LOGO

Windows Vista Music Folder Yellow Icon: Why It Happens & How to Fix

October 13, 2007
Windows Vista Music Folder Yellow Icon: Why It Happens & How to Fix

Troubleshooting the Yellow Music Folder Icon in Windows

Numerous users have reported a change in their Music folder icon. Instead of the standard, visually distinct icon, it reverts to the generic yellow folder appearance. Following investigation, a solution to this issue has been identified.

Understanding Folder Customization in Windows

Windows allows for extensive folder customization, including the ability to assign specific icons. This functionality relies on a hidden file named desktop.ini, located in the root directory of the folder. This file provides Windows with additional information about the folder, notably the icon to be displayed.

The problem arises when the contents of this desktop.ini file are altered, causing Windows to reference an incorrect icon. This results in the undesirable yellow folder icon appearing.

The Standard Resolution Method

Typically, this issue can be resolved through the folder's properties. Right-clicking the folder and selecting "Properties" will open a window. Navigate to the "Customize" tab.

However, if the customization section is absent, an alternative approach is necessary. This indicates a deeper issue with the desktop.ini file itself.

Directly Editing the desktop.ini File

To access and modify the desktop.ini file, utilize the following command. Paste it into the Windows Start Menu search bar or the Run dialog box:

notepad %USERPROFILE%\music\desktop.ini

This will open the file in Notepad. The file's content should match a specific standard, though it may currently differ.

why-did-windows-vistas-music-folder-icon-turn-yellow-2.jpg

Restoring the Default desktop.ini Content

A reliable fix involves replacing the entire content of the desktop.ini file with the following text:

[.ShellClassInfo]
LocalizedResourceName=@%SystemRoot%\system32\shell32.dll,-21790
InfoTip=@%SystemRoot%\system32\shell32.dll,-12689
IconResource=%SystemRoot%\system32\imageres.dll,-108
IconFile=%SystemRoot%\system32\shell32.dll
IconIndex=-237

Ensure the file is saved after making these changes. A complete logout and subsequent login to Windows is then required for the changes to take effect.

Verifying the Solution

After logging back in, the Music folder icon should revert to its original, expected appearance.

why-did-windows-vistas-music-folder-icon-turn-yellow-3.jpg

It is hoped that this procedure successfully resolves the icon issue for affected users.

Additional Resources

For those encountering this problem with folders other than the Music folder, a comprehensive list of default settings for all user profile folders has been compiled.

#Windows Vista#music folder#yellow icon#troubleshooting#fix#icon color