
am thinking my current problem may be related.

I have run ScanDisk and the Western Digital error checking utility and no
problems are reported.

JoAnn... perhaps your husband will have some ideas. All idea are welcome.

John

John -

I was talking to my husband about this. He said it happens to him at work
often. He said just reboot and everything will be fine. He said it's
always the same icons that go first too. Something about something
stepping on the part of the RAM where this info is stored.

I've learned that he's usually right. And yes, I've told him that I say
that.

--

JoAnn Paules
MVP Microsoft [Publisher]

Hi...

I'm using Office 2000 -- Word and Excel only. Windows XP Home SP2. All
XP and Office updates applied.

For some reason, all the icons for Word and Excel changed today from the
Office icons to the "standard DOS-style icon" -- little white rectangle
with blue bar at the top. When I right click one of these icons and
select Properties, the "Change Icon" button is grayed out.

Not only did all the Word and Excel icons disappear (change to the
DOS-style icon), but the Start>All Programs icons for "New Office
Document," and "Open Office Document" changed to that standard DOS-style
icon. Also, Start>All Programs>Microsoft Office Tools -- all icons are
gone, replaced by the generic icon.

I am also using FrontPage 2003, and the same thing happened with that
icon.

I am able to restore the icon by finding the .EXE file for each program
and right-dragging it to the desktop (or Start Menu folder) and selecting
create shortcut here.

Can someone tell me what's going on here? This is very strange behavior
and only just happened.

Thank you.

John

 

[John Blaustein]

JoAnn,

For whatever reason, all my icons are back. Your husband was right.

Yes, everything is backed up.

The plot thickens, however.

When I open System Properties and click on the System Restore tab, it
freezes and I get an error message about rundll32.exe not running and
DrWatson PostMortem Debugger not running. I send both error reports to MS.

I got a message back from MS support in response to my "call for help." The
suggestion was as follows:

As a Customer Service Representative, I can assist you with the support
options available with your Microsoft product. However, I have taken the
time to look through our self help website and found that the rundll32.exe
file is located in the c:\windows\System32 folder. RunDLL32 is used to run
DLL
s as programs. The following steps may resolve your issue:

1. Search for the file in c:\windows\servicepackfile\i386 folder.
2. Copy to c:\windows\system32 folder.
3. Restart your computer.

I followed these instructions, but the problem persists -- clicking the
System Restore tab still causes a "crash" -- the rundll32.exe error message.

I am really baffled by this whole thing.

Since last posting here, I remembered one key thing -- no doubt important.
A week ago, I got a new HDD and used the Western Digital utility to transfer
my C: drive to the new HD. I've done this in the past with no problem. I
am thinking my current problem may be related.

I have run ScanDisk and the Western Digital error checking utility and no
problems are reported.

JoAnn... perhaps your husband will have some ideas. All idea are welcome.

John

John -

I was talking to my husband about this. He said it happens to him at work
often. He said just reboot and everything will be fine. He said it's
always the same icons that go first too. Something about something
stepping on the part of the RAM where this info is stored.

I've learned that he's usually right. And yes, I've told him that I say
that.

--

JoAnn Paules
MVP Microsoft [Publisher]

Hi...

I'm using Office 2000 -- Word and Excel only. Windows XP Home SP2. All
XP and Office updates applied.

For some reason, all the icons for Word and Excel changed today from the
Office icons to the "standard DOS-style icon" -- little white rectangle
with blue bar at the top. When I right click one of these icons and
select Properties, the "Change Icon" button is grayed out.

Not only did all the Word and Excel icons disappear (change to the
DOS-style icon), but the Start>All Programs icons for "New Office
Document," and "Open Office Document" changed to that standard DOS-style
icon. Also, Start>All Programs>Microsoft Office Tools -- all icons are
gone, replaced by the generic icon.

I am also using FrontPage 2003, and the same thing happened with that
icon.

I am able to restore the icon by finding the .EXE file for each program
and right-dragging it to the desktop (or Start Menu folder) and selecting
create shortcut here.

Can someone tell me what's going on here? This is very strange behavior
and only just happened.

Thank you.

John

 

[John Blaustein]

JoAnn,

For whatever reason, all my icons are back. Your husband was right.

Yes, everything is backed up.

The plot thickens, however.

When I open System Properties and click on the System Restore tab, it
freezes and I get an error message about rundll32.exe not running and
DrWatson PostMortem Debugger not running. I send both error reports to MS.

I got a message back from MS support in response to my "call for help." The
suggestion was as follows:

As a Customer Service Representative, I can assist you with the support
options available with your Microsoft product. However, I have taken the
time to look through our self help website and found that the rundll32.exe
file is located in the c:\windows\System32 folder. RunDLL32 is used to run
DLL
s as programs. The following steps may resolve your issue:

1. Search for the file in c:\windows\servicepackfile\i386 folder.
2. Copy to c:\windows\system32 folder.
3. Restart your computer.

I followed these instructions, but the problem persists -- clicking the
System Restore tab still causes a "crash" -- the rundll32.exe error message.

I am really baffled by this whole thing.

Since last posting here, I remembered one key thing -- no doubt important.
A week ago, I got a new HDD and used the Western Digital utility to transfer
my C: drive to the new HD. I've done this in the past with no problem. I
am thinking my current problem may be related.

I have run ScanDisk and the Western Digital error checking utility and no
problems are reported.

