Solution To : Incorrect Icon Shown for a File Type ?

Recently I received a query wherein the user had incorrectly associated .zip file type with Adobe Reader. The problem is that the .zip file type is still showing the Adobe Reader icon, although the association settings are correct.

And, one of my blog reader said he was facing this problem that even after changing the file association for some file the file showed different icon image.Despite changing the file association for the song file from windows media player to VLC player, his song file showed the same icon image as linked with the Windows media player.

Forcing A Refresh Of The Icon Cache

Usually, the icon should be refreshed after a restart. If that does not happen, you can force a shell icon refresh by performing a task that triggers the calling of SHChangeNotify API. For example, you can use the Default Programs applet and set Internet Explorer as your default browser, in order to refresh the shell icons. Follow these steps:

1. Click Start, Default Programs

2. Click Set your default programs

3. Select your web browser, email client or any other item in the list.

4. Click the Set this program as default button.

5. Click OK.

Check if the icon for that particular file type (eg .zip) is fixed.

More Information

Whenever the file association settings are changed or new association is created via the registry or script, the system might not be aware of the change unless the SHChangeNotify API is called specifying the SHCNE_ASSOCCHANGED event, or until the system is restarted.