Mac OS X 10.6.2 ~ Folder/System Icons Have Vanished.

I'm a relatively computer savvy person. I worked with Windows based systems for most of my life, but switched to an iMac (the first aluminum one before they got rid of the aluminum border around the screen). I'm running Mac OS X Snow Leopard and as of today quite a few folders have vanished.

First off, any actual Folder icon has vanished completely. This applies to the desktop, the finder, and even on the dock. In the Finder and desktop the folder is gone but the text is there, on the dock it is replaced by a question mark. Even diving a bit deeper into the system reveals that a lot of the system files are lacking an icon as well.

I have tried quite a few solutions that I know should work through personal knowledge, as well as a few solutions I've found on various Mac forums based on the issues others have had. The solutions I have tried are as follows:

I) I have logged out/logged in
II) Restarted many times
III) I have repaired the permissions multiple times
IV) I have 'force quit' the Finder multiple times
V) I've tried various terminal commands
VI) I have run various programs to run every maintenance routine I can imagine
VII) I have deleted various .plists that people have suggested
VIII) I have run cache cleaning programs, thinking it was my icon cache

The amount of things I've tried, is the major reason that I've given this question so many points. I even opened up Candybar in a last ditch effort, only to find that the icons that are missing, don't even appear in the program (as though they don't exist).

I also run Windows XP on the side through BootCamp on occasion to work on a website for an old boss of mine. Aside from that, I don't browse the internet or even run any other software.

I understand that in a last ditch effort, I could run the OS X Snow Leopard install disc, but I'm sure you can understand me wanting to avoid it having to come to such a thing. This is part of me not wanting to go through the entire installation process again when I really don't have the time to dedicate to it at the moment; as well, I have been frustrated all day over this. If I can't find an answer, it's going to eat at me.

Thank you in advanced to anyone that responds. I'm willing to try anything at this point. I supplied as much information as I possibly could, hoping to rule out any other possible issues.