JoAnn... perhaps your husband will have some ideas. All idea are welcome.

John

John -

I was talking to my husband about this. He said it happens to him at work
often. He said just reboot and everything will be fine. He said it's
always the same icons that go first too. Something about something
stepping on the part of the RAM where this info is stored.

I've learned that he's usually right. And yes, I've told him that I say
that.

--

JoAnn Paules
MVP Microsoft [Publisher]

Hi...

I'm using Office 2000 -- Word and Excel only. Windows XP Home SP2. All
XP and Office updates applied.

For some reason, all the icons for Word and Excel changed today from the
Office icons to the "standard DOS-style icon" -- little white rectangle
with blue bar at the top. When I right click one of these icons and
select Properties, the "Change Icon" button is grayed out.

Not only did all the Word and Excel icons disappear (change to the
DOS-style icon), but the Start>All Programs icons for "New Office
Document," and "Open Office Document" changed to that standard DOS-style
icon. Also, Start>All Programs>Microsoft Office Tools -- all icons are
gone, replaced by the generic icon.

I am also using FrontPage 2003, and the same thing happened with that
icon.

I am able to restore the icon by finding the .EXE file for each program
and right-dragging it to the desktop (or Start Menu folder) and selecting
create shortcut here.

Can someone tell me what's going on here? This is very strange behavior
and only just happened.

Thank you.

John

 

[John Blaustein]

JoAnn,

For whatever reason, all my icons are back. Your husband was right.

Yes, everything is backed up.

The plot thickens, however.

When I open System Properties and click on the System Restore tab, it
freezes and I get an error message about rundll32.exe not running and
DrWatson PostMortem Debugger not running. I send both error reports to MS.

I got a message back from MS support in response to my "call for help." The
suggestion was as follows:

As a Customer Service Representative, I can assist you with the support
options available with your Microsoft product. However, I have taken the
time to look through our self help website and found that the rundll32.exe
file is located in the c:\windows\System32 folder. RunDLL32 is used to run
DLL
s as programs. The following steps may resolve your issue:

1. Search for the file in c:\windows\servicepackfile\i386 folder.
2. Copy to c:\windows\system32 folder.
3. Restart your computer.

I followed these instructions, but the problem persists -- clicking the
System Restore tab still causes a "crash" -- the rundll32.exe error message.

I am really baffled by this whole thing.

Since last posting here, I remembered one key thing -- no doubt important.
A week ago, I got a new HDD and used the Western Digital utility to transfer
my C: drive to the new HD. I've done this in the past with no problem. I
am thinking my current problem may be related.

I have run ScanDisk and the Western Digital error checking utility and no
problems are reported.

JoAnn... perhaps your husband will have some ideas. All idea are welcome.

John

John -

I was talking to my husband about this. He said it happens to him at work
often. He said just reboot and everything will be fine. He said it's
always the same icons that go first too. Something about something
stepping on the part of the RAM where this info is stored.

I've learned that he's usually right. And yes, I've told him that I say
that.

--

JoAnn Paules
MVP Microsoft [Publisher]

Hi...

I'm using Office 2000 -- Word and Excel only. Windows XP Home SP2. All
XP and Office updates applied.

For some reason, all the icons for Word and Excel changed today from the
Office icons to the "standard DOS-style icon" -- little white rectangle
with blue bar at the top. When I right click one of these icons and
select Properties, the "Change Icon" button is grayed out.

Not only did all the Word and Excel icons disappear (change to the
DOS-style icon), but the Start>All Programs icons for "New Office
Document," and "Open Office Document" changed to that standard DOS-style
icon. Also, Start>All Programs>Microsoft Office Tools -- all icons are
gone, replaced by the generic icon.

I am also using FrontPage 2003, and the same thing happened with that
icon.

I am able to restore the icon by finding the .EXE file for each program
and right-dragging it to the desktop (or Start Menu folder) and selecting
create shortcut here.

Can someone tell me what's going on here? This is very strange behavior
and only just happened.

Thank you.

John

 

[John Blaustein]

JoAnn,

For whatever reason, all my icons are back. Your husband was right.

Yes, everything is backed up.

The plot thickens, however.

When I open System Properties and click on the System Restore tab, it
freezes and I get an error message about rundll32.exe not running and
DrWatson PostMortem Debugger not running. I send both error reports to MS.

I got a message back from MS support in response to my "call for help." The
suggestion was as follows:

As a Customer Service Representative, I can assist you with the support
options available with your Microsoft product. However, I have taken the
time to look through our self help website and found that the rundll32.exe
file is located in the c:\windows\System32 folder. RunDLL32 is used to run
DLL
s as programs. The following steps may resolve your issue:

1. Search for the file in c:\windows\servicepackfile\i386 folder.
2. Copy to c:\windows\system32 folder.
3. Restart your computer.

I followed these instructions, but the problem persists -- clicking the
System Restore tab still causes a "crash" -- the rundll32.exe error message.

I am really baffled by this whole thing.

Since last posting here, I remembered one key thing -- no doubt important.
A week ago, I got a new HDD and used the Western Digital utility to transfer
my C: drive to the new HD. I've done this in the past with no problem. I
am thinking my current problem may be related.

I have run ScanDisk and the Western Digital error checking utility and no
problems are reported.

JoAnn... perhaps your husband will have some ideas. All idea are welcome.

