Win 7: Can't turn system icons on?

hiiiisam

Hi, for some reason I can't turn on my system icons, except the clock. So I can't see my battery, internet connection etc. Screenshot included, any ideas?

Thanks!

Soundman

Stupid question, but have you rebooted? Has happened to me in the past when I haven't powered down in a week or more.

kippy

Soundman wrote: »

Stupid question, but have you rebooted? Has happened to me in the past when I haven't powered down in a week or more.

Not a stupid question at all.
One of the first things to try for a variety of issues, this included.

Dacelonid

Or maybe click restore default icon settings

Soundman

kippy wrote: »

Not a stupid question at all.
One of the first things to try for a variety of issues, this included.

Ah I always phrase it like that as I don't want to cause offence to people by asking it since it is a go to answer.

hiiiisam

Hi guys, thanks for the replies!
Yes, I've restarted/logged off/shut down a number of times. When I press the restore default icons absolutely nothing happens.
I thought the problem might be due to a custom theme I had installed, so I removed that and the program (Custo Theme Packs or something) but that hasn't helped either.

Could it possibly be down to the service pack update that was issued a few days ago?

Thanks again!

Soundman

Doesn't mention system icons per se but worth checking out:

http://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2013/04/12/patch-tuesday-fatal-system-error/

Soundman

If that isn't the problem you can try resetting the icon cache by deleting registry keys. Be warned, I suggest not messing with the registry if you are not familiar with it and how to back up keys properly first. If you aren't familiar with the registry ask someone that is to help you.

1. Back up the Registry by creating a restore point. (or backup the keys in question)
2. Go to Start > Run (or Windows-key + R), type in regedit and hit OK.
3. Navigate to the key HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\TrayNotify
4. Delete the values IconStreams and PastIconsStream.
5. Open up the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), go to the Processes tab, select explorer.exe and click End Process.
6. Still in Task Manager, click on File and then New Task.
7. In the message box that pops up type in explorer.exe and hit OK.
8. Explorer.exe will reload, and the missing icons should now be back in the system-tray where they belong.
9. Then if the missing system icons aren't there, go to taskbar properties that you took the screen grab of, and hopefully you can now change them to ON.

kippy

Have you tried a system restore?
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-ie/windows7/products/features/system-restore