Why are useful features removed?

Ok I need somewhere to vent my frustration... I decided to change an icon for a specific extension today and was trying to find "File Types" like there was in XP only to find it no longer exists in Vista! The Default Programs or "Vista Version of File Types" is so dumbed down now you can no longer change icons or actions easily! Why must I switch icons in the registry? Why must I use command line defrag to see the approximate fragmentation so I can get an idea of how long it will take? etc. So much for making life easier...

Don't get me wrong, I actually love Vista, but sometimes its frustrating thinking you've fully upgraded from XP only to find some of the little nice things are gone and now must be done using third party apps or in the registry.

Please I would really appreciate it if someone could point me to a freeware program that specifically lets me change file icons easily... I did find something in the freeware vista sticky that let you change the 'DefaultIcon' value in the program but that's vitrually useless because you cannot browse for a file (more crucial for icon libraries for index) and its about the same as going in the registry editor. I've been searching on Google and just can't find anything.

Maybe I'm complaining too much but I just don't understand why Microsoft found it necessary to remove that File Types tab in Folder Options.

Hi Storm,

You might look at some of these,

icon Threads - Forum Tags by Zoints

or these.

icons Threads - Forum Tags by Zoints

I hope something here helps!

Hi, thanks for your help but unfortunately I could not find any utilities to do what I need. I guess I'll just resort to using the registry... I just wish there was a cleaner built in way.

Hi Storm,

This is not a freeware, but you have a fully functional 15 day trial period with the program Vista Manager that will let you easily change the file type icons.

Tweak and Optimize your Windows Vista - Vista Manager

Hope this helps,
Shawn