John

John -

I was talking to my husband about this. He said it happens to him at work
often. He said just reboot and everything will be fine. He said it's
always the same icons that go first too. Something about something
stepping on the part of the RAM where this info is stored.

I've learned that he's usually right. And yes, I've told him that I say
that.

--

JoAnn Paules
MVP Microsoft [Publisher]

Hi...

I'm using Office 2000 -- Word and Excel only. Windows XP Home SP2. All
XP and Office updates applied.

For some reason, all the icons for Word and Excel changed today from the
Office icons to the "standard DOS-style icon" -- little white rectangle
with blue bar at the top. When I right click one of these icons and
select Properties, the "Change Icon" button is grayed out.

Not only did all the Word and Excel icons disappear (change to the
DOS-style icon), but the Start>All Programs icons for "New Office
Document," and "Open Office Document" changed to that standard DOS-style
icon. Also, Start>All Programs>Microsoft Office Tools -- all icons are
gone, replaced by the generic icon.

I am also using FrontPage 2003, and the same thing happened with that
icon.

I am able to restore the icon by finding the .EXE file for each program
and right-dragging it to the desktop (or Start Menu folder) and selecting
create shortcut here.

Can someone tell me what's going on here? This is very strange behavior
and only just happened.

Thank you.

John

 

[John Blaustein]

JoAnn,

For whatever reason, all my icons are back. Your husband was right.

Yes, everything is backed up.

The plot thickens, however.

When I open System Properties and click on the System Restore tab, it
freezes and I get an error message about rundll32.exe not running and
DrWatson PostMortem Debugger not running. I send both error reports to MS.

I got a message back from MS support in response to my "call for help." The
suggestion was as follows:

As a Customer Service Representative, I can assist you with the support
options available with your Microsoft product. However, I have taken the
time to look through our self help website and found that the rundll32.exe
file is located in the c:\windows\System32 folder. RunDLL32 is used to run
DLL
s as programs. The following steps may resolve your issue:

1. Search for the file in c:\windows\servicepackfile\i386 folder.
2. Copy to c:\windows\system32 folder.
3. Restart your computer.

I followed these instructions, but the problem persists -- clicking the
System Restore tab still causes a "crash" -- the rundll32.exe error message.

I am really baffled by this whole thing.

Since last posting here, I remembered one key thing -- no doubt important.
A week ago, I got a new HDD and used the Western Digital utility to transfer
my C: drive to the new HD. I've done this in the past with no problem. I
am thinking my current problem may be related.

I have run ScanDisk and the Western Digital error checking utility and no
problems are reported.

JoAnn... perhaps your husband will have some ideas. All idea are welcome.

John

John -

I was talking to my husband about this. He said it happens to him at work
often. He said just reboot and everything will be fine. He said it's
always the same icons that go first too. Something about something
stepping on the part of the RAM where this info is stored.

I've learned that he's usually right. And yes, I've told him that I say
that.

--

JoAnn Paules
MVP Microsoft [Publisher]

Hi...

I'm using Office 2000 -- Word and Excel only. Windows XP Home SP2. All
XP and Office updates applied.

For some reason, all the icons for Word and Excel changed today from the
Office icons to the "standard DOS-style icon" -- little white rectangle
with blue bar at the top. When I right click one of these icons and
select Properties, the "Change Icon" button is grayed out.

Not only did all the Word and Excel icons disappear (change to the
DOS-style icon), but the Start>All Programs icons for "New Office
Document," and "Open Office Document" changed to that standard DOS-style
icon. Also, Start>All Programs>Microsoft Office Tools -- all icons are
gone, replaced by the generic icon.

I am also using FrontPage 2003, and the same thing happened with that
icon.

I am able to restore the icon by finding the .EXE file for each program
and right-dragging it to the desktop (or Start Menu folder) and selecting
create shortcut here.

Can someone tell me what's going on here? This is very strange behavior
and only just happened.

Thank you.

John

 

[John Blaustein]

JoAnn,

For whatever reason, all my icons are back. Your husband was right.

Yes, everything is backed up.

The plot thickens, however.

When I open System Properties and click on the System Restore tab, it
freezes and I get an error message about rundll32.exe not running and
DrWatson PostMortem Debugger not running. I send both error reports to MS.

I got a message back from MS support in response to my "call for help." The
suggestion was as follows:

As a Customer Service Representative, I can assist you with the support
options available with your Microsoft product. However, I have taken the
time to look through our self help website and found that the rundll32.exe
file is located in the c:\windows\System32 folder. RunDLL32 is used to run
DLL
s as programs. The following steps may resolve your issue:

1. Search for the file in c:\windows\servicepackfile\i386 folder.
2. Copy to c:\windows\system32 folder.
3. Restart your computer.

I followed these instructions, but the problem persists -- clicking the
System Restore tab still causes a "crash" -- the rundll32.exe error message.

I am really baffled by this whole thing.

Since last posting here, I remembered one key thing -- no doubt important.
A week ago, I got a new HDD and used the Western Digital utility to transfer
my C: drive to the new HD. I've done this in the past with no problem. I
am thinking my current problem may be related.

I have run ScanDisk and the Western Digital error checking utility and no
problems are reported.

JoAnn... perhaps your husband will have some ideas. All idea are welcome.

John

John -

I was talking to my husband about this. He said it happens to him at work
often. He said just reboot and everything will be fine. He said it's
always the same icons that go first too. Something about something
stepping on the part of the RAM where this info is stored.

