Windows 10: icons failing to load properly? Can't system restore to fix it

Hello,So first I noticed about a week ago the majority of my desktop icons are showing the default internet explorer icon. I can't possibly think of what caused it as I do not remember doing anything or updating anything before it happened. Now I have tried twice to do a system restore to a point about 2 weeks ago as I figured I didn't won't to mess with it as I didn't do anything major recently. When the System Restore finishes it says that it did not complete successfully and nothing was changed. Details:System Restored failed to extract the files C:/Program Files x86/Microsoft Office/roo

:)

 

System Restore fails: AppxStaging %ProgramFiles%\WindowsApp 0x80070091

Steps taken.
Part 1/
Install W10. User -Test (No additional updates. No OEM drivers)
Create Restore Point -"Pristine"
Make a system alteration. ie; D/L and Install Google Chrome.
System Restore to RP "Pristine". (Note: Chrome should be gone.)
Successful. Chrome is gone and Edge reset. ??? Chromesetup file removed from \downloads??? Why???
New Restore Point - "Undo Restore" created by system.

Step 2/
D/L and install KB3213986. Reboot.
Make a system alteration. ie; D/L and Install Google Chrome.
Create Restore Point - "Update 1 Chrome"
Make a system alteration. Uninstall Chrome.
System Restore. (Note: Chrome should come back but may not work correctly.)
Fail. 0x80070091

To me that represents a conclusive result.

The next obvious thing to do was to roll back the Update, assuming that this will fix System Restore. However, rolling back the Update DID NOT restore the functionality of System Restore. So now my confident claim, above, is a bit shaky. If performing the update does in fact cause the issue, removing it doesn't put it right.

So now, the next obvious thing is to perform the WindowsApps rename or deletion process, to apply the fix, and run a series of testing to see if System Restore becomes stable.

Results.
Performing the WindowsApps rename fix, instead of deleting it this time, once again resulted in System Restore operating correctly. I have been able to install the remaining updates and flip back and forth between Restore Points without issue.

At this point I am done with it. My testing shows that:

• It is update KB3213986 that causes the problem to occur in the first instance.

• Rolling back the update does not correct the problem.

• Performing the known fix returns System Restore functionality.

• For how long, we don't yet know.

Should you wish to rename the WindowsApps directory rather than delete it, the attrib WindowsApps -h command line can only be performed after the icacls command line.

 

System Icons on taskbar

Hi,

Thank you for posting on Microsoft Communities.

Are you referring to the clock system icon on the taskbar?

If so, I suggest you to follow the steps mentioned below:

• 
  Click on the search bar on the taskbar.
  
• 
  Type system icons.
  
• 
  Under Turn System Icons ON or OFF, turn On the Clock and check with the issue.
  

Hope it helps.

 

Failed to complete System Restore

Hello Passegua,

The error code 0x80070005 may indicate a few things that are causing System Restore Failure. It could be corrupted system files, conflict with other programs such as Anti-virus protection, and etc. As a first troubleshooting step, we suggest
that you perform System restore in Safe Mode. Kindly refer to this link for more information and steps.

Another step that I can suggest is Clean Boot, if the above step fails.

Let us know the outcome.