Windows 10: Alias symbol on Desktop Changing

Hello:On my desktop, I have a variety of aliases for applications on my computer generated by Steam as part of the install process. Normally, I see the arrow symbol on the alias to indicate that it is an alias.However, I keep seeing that the alias symbol will change on some of my applications. For example, on this one, it is showing as a little box.The symbol changes frequently, sometimes it's this box, sometimes it is the Dropbox green checkmark, etc. I have antivirus software that is running every night, and nothing is showing up as infected.Does anyone have any advice?

:)

 

Change primary alias

Hello,

Thank you for your reply,

As per description, when you click to change the primary on nothing happens.

Have you tried to perform the troubleshooting steps provided under section
Change which alias is primary ?

If you have not performed the troubleshooting steps I would suggest you perform steps under
Change which alias is primary , from my previous post. Which are as follow.

• 
  If you already have the latest version of Internet Explorer, get more info on how to
  
  reset your browser.
  
• 
  If you're still getting the error, check to see if you have the
  latest version of Silverlight.
  

Note: The Reset Internet Explorer Settings feature might reset security settings or privacy settings that you added to the list of Trusted Sites. The Reset Internet Explorer Settings feature might also reset
parental control settings. We recommend that you note these sites before you use the Reset Internet Explorer Settings feature.


Please do let us know if you need further assistance with Windows.

 

Unable to change primary alias - Microsoft Account

Hi John,

As per the description, you are experiencing issue with you are unable to change the primary alias for your Microsoft account on the system.

I certainly understand your concern and appreciate all your efforts in trying to fix this issue.

I would like to provide you with the information that
an account alias is an email address or phone number that you use to sign in to your Microsoft account. You can have multiple aliases, and use any of them with Microsoft services such as Outlook.com, Skype, OneDrive,
Office, Xbox, Windows and more.

Your primary alias appears on devices such as your Xbox, Surface, and Windows Phone, and is the email OneDrive sends from when you share. You can choose a different alias to be the primary one at any time.

An alias is also the best way to change your email, but keep all your mail.
Add an alias, then make the new alias primary. Then you can
keep or remove the original alias.

I would suggest you to try the following steps and check if that helps.

• Sign in to the
  Microsoft account website.
• Under Account aliases, click/tap on the Make primary link to the right of an
  
  added email alias you want to be your primary alias.

Note: The email alias at the top of the list without a Make primary link is your current primary alias.

• Uncheck the Send me promotional offers from Microsoft box if you like, and click/tap on Yes to confirm.

You may also try the following steps given below and check if that helps.

• Navigate to Start>Settings>Account>Your Account.
• In the right pane, click on Sign in with a local account instead.
• Provide your current Microsoft Account Password.
• Follow the on-screen instructions.
• You can leave the Enter Password option empty, however, it is highly recommended to keep a password on your system to keep it safe.
  

For reference:

I would suggest you to refer to the article given below and check if that helps.

Microsoft account help

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/products/microsoft-account

I hope this information is helpful.

Please do let us know if you need any further assistance, we will be glad to assist you.

Thank you.

 

Erroneous symbols at the bottom left corner of desktop icons

I'm running Windows 10 with the latest updates. A few days ago, the icons for objects on the desktop changed appearance. The icons are correct but
all have a symbol at the bottom left corner:

• Shortcuts show the correct shortcut symbol
• All files erroneously show a shortcut symbol
• Almost all folders erroneously show a shortcut symbol
• Some folders erroneously show "X"

The icons for files and folders (including the Desktop folder) displayed using File Explorer are all normal.

I would appreciate any suggestions.