I have a hobby of creating my own .icon files. This worked like a charm for a very long time. But I've been have the issue lately that any icons I create are not displaying properly. When blown up to their 256 x 256 size in Explorer the icon shows as being 256 x 256, but the actual icon I created has been shrunk to a smaller icon size and is framed by a white border that fills the rest of the 256x256.
This happens when the icons have been made by multiple different image creators including files created by CS4 as .ico. Typically I use this method:
Its only icons that have been created, happens in multiple users and with multiple methods. The .jpgs I start with are 256x256 and the .ico they create are in 256x256. Its only when I actually set them as the icon (properties>customize>change icon...) that the size suddenly changes.
Ive tried changing things like the image bit depth but no results.
Read the following thread where someone is having essentially the same problem (though focused on folder icons, I believe it would work on any type of icon) and Brink resolves it. First he tries one program (freeware) but that doesn't seem to work for the person (though it does work for Brink). I'd try that one first as it is freeware. Then Brink tries a trialware program to do it and it works both for him and the person (but it's usable for only 30 days before having to pay for it so I'd consider this only if the free one doesn't work - and even then I'd search for another free alternative before spending money on it - but then again, if it is your hobby it may be worth the cost). Note that I haven't validated the links in that thread so things may have changed since it was originally posted (in which case post back and we'll look again for some other alternatives). Perhaps these other programs and the instructions in the posts will help you resolve the problem even if it means switching programs. http://www.vistax64.com/general-discussion/224058-custom-folder-picture.html.
