How-To Geek

For some inexplicable reason my desktop shortcut icon for the 'Command Prompt' has changed. It had been the default
black icon - now it is the usual shortcut icon. I have tried changing it back via its properties - but - it will not change on
the desktop. I have also 'refreshed' the desktop to no avail.
The 'Command Prompt' is not listed under 'Accessories' on the start>all programs menu (isn't it suppose to be there?) so I cannot re-create the shortcut.
How can I get the default 'Command Prompt' desktop shortcut back? Would a System Restore do it? Also where would I find the "Command Prompt" (it isn't listed under either :'Accessories' or 'Administrative')??
I realize this is just a minor inconvenience as opposed to a major problem - but - I use the 'Command Prompt' a lot.
Thank you for all your help.

Should be in System32 folder.

%windir%\system32\cmd.exe

Make sure to remake Shortcuts to Run as Administrator.

Rick P.

What do I do after I delete the 'hidden file IconCache.db'?
Thank you for your prompt reply.

I tried all of the above suggestions to no avail. When I type 'cmd' the command prompt comes up as usual. I am still
unable to change the ;shortcut icons even with administrative rights, There was no change when i deleted the 'hidden file
IconCache and re-booted -- or - when I emptied the thumbnails.

Any other ideas, please??????? Now, most of the icons are affected.

If I type in cmd in start, cmd.exe comes up. I right click drag it to the desktop release and select shortcut it makes a shortcut with the appropriate black C:\_ icon.

The ICO fix did not do anything, I am running a full Malware scan now. Would doing a System Restore to an earlier date
do any good?

More ideas please.

Go back to a Restore point if you can. If that doesn't work, I have another idea.

I have also ran 'chkdsk' and 'sfc /scannow'. They did not find any problems, It seems that my icons are there but under
the shortcut icon (not the arrow) - it is a white square with tiny multi-colored sqare dots and a black top banner. Does this
suggest any other ideas?
Thank you for your help.

When you go to All Programs\ Accessories do you see your command prompt?
Is the COMMAND.COM file located in your C"\windows\system32 folder?
If the file is there and if you dbl click on it and the command prompt window opens up then you need to copy new shortcuts.
First you need to delete your existing desktop shortcut icon.
The one that shows up in your accessories folder is located in the folder below
C:\Users\your account\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs

In windows 7 it is named cmd.exe and it is on C:\windows\system32.

Did you try what I pointed out above?

If I type in cmd in start, cmd.exe comes up. I right click drag it to the desktop release and select shortcut it makes a shortcut with the appropriate black C:\_ icon.