Fix Corrupt or Blank Windows 7 System Tray Icons

I see this a lot where I work and while I haven't yet been able to track down the source of the problem, the fix is as follows:

1. Open Regedit via Start-->Search
2. Open Task Manager via CTRL-ALT-DEL
3. Find Explorer.exe in the list and end the Process
4. Go back to Regedit
5. Select HKEY_CURRENTUSER
6. Click Edit-->Find
7. Search for IconStreams
1. Or navigate directly to HKEY_CURRENTUSER\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\TrayNotify\
8. Delete IconStreams
9. Search or navigate to PastIconStreams
10. Delete this key as well
11. Hit CTRL-ALT-DEL
12. Start Task Manager
13. Click File-->Run
14. Type, Explorer.exe 
15. The issue should be resolved.

How to SysPrep a Windows 7 PC: In Plain English (Part 1)

Over a year ago I was charged with deploying Windows 7 to our organization in stages. I quickly found that sysprepping had changed dramatically from Windows XP and there wasn't a clear and concise place to find step by step instructions on how to go about creating and sysprepping Windows 7. This step by step guide is intended for Technicians and Veterans alike that just need a clear no-nonsense set of instructions on how to get their task accomplished.

Powershell: Get service tag or serial number

In case a machine name gets changed accidentally or perhaps your users have admin rights and decide to rename their computer the below powershell script will return you the true serial number or service tag. This is also useful in case the physical sticker or tag on the laptop or desktop has been rubbed off or is illegible.

Explorer Freezing and Crashing in Windows 7

I've come across this over 10 times now over the last year or so supporting about 400+ users. I'm not sure of the root cause but the behavior you will generally see is Explorer stop responding, Windows tries to find a solution in vain, and then explorer just restarts. This will occur every time you Right-Click on an explorer object such as

• The Computer option in the Start Menu
• The Taskbar
• Any File or folder