Faded IE7 Icon on Desktop

[serdar]

I had a faded IE7 icon on my (XP) desktop. I restarted in safe mode and switched back, it turned to normal.

Anyone knows what does a faded IE7 desktop icon mean?

Thanks.

[AmberJain]

Hello,

A faded IE7 desktop icon means a hidden IE7 binary executable file on your desktop. :)lol

Sorry ....I could not resist the urge to post this ;)....

Hope this helps....
AmbrNewlearner

[serdar]

Well I did not get the joke here.

But if you mean it's faded because it's just hidden, the icon was not looking like that. A hidden icon looks transparent but this one was 'lightened' with full opacity.

[AmberJain]

@serdar
I was not joking. I think I misinterpreted you.

But if you mean it's faded because it's just hidden, the icon was not looking like that. A hidden icon looks transparent but this one was 'lightened' with full opacity.

First of all, try posting a screenshot of your desktop so that we can see the icon that is faded. Also, post the filesize and the exact name of that file. And, are you sure that it is a program or application (sometimes average computer users get confused between application and shortcut). You can also try scanning with some good and updated antivirus (e.g. Avast).

I can say more only after you provide above mentioned information.

Hope this helps...
AmbrNewlearner

[serdar]

I cannot post a screenshot of the faded icon because it looks normal now (after I restarted in safe mode).

It was neither an application nor a regular shortcut icon. It's the special Internet Explorer shortcut that Windows displays on the desktop (without the little arrow like regular shortcuts). So when you right-click for properties, you get the internet options page.

Again, the icon was looking disabled (reminded me the ejected disk icons on old mac os) rather than faded.

[Nepomuk]

That's weird. As ambr said, you should scan your computer for viruses and if nothing is found, I'd not worry about it. If it fades again, make a screenshot and post it here, OK?

Greetings,
Nepomuk

[serdar]

Ok, thanks. I'm not worried, just curious because I've never seen it before. Now feeling more curious when I see this is not such a common thing.

[AmberJain]

Hello,
@serdar
If you want you can send me the file. I am happy and curious enough to have a hand at it and test it for some information. If you want to send file just either PM it to me.

AmbrNewlearner

[serdar]

If you want you can send me the file.

Well, okay but how can I send the 'special IE shortcut' to you? It is not a file, application or a shortcut that can be attached to an email, is it?

[AmberJain]

Hello,
@serdar
Oh OK...I thought it was just a shortcut and as shortcuts can be copied I thought that it can be mailed too. But now I get it that it is like "My computer" icon on desktop that cannot be copied.

Well, I tried to investigate the matter further and found out something useful. I would like to tell you that there is no virus on your computer that might be somehow related to the IE icon on desktop. Actually it is one of "Desktop icons" (as Microsoft calls it) which are basically some sort of shorcuts. There are five "Desktop icons" that can be put on your desktop and they are:

1. Internet Explorer
2. My computer
3. My documents
4. My Network places
5. Recycle Bin

If you note carefully these are icons that Microsoft thinks are required frequently by a regular Windows user. In your case, the appearance of IE icon on your Desktop suddenly might be caused by installation of some application that tried to enforce IE on user (although this is just my assumption).
Although you can fearlessly delete the icon by right clicking it, still I think you should try removing it this way:

1. Download and install TweakUI.
2. Start TweakUI and click on [Desktop] icon in left pane in TweakUI window.
3. In right pane, uncheck the [Internet Explorer] icon and then click [Apply] button at bottom. This will remove IE icon from your desktop.

Hope this helps....
AmbrNewlearner

[Nepomuk]

...that's if the OP WANTS to remove the IC icon...

Greetings,
Nepomuk

[serdar]

The IE shortcut (and others like my computer icon) can easily be removed from the desktop by using the standart 'customize desktop' dialog box.

Anyway I wish I had a screenshot of the dimmed icon.

[steadsta]

ive read your posts and i seem to have the same problem but dont know the cause or the damage that has been done by this problem or maybe its just cosmetic but there must be a logical reason this has happened and i would like to find out why if ayone could help
i have attached a pic for you to see what has happened.

[NeoPa]

Most desktop icons show as faded when the file they refer to is hidden (as hinted at in Ambr's post #2). In this case, as the icon is controlled outside of the simple set of files stored in the user's, and the All Users, profiles, I can only assume that there is a file somewhere in the setup of this, which is hidden and therefore causing the faded effect to be shown on the Desktop.

I don't suppose any copies of IExplore.Exe on your PC are hidden are they. A quick search should tell you quite simply.