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Vista - Folder Icon Change

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Folder Icon Change

How to Change a Folder Icon in Vista and Windows 7
Published by Brink
08-28-2007
Folder Icon Change

How to Change a Folder Icon in Vista and Windows 7




information   Information
This will show you how to change a folder icon to any icon you would like.
Note   Note
You will not be able to change a protected system folder icon. For example: C:\Windows, C:\Program Files, C\Windows\System32, etc...
Tip   Tip
warning   Warning
If you change the folder icon, the folder will no longer show a thumbnail preview of it's content. It will show your icon instead.

EXAMPLE: Before and After Icon Change
Name:  Folder_Icon_Before.jpg
Views: 45515
Size:  2.9 KBName:  Folder_Icon_After.jpg
Views: 45471
Size:  3.0 KB
Here's How:
1. Right click on the folder and click on Properties.

2. Click on the Customize tab. (see screenshot below)

3. To Change the Folder Icon
A) Click on the Change Icon button.
icon_properties.jpg
B) Select a icon and click on OK to apply. (see screenshot below)

NOTE: Some common icon locations in both Vista and Windows 7.
  • C:\Windows\System32\imageres.dll (Recommended one to use)
  • C:\Windows\System32\shell32.dll
  • C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
Name:  Change_Folder_Icon.jpg
Views: 51298
Size:  27.8 KB
OR

C) Click on Browse to choose a icon of your own. (see screenshot above)
NOTE: For the best icon size results, use a 256x256 pixel .ico (Icon) file.

D) Navigate to where you have the icon saved. (see screenshot below)

E) Select the icon and click on Open.
icon_browse.jpg
F) Click on OK to apply. (see screenshot from step 4 above)
4. To Restore the Default Folder Icon
A) Click on the Restore Defaults button. (see screenshot below step 3A)
That's it,
Shawn




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Tutorial Tools

Applies to
All Vista Versions
64 Bit & 32 Bit

04-01-2008  
Murska


Vista Ultimate x64
 
 

Re: Folder Icon Change

Eh. My Vista suddenly changed every single normal folder icon into the 'unknown filetype' icon, and I'd like to know if there's a way to change them all back instead of manually changing them one by one?

My System SpecsSystem Spec
04-01-2008  
Brink


Vista x64 Ultimate SP2, Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
Texas, USA
 
 

Re: Folder Icon Change

Hi Murska,

Welcome to Vista Forums.

Did you install or change anything that you can remember before this happened?


For now, here are some options to consider to see if they can fix the icons:

1. You might try rebuilding the icon cache to see if that helps. This will show you how if needed.

Icon Cache - Rebuild


2. Do a System Restore.

System Restore - How to


3. Run a Repair install.

Repair Install For Vista


Shawn
My System SpecsSystem Spec
05-21-2008  
alexanderd


vista Buisness x 32
 
 

Re: Folder Icon Change

i like the style in which the tutorials are written easy to follow and you cater for allsorts of idiots.
well here one dumb question??
I am using windows vista Zip, i would like to change the Icon which always seems to get lost for a more identifiable Icon.

WinZip have the right idea. you look and find it straight off.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
05-21-2008  
Brink


Vista x64 Ultimate SP2, Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
Texas, USA
 
 

Re: Folder Icon Change

Hi Alexanderd,

Welcome to Vista Forums.

You will only be able to change file extension type icons by using some 3rd party program to it like Stardock Icon Packager.

A easy way of doing is to use a 3rd party ZIP program like 7-Zip instead. It'll change the icon to something that stands out better, plus it supports a lot more file formats (ex: RAR).

7-Zip

Hope this helps,
Shawn
My System SpecsSystem Spec
05-21-2008  
alexanderd


vista Buisness x 32
 
 

Re: Folder Icon Change

Quote: Originally Posted by Brink View Post
Hi Alexanderd,

Welcome to Vista Forums.

You will only be able to change file extension type icons by using some 3rd party program to it like Stardock Icon Packager.

A easy way of doing is to use a 3rd party ZIP program like 7-Zip instead. It'll change the icon to something that stands out better, plus it supports a lot more file formats (ex: RAR).

7-Zip

Hope this helps,
Shawn
7-Zip looks good but not what i wanted, it would change all the icons at once. can you suggest another program where i can change the one icon?
My System SpecsSystem Spec
05-21-2008  
Brink


Vista x64 Ultimate SP2, Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
Texas, USA
 
 

Re: Folder Icon Change

Alexanderd,

You can only do this from within Vista if you create a shortcut from the ZIP file and change it's folder icon. Otherwise, it will be all ZIP folder icons changed or none.

Sorry,
Shawn
My System SpecsSystem Spec
07-30-2008  
Zhang's Home Premium


Vista Home Premium / Business 32bit
 
 

Re: Folder Icon Change

just joined this forum, thanks to My Computer.
the problem is the icons "sticking" to two specific CDs. I put in:-
a)Photoshop installation CD in my DVD drive (E)
b)printer driver installation CD in my CD drive (F)
so after installing the photoshop and printer driver, i wanted to add in updates into the CD but turns out it's a mastered or something CD
after restart PC, then the icons for the CDs stuck there when the CDs are inside the drives even if I switch the CDs places; but if change to other CD, then no problem for the new CD, but if change back then problem again.
need help fixing it and i can't find the change icon button

Last edited by Zhang's Home Premium; 07-30-2008 at 05:13 AM..
My System SpecsSystem Spec
07-30-2008  
alexanderd


vista Buisness x 32
 
 

Re: Folder Icon Change

try this link and look for Icon Phile it could help
Old Good Freeware
Have fun
My System SpecsSystem Spec
07-30-2008  
Brink


Vista x64 Ultimate SP2, Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
Texas, USA
 
 

Re: Folder Icon Change

Hi Zhang,

By default, the CD/DVD drive icon will change according to the icon used by the CD/DVD inserted into the drive. Some CD/DVD's will have their own icon while others do not and will just use the default icon Vista gives the CD/DVD drive. When you remove the CD/DVD, the the icon for the CD/DVD drive should return back to the default icon.

You can try Method Two in this tutorial to change the drive icon to whatever you like though.

Drive Icon Change

Hope this helps,
Shawn
My System SpecsSystem Spec
Comment

 Folder Icon Change problems?



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