I've learned that he's usually right. And yes, I've told him that I say
that.

--

JoAnn Paules
MVP Microsoft [Publisher]

Hi...

I'm using Office 2000 -- Word and Excel only. Windows XP Home SP2. All
XP and Office updates applied.

For some reason, all the icons for Word and Excel changed today from the
Office icons to the "standard DOS-style icon" -- little white rectangle
with blue bar at the top. When I right click one of these icons and
select Properties, the "Change Icon" button is grayed out.

Not only did all the Word and Excel icons disappear (change to the
DOS-style icon), but the Start>All Programs icons for "New Office
Document," and "Open Office Document" changed to that standard DOS-style
icon. Also, Start>All Programs>Microsoft Office Tools -- all icons are
gone, replaced by the generic icon.

I am also using FrontPage 2003, and the same thing happened with that
icon.

I am able to restore the icon by finding the .EXE file for each program
and right-dragging it to the desktop (or Start Menu folder) and selecting
create shortcut here.

Can someone tell me what's going on here? This is very strange behavior
and only just happened.

Thank you.

John

 

[John Blaustein]

JoAnn,

For whatever reason, all my icons are back. Your husband was right.

Yes, everything is backed up.

The plot thickens, however.

When I open System Properties and click on the System Restore tab, it
freezes and I get an error message about rundll32.exe not running and
DrWatson PostMortem Debugger not running. I send both error reports to MS.

I got a message back from MS support in response to my "call for help." The
suggestion was as follows:

As a Customer Service Representative, I can assist you with the support
options available with your Microsoft product. However, I have taken the
time to look through our self help website and found that the rundll32.exe
file is located in the c:\windows\System32 folder. RunDLL32 is used to run
DLL
s as programs. The following steps may resolve your issue:

1. Search for the file in c:\windows\servicepackfile\i386 folder.
2. Copy to c:\windows\system32 folder.
3. Restart your computer.

I followed these instructions, but the problem persists -- clicking the
System Restore tab still causes a "crash" -- the rundll32.exe error message.

I am really baffled by this whole thing.

Since last posting here, I remembered one key thing -- no doubt important.
A week ago, I got a new HDD and used the Western Digital utility to transfer
my C: drive to the new HD. I've done this in the past with no problem. I
am thinking my current problem may be related.

I have run ScanDisk and the Western Digital error checking utility and no
problems are reported.

JoAnn... perhaps your husband will have some ideas. All idea are welcome.

John

John -

I was talking to my husband about this. He said it happens to him at work
often. He said just reboot and everything will be fine. He said it's
always the same icons that go first too. Something about something
stepping on the part of the RAM where this info is stored.

I've learned that he's usually right. And yes, I've told him that I say
that.

--

JoAnn Paules
MVP Microsoft [Publisher]

Hi...

I'm using Office 2000 -- Word and Excel only. Windows XP Home SP2. All
XP and Office updates applied.

For some reason, all the icons for Word and Excel changed today from the
Office icons to the "standard DOS-style icon" -- little white rectangle
with blue bar at the top. When I right click one of these icons and
select Properties, the "Change Icon" button is grayed out.

Not only did all the Word and Excel icons disappear (change to the
DOS-style icon), but the Start>All Programs icons for "New Office
Document," and "Open Office Document" changed to that standard DOS-style
icon. Also, Start>All Programs>Microsoft Office Tools -- all icons are
gone, replaced by the generic icon.

I am also using FrontPage 2003, and the same thing happened with that
icon.

I am able to restore the icon by finding the .EXE file for each program
and right-dragging it to the desktop (or Start Menu folder) and selecting
create shortcut here.

Can someone tell me what's going on here? This is very strange behavior
and only just happened.

Thank you.

John

 

[John Blaustein]

JoAnn and others who might be interested,

I spoke on the phone this afternoon with a MS Support person who specializes
in XP. After fully explaining my problem, and telling the guy that I'd
recently replaced my HDD with a new drive, we concluded that problem is
related to unsuccessfully mirroring the old drive onto the new drive.
Apparently, the MBR does not get copied bit for bit, and XP has a problem
with that and the Registry on the new drive. Furthermore, some hidden XP
files don't get copied correctly, or don't get copied at all, leading to
further problems.

The MS tech was able to walk me through restoring System Restore, but he
explained that other apps may still not work and that "only time will tell."

My next step is a clean install! Ugh. You live and learn. At least no
data has been lost.

John

JoAnn,

For whatever reason, all my icons are back. Your husband was right.

Yes, everything is backed up.

The plot thickens, however.

When I open System Properties and click on the System Restore tab, it
freezes and I get an error message about rundll32.exe not running and
DrWatson PostMortem Debugger not running. I send both error reports to
MS.

I got a message back from MS support in response to my "call for help."
The suggestion was as follows:

As a Customer Service Representative, I can assist you with the support
options available with your Microsoft product. However, I have taken the
time to look through our self help website and found that the rundll32.exe
file is located in the c:\windows\System32 folder. RunDLL32 is used to
run DLL
s as programs. The following steps may resolve your issue:

1. Search for the file in c:\windows\servicepackfile\i386 folder.
2. Copy to c:\windows\system32 folder.
3. Restart your computer.

I followed these instructions, but the problem persists -- clicking the
System Restore tab still causes a "crash" -- the rundll32.exe error
message.

I am really baffled by this whole thing.

