Windows 7 My 'my computer' icon is missing and greyed out too!

[CheeseNRice]

I install Windows 7 build 7100 and for a few days everything was fine. Then, out of the blue, the "my computer" icon went missing.

Also, when I right click on the desktop and select "personalize" > "change desktop icons" My computer is there but greyed out and non-selectable.

Any ideas?

I'd like to avoid a clean install if possible.

 

[kemical]

Hi CheesenRice,
try the fix found in this link, it may help with your problem. If not post back..

Link Removed - Invalid URL

 

[CheeseNRice]

I tried the link, but no luck. :-( I also tried as many variations and combination sI could think of using the (linked) recommended advice and still no my computer icon. Any other ideas? Thanks for trying kemical.....

 

[kemical]

I found this link and although is for XP is certainly worth a read: Link Removed - Invalid URL

Also according to the above link it might caused by malware so perhaps a scan is in order?

 

[RAK]

OK. I have resisted the temptation, but now I have to ask. I am sure there is a good answer.

I have seen quite a few references to Windows 7 "My Computer" (There are two posts just today!).
I have never had "My Computer" in Windows 7, only "Computer". So from where are you people getting this?

 

[kemical]

Hi RAK, I think thats what they mean anyway, it's just that 'My Computer' is lodged in everyones memory... but yes your right it is actually just 'computer'.

 

[RAK]

Thank god. Another windows 7 bug solved - lol.

 

[kemical]

lol....the vageries of the english language......

 

[CheeseNRice]

Fixed it!!!

FIXED IT.....(my) "computer" icon now back on my desktop!!!!!

I'm not really sure what I did, but I can retrace my steps here.

1. Tried the link that kemical forwarded me Link Removed - Invalid URL

in various ways (spaces, no spaces, etc. in DOS prompt) Nothing.

2. Then I tried the other link that kemical (aka life saver) sent Link Removed - Invalid URL

But I only tried the part that said Automated Fix Using an Registration File


since I couldn't figure out how to use the other options (maybe you can't in Win 7). I then noticed this little note which stated: NOTE: Ensure your computer is malware free before applying the following solutions.

So, I did a full scan with Avast! and nothing was found. Then I tried SpyBot and it found a few things which I had it remove. After that, I saw that the computer icon under "personalize" > "change desktop icons" was no longer greyed out.....BUT I still didn't have a computer icon on the desktop no matter how many times I clicked to put it on the desktop. I'd click it on and go out of the window. Nothing. I clicked it off and went out. Nothing.

So, I clicked it OFF and restarted my tower (which it froze). But, I restarted again and still no icon. Then I clicked "personalize" > "change desktop icons" and clicked the computer icon to show and BAM! there it was.

Hope that helps and THANKS KEMICAL....

 

[CheeseNRice]

Forgot one thing....

....in "personalize" I clicked OFF "allow themes to change desktop icons." I did this when the "computer" icon was no longer greyed out.

 

[kemical]

Excellent! Thats great news... Thanks for updating your thread..