Many others have also changed.Some are confusing.I have tried to reset the previous icon by going into Folder Option and clicking Advaced/Change Icon.But it doesn't show the actual icon displayed but the previous one-it is like a folder or a briefcase. In actual fact the new icon is a picture of the world with 3 computer terminals superimposed.It is not even there in the list of icons to choose from. I imagine reinstalling the WinMe CD would sort the problem but I would like to see if I can avoid that and find out what is actually wrong.

geordief, Start your computer in SAFE mode then restart it in Normal mode. This will rebuild the ShellIconCache file and should correct the problem. If it doesn't go to the link below and download & install Tweak UI which has a Repair/Rebuild Icons option. http://www.microsoft.com/ntworkstat... Tufenuf

thanks I will get onto that

thanks again .The safe mode route has fixed it.

geordief, Glad to see that the problem is fixed & Thanks for posting back to let us know. Tufenuf

You simply had to start with a boot disk and delete ShellIconCache. ShellIconCache is recreated on reboot. Why use SAFE mode when you don't have to? I find it a PITA, and it rearranges my desktop icons.