Since last posting here, I remembered one key thing -- no doubt important.
A week ago, I got a new HDD and used the Western Digital utility to
transfer my C: drive to the new HD. I've done this in the past with no
problem. I am thinking my current problem may be related.

I have run ScanDisk and the Western Digital error checking utility and no
problems are reported.

JoAnn... perhaps your husband will have some ideas. All idea are welcome.

John

John -

I was talking to my husband about this. He said it happens to him at work
often. He said just reboot and everything will be fine. He said it's
always the same icons that go first too. Something about something
stepping on the part of the RAM where this info is stored.

I've learned that he's usually right. And yes, I've told him that I say
that.

--

JoAnn Paules
MVP Microsoft [Publisher]

Hi...

I'm using Office 2000 -- Word and Excel only. Windows XP Home SP2. All
XP and Office updates applied.

For some reason, all the icons for Word and Excel changed today from the
Office icons to the "standard DOS-style icon" -- little white rectangle
with blue bar at the top. When I right click one of these icons and
select Properties, the "Change Icon" button is grayed out.

Not only did all the Word and Excel icons disappear (change to the
DOS-style icon), but the Start>All Programs icons for "New Office
Document," and "Open Office Document" changed to that standard DOS-style
icon. Also, Start>All Programs>Microsoft Office Tools -- all icons are
gone, replaced by the generic icon.

I am also using FrontPage 2003, and the same thing happened with that
icon.

I am able to restore the icon by finding the .EXE file for each program
and right-dragging it to the desktop (or Start Menu folder) and
selecting create shortcut here.

Can someone tell me what's going on here? This is very strange behavior
and only just happened.

Thank you.

John

 

[John Blaustein]

JoAnn and others who might be interested,

I spoke on the phone this afternoon with a MS Support person who specializes
in XP. After fully explaining my problem, and telling the guy that I'd
recently replaced my HDD with a new drive, we concluded that problem is
related to unsuccessfully mirroring the old drive onto the new drive.
Apparently, the MBR does not get copied bit for bit, and XP has a problem
with that and the Registry on the new drive. Furthermore, some hidden XP
files don't get copied correctly, or don't get copied at all, leading to
further problems.

The MS tech was able to walk me through restoring System Restore, but he
explained that other apps may still not work and that "only time will tell."

My next step is a clean install! Ugh. You live and learn. At least no
data has been lost.

John

JoAnn,

For whatever reason, all my icons are back. Your husband was right.

Yes, everything is backed up.

The plot thickens, however.

When I open System Properties and click on the System Restore tab, it
freezes and I get an error message about rundll32.exe not running and
DrWatson PostMortem Debugger not running. I send both error reports to
MS.

I got a message back from MS support in response to my "call for help."
The suggestion was as follows:

As a Customer Service Representative, I can assist you with the support
options available with your Microsoft product. However, I have taken the
time to look through our self help website and found that the rundll32.exe
file is located in the c:\windows\System32 folder. RunDLL32 is used to
run DLL
s as programs. The following steps may resolve your issue:

1. Search for the file in c:\windows\servicepackfile\i386 folder.
2. Copy to c:\windows\system32 folder.
3. Restart your computer.

I followed these instructions, but the problem persists -- clicking the
System Restore tab still causes a "crash" -- the rundll32.exe error
message.

I am really baffled by this whole thing.

Since last posting here, I remembered one key thing -- no doubt important.
A week ago, I got a new HDD and used the Western Digital utility to
transfer my C: drive to the new HD. I've done this in the past with no
problem. I am thinking my current problem may be related.

I have run ScanDisk and the Western Digital error checking utility and no
problems are reported.

JoAnn... perhaps your husband will have some ideas. All idea are welcome.

John

John -

I was talking to my husband about this. He said it happens to him at work
often. He said just reboot and everything will be fine. He said it's
always the same icons that go first too. Something about something
stepping on the part of the RAM where this info is stored.

I've learned that he's usually right. And yes, I've told him that I say
that.

--

JoAnn Paules
MVP Microsoft [Publisher]

Hi...

I'm using Office 2000 -- Word and Excel only. Windows XP Home SP2. All
XP and Office updates applied.

For some reason, all the icons for Word and Excel changed today from the
Office icons to the "standard DOS-style icon" -- little white rectangle
with blue bar at the top. When I right click one of these icons and
select Properties, the "Change Icon" button is grayed out.

Not only did all the Word and Excel icons disappear (change to the
DOS-style icon), but the Start>All Programs icons for "New Office
Document," and "Open Office Document" changed to that standard DOS-style
icon. Also, Start>All Programs>Microsoft Office Tools -- all icons are
gone, replaced by the generic icon.

I am also using FrontPage 2003, and the same thing happened with that
icon.

I am able to restore the icon by finding the .EXE file for each program
and right-dragging it to the desktop (or Start Menu folder) and
selecting create shortcut here.

Can someone tell me what's going on here? This is very strange behavior
and only just happened.

Thank you.

John

 

[John Blaustein]

JoAnn and others who might be interested,

I spoke on the phone this afternoon with a MS Support person who specializes
in XP. After fully explaining my problem, and telling the guy that I'd
recently replaced my HDD with a new drive, we concluded that problem is
related to unsuccessfully mirroring the old drive onto the new drive.
Apparently, the MBR does not get copied bit for bit, and XP has a problem
with that and the Registry on the new drive. Furthermore, some hidden XP
files don't get copied correctly, or don't get copied at all, leading to
further problems.

