Ghost in the machine?

[wassamatteru]

On a number of occasions now I have edited my system32\shell32.dll resources, saved the new file, gone through a restart and seen absolutely no difference. I have checked that the file in place is the edited version (it is!) but still the old values are being used. So is the system using a phantom shell32 from elsewhere and, if so, how, why and all those other pertinent questions? How do I get Windows to take notice of what I'm doing?

Win 7 Professional, 32 bit.

[dareckibmw]

1.
go to "folder options" and make sure that "show hidden files, folders and drives" is "ticked", then Apply, OK.
2.
now go to C:\Users\yourname\AppData\Local folder and delete IconCache.db file.
3.
restart, refresh all icons by right clicking on desktop.... and do that again if folders still not changed.