Internet Explorer 7 Desktop Icon

Restoring the Classic Internet Explorer Desktop Icon

Many users often seek a quicker method to access Internet Explorer settings. While creating a shortcut is a viable option, the icon discussed here is the original IE icon found in older Windows versions.

The primary advantage of utilizing this icon, as opposed to a shortcut, lies in its direct access to the Internet Options page via a right-click and selection of 'Properties'.

Furthermore, the 'Start Without Add-ons' feature, accessible through this icon, proves invaluable when diagnosing and resolving browser-related issues.

Implementing the Change: Registry Modification

Restoring this icon requires a modification to the Windows Registry. Users can choose to manually create the necessary registry entries or utilize a pre-made registry file for simplified implementation.

To proceed with a Manual Registry Hack, launch the Registry Editor (regedit.exe) through the Start menu search or the Run dialog box.

Navigate to the following registry key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\HideDesktopIcons\NewStartPanel

Within the right-hand pane, create a new 32-bit DWORD value. Assign it the following name and value:

Key Name: {871C5380-42A0-1069-A2EA-08002B30309D} Value: 0

After applying this change, refreshing the desktop (right-click and select Refresh) should reveal the newly added Internet Explorer icon.

Simplified Method: Downloadable Registry Hack

For those preferring a streamlined approach, a downloadable registry hack file is available.

Simply download and extract the file, then double-click it to automatically integrate the necessary registry information.

Following this, refresh the desktop by right-clicking and selecting Refresh. If the icon doesn't appear immediately, logging off and back on may be necessary.

To remove the icon, simply right-click on it and select 'Delete'.

Download AddIEIconToDesktop Registry Hack