The MS tech was able to walk me through restoring System Restore, but he
explained that other apps may still not work and that "only time will tell."

My next step is a clean install! Ugh. You live and learn. At least no
data has been lost.

John

JoAnn,

For whatever reason, all my icons are back. Your husband was right.

Yes, everything is backed up.

The plot thickens, however.

When I open System Properties and click on the System Restore tab, it
freezes and I get an error message about rundll32.exe not running and
DrWatson PostMortem Debugger not running. I send both error reports to
MS.

I got a message back from MS support in response to my "call for help."
The suggestion was as follows:

As a Customer Service Representative, I can assist you with the support
options available with your Microsoft product. However, I have taken the
time to look through our self help website and found that the rundll32.exe
file is located in the c:\windows\System32 folder. RunDLL32 is used to
run DLL
s as programs. The following steps may resolve your issue:

1. Search for the file in c:\windows\servicepackfile\i386 folder.
2. Copy to c:\windows\system32 folder.
3. Restart your computer.

I followed these instructions, but the problem persists -- clicking the
System Restore tab still causes a "crash" -- the rundll32.exe error
message.

I am really baffled by this whole thing.

Since last posting here, I remembered one key thing -- no doubt important.
A week ago, I got a new HDD and used the Western Digital utility to
transfer my C: drive to the new HD. I've done this in the past with no
problem. I am thinking my current problem may be related.

I have run ScanDisk and the Western Digital error checking utility and no
problems are reported.

JoAnn... perhaps your husband will have some ideas. All idea are welcome.

John

John -

I was talking to my husband about this. He said it happens to him at work
often. He said just reboot and everything will be fine. He said it's
always the same icons that go first too. Something about something
stepping on the part of the RAM where this info is stored.

I've learned that he's usually right. And yes, I've told him that I say
that.

--

JoAnn Paules
MVP Microsoft [Publisher]

Hi...

I'm using Office 2000 -- Word and Excel only. Windows XP Home SP2. All
XP and Office updates applied.

For some reason, all the icons for Word and Excel changed today from the
Office icons to the "standard DOS-style icon" -- little white rectangle
with blue bar at the top. When I right click one of these icons and
select Properties, the "Change Icon" button is grayed out.

Not only did all the Word and Excel icons disappear (change to the
DOS-style icon), but the Start>All Programs icons for "New Office
Document," and "Open Office Document" changed to that standard DOS-style
icon. Also, Start>All Programs>Microsoft Office Tools -- all icons are
gone, replaced by the generic icon.

I am also using FrontPage 2003, and the same thing happened with that
icon.

I am able to restore the icon by finding the .EXE file for each program
and right-dragging it to the desktop (or Start Menu folder) and
selecting create shortcut here.

Can someone tell me what's going on here? This is very strange behavior
and only just happened.

Thank you.

John

 

[John Blaustein]

JoAnn and others who might be interested,

I spoke on the phone this afternoon with a MS Support person who specializes
in XP. After fully explaining my problem, and telling the guy that I'd
recently replaced my HDD with a new drive, we concluded that problem is
related to unsuccessfully mirroring the old drive onto the new drive.
Apparently, the MBR does not get copied bit for bit, and XP has a problem
with that and the Registry on the new drive. Furthermore, some hidden XP
files don't get copied correctly, or don't get copied at all, leading to
further problems.

The MS tech was able to walk me through restoring System Restore, but he
explained that other apps may still not work and that "only time will tell."

My next step is a clean install! Ugh. You live and learn. At least no
data has been lost.

John

JoAnn,

For whatever reason, all my icons are back. Your husband was right.

Yes, everything is backed up.

The plot thickens, however.

When I open System Properties and click on the System Restore tab, it
freezes and I get an error message about rundll32.exe not running and
DrWatson PostMortem Debugger not running. I send both error reports to
MS.

I got a message back from MS support in response to my "call for help."
The suggestion was as follows:

As a Customer Service Representative, I can assist you with the support
options available with your Microsoft product. However, I have taken the
time to look through our self help website and found that the rundll32.exe
file is located in the c:\windows\System32 folder. RunDLL32 is used to
run DLL
s as programs. The following steps may resolve your issue:

1. Search for the file in c:\windows\servicepackfile\i386 folder.
2. Copy to c:\windows\system32 folder.
3. Restart your computer.

I followed these instructions, but the problem persists -- clicking the
System Restore tab still causes a "crash" -- the rundll32.exe error
message.

I am really baffled by this whole thing.

Since last posting here, I remembered one key thing -- no doubt important.
A week ago, I got a new HDD and used the Western Digital utility to
transfer my C: drive to the new HD. I've done this in the past with no
problem. I am thinking my current problem may be related.

I have run ScanDisk and the Western Digital error checking utility and no
problems are reported.

JoAnn... perhaps your husband will have some ideas. All idea are welcome.

John

John -

I was talking to my husband about this. He said it happens to him at work
often. He said just reboot and everything will be fine. He said it's
always the same icons that go first too. Something about something
stepping on the part of the RAM where this info is stored.

I've learned that he's usually right. And yes, I've told him that I say
that.

--

JoAnn Paules
MVP Microsoft [Publisher]

Hi...

I'm using Office 2000 -- Word and Excel only. Windows XP Home SP2. All
XP and Office updates applied.

