FIX: An Internet shortcut does not display the correct icon in Internet Explorer 7

Consider the following scenario. You create an Internet shortcut. When you create the Internet shortcut, you specify the icon path of the Internet shortcut. The icon path of the Internet shortcut includes a system variable. For example, you create the Internet shortcut by using the following code.In this scenario, the Internet shortcut does not display the correct icon. Instead, a generic icon is displayed.

Note This problem occurs on computers that are running Windows Internet Explorer 7.

This problem occurs because of a design change in Internet Explorer 7.

Windows Vista

Service pack information

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows Vista. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Note The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.

Prerequisites

No prerequisites are required.

Restart requirement

You have to restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other previously released hotfixes.

Registry information

To use one of the hotfixes in this package, you do not have to make any changes to the registry.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

Windows Vista, 32-bit versionWindows Vista, 64-bit version

To work around this problem, set the icon path of the Internet shortcut manually. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Right-click the Internet shortcut, and then click Properties.
2. Click the Web Document tab, and then click Change Icon.
3. Locate the folder that contains the icon, and then click the icon for the Internet shortcut.

This behavior is by design. This problem was first corrected in Windows Vista Service Pack 1.

Like shortcuts to items in the file system, Internet shortcuts are represented by icons on the desktop. When you click the icon, Internet Explorer 7 displays the Web site that is associated with the shortcut.

For more information about Internet shortcuts, visit the following Microsoft Web site: For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: