I installed the Stardock Object Desktop Suite last week. It includes programs like Start8, WindowBlinds, WindowFX, Launch8, Fences, etc.
I never had a problem with it in the past.
But I uninstalled it, because I no longer find it pleasing. I am happier with the standard Windows look and behavior now.
After I uninstalled the Suite, all of my *.exe and shortcut files turned blank (blank/white).
I have tried everything I can think of. I tried uninstalling other random programs and re-installing them. I tried deleting the Icon Cache in the local appdata folder. I tried a bunch of other things that I can't even remember now. I've searched everywhere.
Other people had the same problem after they uninstalled Stardock software. But their solutions have not worked for me.
To repeat: It's not just my shortcut files that are affected. It's my exe files too. Every single shortcut and exe file on this computer is BLANK. Everything is BLANK.
How can I fix this without reinstalling Windows or formatting it? I'm not afraid of the Registry, so don't be afraid to mention it if you think an idea may help. I've done a lot of stuff with the registry in the past (I'm a programmer).