For some reason, all the icons for Word and Excel changed today from the
Office icons to the "standard DOS-style icon" -- little white rectangle
with blue bar at the top. When I right click one of these icons and
select Properties, the "Change Icon" button is grayed out.

Not only did all the Word and Excel icons disappear (change to the
DOS-style icon), but the Start>All Programs icons for "New Office
Document," and "Open Office Document" changed to that standard DOS-style
icon. Also, Start>All Programs>Microsoft Office Tools -- all icons are
gone, replaced by the generic icon.

I am also using FrontPage 2003, and the same thing happened with that
icon.

I am able to restore the icon by finding the .EXE file for each program
and right-dragging it to the desktop (or Start Menu folder) and
selecting create shortcut here.

Can someone tell me what's going on here? This is very strange behavior
and only just happened.

Thank you.

John

 

[John Blaustein]

JoAnn and others who might be interested,

I spoke on the phone this afternoon with a MS Support person who specializes
in XP. After fully explaining my problem, and telling the guy that I'd
recently replaced my HDD with a new drive, we concluded that problem is
related to unsuccessfully mirroring the old drive onto the new drive.
Apparently, the MBR does not get copied bit for bit, and XP has a problem
with that and the Registry on the new drive. Furthermore, some hidden XP
files don't get copied correctly, or don't get copied at all, leading to
further problems.

The MS tech was able to walk me through restoring System Restore, but he
explained that other apps may still not work and that "only time will tell."

My next step is a clean install! Ugh. You live and learn. At least no
data has been lost.

John

JoAnn,

For whatever reason, all my icons are back. Your husband was right.

Yes, everything is backed up.

The plot thickens, however.

When I open System Properties and click on the System Restore tab, it
freezes and I get an error message about rundll32.exe not running and
DrWatson PostMortem Debugger not running. I send both error reports to
MS.

I got a message back from MS support in response to my "call for help."
The suggestion was as follows:

As a Customer Service Representative, I can assist you with the support
options available with your Microsoft product. However, I have taken the
time to look through our self help website and found that the rundll32.exe
file is located in the c:\windows\System32 folder. RunDLL32 is used to
run DLL
s as programs. The following steps may resolve your issue:

1. Search for the file in c:\windows\servicepackfile\i386 folder.
2. Copy to c:\windows\system32 folder.
3. Restart your computer.

I followed these instructions, but the problem persists -- clicking the
System Restore tab still causes a "crash" -- the rundll32.exe error
message.

I am really baffled by this whole thing.

Since last posting here, I remembered one key thing -- no doubt important.
A week ago, I got a new HDD and used the Western Digital utility to
transfer my C: drive to the new HD. I've done this in the past with no
problem. I am thinking my current problem may be related.

I have run ScanDisk and the Western Digital error checking utility and no
problems are reported.

JoAnn... perhaps your husband will have some ideas. All idea are welcome.

John

John -

I was talking to my husband about this. He said it happens to him at work
often. He said just reboot and everything will be fine. He said it's
always the same icons that go first too. Something about something
stepping on the part of the RAM where this info is stored.

I've learned that he's usually right. And yes, I've told him that I say
that.

--

JoAnn Paules
MVP Microsoft [Publisher]

Hi...

I'm using Office 2000 -- Word and Excel only. Windows XP Home SP2. All
XP and Office updates applied.

For some reason, all the icons for Word and Excel changed today from the
Office icons to the "standard DOS-style icon" -- little white rectangle
with blue bar at the top. When I right click one of these icons and
select Properties, the "Change Icon" button is grayed out.

Not only did all the Word and Excel icons disappear (change to the
DOS-style icon), but the Start>All Programs icons for "New Office
Document," and "Open Office Document" changed to that standard DOS-style
icon. Also, Start>All Programs>Microsoft Office Tools -- all icons are
gone, replaced by the generic icon.

I am also using FrontPage 2003, and the same thing happened with that
icon.

I am able to restore the icon by finding the .EXE file for each program
and right-dragging it to the desktop (or Start Menu folder) and
selecting create shortcut here.

Can someone tell me what's going on here? This is very strange behavior
and only just happened.

Thank you.

John

 

[John Blaustein]

JoAnn and others who might be interested,

I spoke on the phone this afternoon with a MS Support person who specializes
in XP. After fully explaining my problem, and telling the guy that I'd
recently replaced my HDD with a new drive, we concluded that problem is
related to unsuccessfully mirroring the old drive onto the new drive.
Apparently, the MBR does not get copied bit for bit, and XP has a problem
with that and the Registry on the new drive. Furthermore, some hidden XP
files don't get copied correctly, or don't get copied at all, leading to
further problems.

The MS tech was able to walk me through restoring System Restore, but he
explained that other apps may still not work and that "only time will tell."

My next step is a clean install! Ugh. You live and learn. At least no
data has been lost.

John

JoAnn,

For whatever reason, all my icons are back. Your husband was right.

Yes, everything is backed up.

The plot thickens, however.

When I open System Properties and click on the System Restore tab, it
freezes and I get an error message about rundll32.exe not running and
DrWatson PostMortem Debugger not running. I send both error reports to
MS.

