Directory Opus 13 displays a white icon on html files after any file operation

luisftv · August 24, 2025, 3:40am

I’m experiencing an issue with Directory Opus 13 related to HTML file icons.

No matter what I’ve tried, Opus 13 refuses to display the correct icon for web browser files (such as .html and .mht) when copying, moving, or performing similar file operations. Instead, it always shows a plain white icon immediately after the operation. If I manually refresh the folder (e.g., by pressing F5), the correct icon appears. This problem only affects web-related files; icons for all other file types update automatically without any issue.

I have attempted multiple troubleshooting steps:

Uninstalled and reinstalled all my web browsers.

Uninstalled and reinstalled Directory Opus, even resetting to default settings.

Edited relevant registry keys like HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\htmlfile\DefaultIcon.

Created custom Opus scripts intended to force automatic refresh after file operations, though they didn’t resolve the problem (likely due to scripting errors).

Used third-party tools like WinAero and PowerToys to clear the icon cache.

Despite all this, the issue persists exclusively with Directory Opus 13. Directory Opus 12 and other file managers—including Windows Explorer, Total Commander, FreeCommander XE, and SpeedCommander—do not exhibit this problem.

I also thoroughly explored all possible related settings in Directory Opus, such as show_icon_overlays, use_system_icons, disable_folder_thumbnails, show_folder_thumbnails, generic_icons_local/generic_icons_network, and File Type settings. I even reconfigured the .html file icon alias within Opus and deleted the entire configuration folders at %APPDATA%\GPSoftware\Directory Opus and %ProgramData%\GPSoftware\Directory Opus to ensure a clean slate.

Still, only HTML-related files show a white icon immediately after file operations in Directory Opus 13, and only until I manually refresh the view the appropriate icon shows up.

Does anyone have ideas why this issue occurs exclusively with web-related files in Directory Opus 13 after copying, moving, or deleting?

Ah, also, this is while using Windows 11 x64 Pro. Yes, I also did the "Defualt Apps" in Windows by extension and by applications, etc.

Nobmen · August 24, 2025, 9:10am

This is a Windows problem.
During some updates, Windows deleted the assignment of existing shortcuts.
Simply reassign the corresponding program using “Open with” and set “Always” as the default.

luisftv · August 24, 2025, 7:45pm

Thanks for replying.

Of course I tried that FIRST. It did not work.

If it is a Windows problem, why no other file manager is affected then?

But no worries. I found what was the issue and the fix. The culprit is a setting for a new feature in Directory Opus 13 which needs to be disabled. I discovered it a few hours after I posted my question.

To fix this glitch, go to…
Settings, Preferences, File Operations, Copying Files:
Under "Show icons overlays for files being copied"
DISABLE: "Show ghost files for queued copies"

And that’s it. No more problem.

lxp · August 25, 2025, 5:30pm

I couldn't reproduce it, and I don't recall having seen this before. Most of my Windows and Opus settings are stock, including Preferences / File Operations / Copying Files / Show icon overlays for files being copied.

Do you copy huge files or many files at once? Are the files stored on slow drives?

luisftv · August 25, 2025, 9:47pm

If you read again my original post, you will notice that this was happening only with .HTML or .MHT files… those are files that you save off a web browser, it’s like taking a screenshot off the web site but in HTML format.

I also did mentioned that the glitch was only happening to those web formats and no other files, and I add regardless of the file size.

By the way, the glitch happened with a computer that I had just unpacked from it’s shipping box, BRAND NEW, with Windows 11 Pro x64, I did the usual windows setup when new and the first program I installed was Directory Opus 13 (yeap, that’s how much I love it)… and the glitch was right there and then.

You will never see that glitch if you are not saving web pages off a web browser in .html or .mht types.

But I’m glad I was able to find a solution… it was super annoying. It’s a new feature with version 13. Turn it off and no more issues if you happen to encounter it too.