"Network and Dial-up Connections" folder icons missing (269019)

IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SYMPTOMS

When you open the Network and Dial-up Connections folder, your Local Area Connection and dial-up connection icons may not be visible, although networking continues to function correctly. The only icon in the folder is the Make New Connection icon.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if the following registry key or one of its subkeys has been deleted or changed to an invalid value:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Interface\{0000010C-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}

RESOLUTION

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

Start Notepad.
Type the following lines in Notepad:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Interface\{0000010c-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}]
@="IPersist"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Interface\{0000010c-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}\NumMethods]
@="4"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Interface\{0000010c-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}\ProxyStubClsid32]
@="{00000320-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}"
Save the file as Restore.reg. Note that Notepad may add a .txt extension to the file name. If this occurs, rename the file to Restore.reg.
Double-click the Restore.reg file.
When you are prompted to confirm that you want to add the information to the registry, click Yes.
Restart your computer.