This site will look much better in a browser that supports web standards, but it is accessible to any browser or Internet device.

WinXPTutor's XP Resources

Windows XP Tips, Illustrations and registry edits

Incorrect or generic folder icon assigned to the Recycle Bin

After you apply a third-party theme and uninstall it, the system folders such as Recycle Bin may exhibit a generic folder icon or a white square.

Your ALT-Text here

This happens due to incorrect defaulticon value in the registry. Try these steps to reset the icon back.

  • Right-click Desktop, and choose Properties
  • From the Desktop tab, choose Customize Desktop
  • Select the Recycle Bin (full) icon and click Restore Default
  • Select the Recycle Bin (empty) icon, click Restore Default

Your ALT-Text here

More Information

The Recycle Bin icon is defined in two places in the registry:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
\CLSID
\{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}
\DefaultIcon

and

HKEY_CURRENT_USER
\Software
\Microsoft
\Windows
\CurrentVersion
\Explorer
\CLSID
\{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}
\DefaultIcon

Values and corresponding data

(Default) is  %SystemRoot%\System32\shell32.dll,31
Empty     is  %SystemRoot%\System32\shell32.dll,31
Full          is  %SystemRoot%\System32\shell32.dll,32

If you install a third-party theme, the defaulticon values in any of the above locations are modified.