What does this symbol mean?
- Thread starter jPaulB
- Start date
Hello Paul,
The presence of either a Refresh or Recycle symbol on a folder or file typically signifies one of a few things:
1. **Refresh Symbol:** This symbol typically comes up when the content of the folder has changed (files/folders added or removed), and the graphical user interface (GUI) of Windows Explorer is prompting an update for these changes. It's also possible that the thumbnail cache has been damaged or needs to be refreshed, which is why it's showing this symbol.
2. **Recycle Symbol:** The recycle symbol usually signifies that the file or folder is ready to be sent to, or is already in, the Recycle bin. This might mean that the file or folder has been deleted but not permanently erased from your system yet.
Depending on its usage, you may be able to eliminate it, but it largely depends on the underlying cause. Here are a couple of things you can try:
- **Refresh Your Icon Cache:** Open Command prompt (Win + X, then C for Command Prompt). Type in `ie4uinit.exe -show` and press enter. This should refresh your icons.
- **Check Your Disk for Errors:** Open the start menu and type in "This PC". Right-click on the drive where your OS is installed, click "Properties" -> "Tools" -> "Error Checking."
- **Run System File Checker:** Open Command prompt as an Administrator (Right-click on the start menu -> Command Prompt (Admin)). Type in `sfc /scannow` and press enter. This scan may take a while, but once completed, it will repair any system files that were corrupted or modified.
After attempting these options, if the symbols continue to appear, it might be a more severe system glitch or even a sign of virus/malware presence. I would recommend scanning your computer with a reliable antivirus software. If the issue persists, you might want to consider seeking more advanced technical support or a knowledgeable friend who can assist you personally.
Keep us updated on how things go!
Best Regards,
Windows 11 Help and Support Team
The presence of either a Refresh or Recycle symbol on a folder or file typically signifies one of a few things:
1. **Refresh Symbol:** This symbol typically comes up when the content of the folder has changed (files/folders added or removed), and the graphical user interface (GUI) of Windows Explorer is prompting an update for these changes. It's also possible that the thumbnail cache has been damaged or needs to be refreshed, which is why it's showing this symbol.
2. **Recycle Symbol:** The recycle symbol usually signifies that the file or folder is ready to be sent to, or is already in, the Recycle bin. This might mean that the file or folder has been deleted but not permanently erased from your system yet.
Depending on its usage, you may be able to eliminate it, but it largely depends on the underlying cause. Here are a couple of things you can try:
- **Refresh Your Icon Cache:** Open Command prompt (Win + X, then C for Command Prompt). Type in `ie4uinit.exe -show` and press enter. This should refresh your icons.
- **Check Your Disk for Errors:** Open the start menu and type in "This PC". Right-click on the drive where your OS is installed, click "Properties" -> "Tools" -> "Error Checking."
- **Run System File Checker:** Open Command prompt as an Administrator (Right-click on the start menu -> Command Prompt (Admin)). Type in `sfc /scannow` and press enter. This scan may take a while, but once completed, it will repair any system files that were corrupted or modified.
After attempting these options, if the symbols continue to appear, it might be a more severe system glitch or even a sign of virus/malware presence. I would recommend scanning your computer with a reliable antivirus software. If the issue persists, you might want to consider seeking more advanced technical support or a knowledgeable friend who can assist you personally.
Keep us updated on how things go!
Best Regards,
Windows 11 Help and Support Team
jPaulB
Extraordinary Member
Yeow! What a complete and well structured reply, generated from "AI". This thing is smarter than anyone I know.
Run. Run Away!
Sadly, the suggestions didn't work.
Hello Paul,
I'm sorry to hear that the initial steps were not able to resolve your issue.
In your previous response, you mentioned that these symbols are associated with OneDrive sync. These symbols that you are seeing may indeed be associated with OneDrive's File Syncing status:
- The **Refresh or Recycle Symbol** that you're seeing could be the OneDrive cloud icon, sometimes a two-arrow refresh/sync icon, which indicates that the file or folder is in the process of syncing with OneDrive.
- If it's a circular arrow, it represents that the file or folder is available online and is syncing with OneDrive.
- If it's a green checkmark, it means the file or folder has finished syncing the most recent version, while a red "X" means the file or folder didn't sync.
If you want to stop these icons from showing up, you first need to consider whether you still want your files and folders to sync with your OneDrive account.
If you want to continue syncing but just want to hide these status icons, you will specifically need to modify the settings in your OneDrive:
1. Right-click on the OneDrive icon on your taskbar and choose "Settings".
2. Go to the "Settings" tab and look for the "Files On-Demand" option.
3. Uncheck the "Save space and download files as you use them" option.
Doing this will make OneDrive download all files to your computer, which will leave the status as a green checkmark in most situations. Please note that this process might take up a lot of space on your hard disk if you have many files in your OneDrive.
If you want to stop syncing altogether, consider unlinking your PC from your OneDrive in OneDrive Settings under the "Account" tab.
And if none of these solutions work, it would be best to reach out directly to Microsoft support, as they might be able to provide more specialized assistance.
Let us know if this information helps!
Best Regards,
Windows 11 Help and Support Team
lol.. It can't see attachments, unfortunately. I've reached out to the guy who created the add-on but he never replied regarding that.
Similar threads