I got a message back from MS support in response to my "call for help."
The suggestion was as follows:

As a Customer Service Representative, I can assist you with the support
options available with your Microsoft product. However, I have taken the
time to look through our self help website and found that the rundll32.exe
file is located in the c:\windows\System32 folder. RunDLL32 is used to
run DLL
s as programs. The following steps may resolve your issue:

1. Search for the file in c:\windows\servicepackfile\i386 folder.
2. Copy to c:\windows\system32 folder.
3. Restart your computer.

I followed these instructions, but the problem persists -- clicking the
System Restore tab still causes a "crash" -- the rundll32.exe error
message.

I am really baffled by this whole thing.

Since last posting here, I remembered one key thing -- no doubt important.
A week ago, I got a new HDD and used the Western Digital utility to
transfer my C: drive to the new HD. I've done this in the past with no
problem. I am thinking my current problem may be related.

I have run ScanDisk and the Western Digital error checking utility and no
problems are reported.

JoAnn... perhaps your husband will have some ideas. All idea are welcome.

John

John -

I was talking to my husband about this. He said it happens to him at work
often. He said just reboot and everything will be fine. He said it's
always the same icons that go first too. Something about something
stepping on the part of the RAM where this info is stored.

I've learned that he's usually right. And yes, I've told him that I say
that.

--

JoAnn Paules
MVP Microsoft [Publisher]

Hi...

I'm using Office 2000 -- Word and Excel only. Windows XP Home SP2. All
XP and Office updates applied.

For some reason, all the icons for Word and Excel changed today from the
Office icons to the "standard DOS-style icon" -- little white rectangle
with blue bar at the top. When I right click one of these icons and
select Properties, the "Change Icon" button is grayed out.

Not only did all the Word and Excel icons disappear (change to the
DOS-style icon), but the Start>All Programs icons for "New Office
Document," and "Open Office Document" changed to that standard DOS-style
icon. Also, Start>All Programs>Microsoft Office Tools -- all icons are
gone, replaced by the generic icon.

I am also using FrontPage 2003, and the same thing happened with that
icon.

I am able to restore the icon by finding the .EXE file for each program
and right-dragging it to the desktop (or Start Menu folder) and
selecting create shortcut here.

Can someone tell me what's going on here? This is very strange behavior
and only just happened.

Thank you.

John

 

[John Blaustein]

JoAnn and others who might be interested,

I spoke on the phone this afternoon with a MS Support person who specializes
in XP. After fully explaining my problem, and telling the guy that I'd
recently replaced my HDD with a new drive, we concluded that problem is
related to unsuccessfully mirroring the old drive onto the new drive.
Apparently, the MBR does not get copied bit for bit, and XP has a problem
with that and the Registry on the new drive. Furthermore, some hidden XP
files don't get copied correctly, or don't get copied at all, leading to
further problems.

The MS tech was able to walk me through restoring System Restore, but he
explained that other apps may still not work and that "only time will tell."

My next step is a clean install! Ugh. You live and learn. At least no
data has been lost.

John

JoAnn,

For whatever reason, all my icons are back. Your husband was right.

Yes, everything is backed up.

The plot thickens, however.

When I open System Properties and click on the System Restore tab, it
freezes and I get an error message about rundll32.exe not running and
DrWatson PostMortem Debugger not running. I send both error reports to
MS.

I got a message back from MS support in response to my "call for help."
The suggestion was as follows:

As a Customer Service Representative, I can assist you with the support
options available with your Microsoft product. However, I have taken the
time to look through our self help website and found that the rundll32.exe
file is located in the c:\windows\System32 folder. RunDLL32 is used to
run DLL
s as programs. The following steps may resolve your issue:

1. Search for the file in c:\windows\servicepackfile\i386 folder.
2. Copy to c:\windows\system32 folder.
3. Restart your computer.

I followed these instructions, but the problem persists -- clicking the
System Restore tab still causes a "crash" -- the rundll32.exe error
message.

I am really baffled by this whole thing.

Since last posting here, I remembered one key thing -- no doubt important.
A week ago, I got a new HDD and used the Western Digital utility to
transfer my C: drive to the new HD. I've done this in the past with no
problem. I am thinking my current problem may be related.

I have run ScanDisk and the Western Digital error checking utility and no
problems are reported.

JoAnn... perhaps your husband will have some ideas. All idea are welcome.

John

John -

I was talking to my husband about this. He said it happens to him at work
often. He said just reboot and everything will be fine. He said it's
always the same icons that go first too. Something about something
stepping on the part of the RAM where this info is stored.

I've learned that he's usually right. And yes, I've told him that I say
that.

--

JoAnn Paules
MVP Microsoft [Publisher]

Hi...

I'm using Office 2000 -- Word and Excel only. Windows XP Home SP2. All
XP and Office updates applied.

For some reason, all the icons for Word and Excel changed today from the
Office icons to the "standard DOS-style icon" -- little white rectangle
with blue bar at the top. When I right click one of these icons and
select Properties, the "Change Icon" button is grayed out.

Not only did all the Word and Excel icons disappear (change to the
DOS-style icon), but the Start>All Programs icons for "New Office
Document," and "Open Office Document" changed to that standard DOS-style
icon. Also, Start>All Programs>Microsoft Office Tools -- all icons are
gone, replaced by the generic icon.

I am also using FrontPage 2003, and the same thing happened with that
icon.

I am able to restore the icon by finding the .EXE file for each program
and right-dragging it to the desktop (or Start Menu folder) and
selecting create shortcut here.

Can someone tell me what's going on here? This is very strange behavior
and only just happened.

Thank you.

John