Have beautiful view Many people desire a desktop computer. To do this, it is advisable to know where the icons are in Windows 7, XP, Vista and Windows 8, but not necessary. You can create them yourself and apply your design on your computer.
The icons themselves in Windows operating systems are located in the “SHELL32.dll” folder. To see it, follow the following route: drive c—->, windows folder—>, system32 folder—> “SHELL32.dll”
To change the folder icon (), right-click on it (a window will open), then click on “properties” and using the “settings” option, click change icon. There are about a hundred of them there.
The choice is large. Icons only Windows standard, but you have the opportunity to make custom ones.
For this you will need two free programs: paint and FormatFactory. They are both in Russian, although for professional work It's better to use photoshop.
How to sketch shortcuts on your computer yourself
Find an image file you like on the Internet. Take a screenshot and open it in Paint. Then you can edit (add an inscription, etc.).
Then change the size to: 50 x 50 px. Save. Place it in some folder, for example “images”.
Now convert your file to "ico" format. After that, do everything as in the first option (described above how to change the icon), just click “browse” at the very top and indicate the place where your icon is located. That's all. There is nothing complicated.
Changing icons in Windows 7 – The best way update your desktop design. It’s not difficult to do, anyone can do it
On any computer there is a library of icons that can be installed on folders instead of the standard ones. If you have Windows 7, the replacement procedure is very simple.
Icons are special icons that appear on top of folders on your computer.
In Windows 7, icons are located in the following files:
- C:\Windows\System32\shell32.dll;
- C:\Windows\System32\imageres.dll;
- C:\Windows\System32\ddores.dll
If you are tired of the standard Windows 7 icons, you can easily change them. Many users are not even aware of this possibility, and admire standard icons that become visually boring over time.
To change icons in Windows 7, follow these steps:
- Right-click on the folder on which you want to change the icon;
- In the menu that opens, select “Property”;
- Click on the “Settings” tab;
- Click on the “Change icon” item;
- In the window that opens, you can select an icon. The list is quite large - turn the slider to the right.
You can also download icons for Windows 7 from the Internet and install them on folders. First you need to find an archive of such icons. If you have Windows 7, they are easy to download on the Internet. To install new icons, follow these steps:
- After downloading the archive, unpack it;
- Click on the "Start" key;
- Go to the “Computer” menu;
- Open the system disk link;
- Go to the System32 folder;
- Next, go to the downloaded icons, select them and right-click;
- Copy them and paste them into System32;
- Open the Personalization menu ( right button mouse on the desktop);
- Click “Change desktop icons”, then click on the icon you want to change;
- Then - “Change icon” - and specify the path.
As you can see, replacing icons in Windows 7 is not difficult. And by downloading new icons, you can make any folder visually unique, even if you have many of them on your computer.
If you have already had to replace folder icons, then you are aware that the system suggests looking for an alternative icon in the SHELL32.dll file, located in the system32 folder. The question is, why does Windows store icons in DLL files, and not in separate folders, and what are DLL files in general?
DLL or Dynamic Link Library files, also known as dynamic link libraries, are containers, something like archives, in which various executables used can be stored. EXE files components, for example, code snippets or graphic elements, in our case icons. The use of DLLs in Windows is based on the principle of modularity, and each individual compatible library can be connected to a particular application, thereby expanding its functionality.
Today we will learn how to create such libraries ourselves. Since their content will be limited to icons only, we will not need either the Microsoft Visual Studio development kit or knowledge of the C++ or VB.NET programming languages. All we need is a small Anolis Resourcer utility and a set of icons in ICO format no larger than 256x256 pixels. The icons need to be renamed in order to make them easier to work with.
Download the Anolis Resourcer utility from the developer’s website anolis.codeplex.com/releases/view/32286 and run it. From the main menu select File → New and save for now empty file DLL in a location convenient for you, giving it a name in Latin, for example, ico.dll.
In this case, the future dynamic library will be displayed in the left column of the utility working window. After that, click the Import button on the toolbar and in the window that opens, specify the path to the icon file by clicking the “Browse” button. You don't need to change anything else in the settings.
Click “OK” and in the left column of the utility you will have two folders Icon Image and Icon Directory, in which your icons will be stored.
If you want, you can try playing with the settings of the built-in icon editor by changing the interpolation method or adding the background.
In exactly the same way, other icons are added to the library one after another. To save the results of your work, click the Save button - the library will be saved to the directory from which you took the icons.
Done, now you can use your library for its intended purpose by entering the path to it in the icon change window.
Have a great day!
Changing icons in Windows 7 is the best way to update your desktop design. It’s not difficult to do, anyone can do it
On any computer there is a library of icons that can be installed on folders instead of the standard ones. If you have Windows 7, the replacement procedure is very simple.
Icons are special icons that appear on top of folders on your computer.
In Windows 7, icons are located in the following files:
- C:\Windows\System32\shell32.dll;
- C:\Windows\System32\imageres.dll;
- C:\Windows\System32\ddores.dll
If you are tired of the standard Windows 7 icons, you can easily change them. Many users are not even aware of this possibility, and admire standard icons that become visually boring over time.
To change icons in Windows 7, follow these steps:
- Right-click on the folder on which you want to change the icon;
- In the menu that opens, select “Property”;
- Click on the “Settings” tab;
- Click on the “Change icon” item;
- In the window that opens, you can select an icon. The list is quite large - turn the slider to the right.
You can also download icons for Windows 7 from the Internet and install them on folders. First you need to find an archive of such icons. If you have Windows 7, they are easy to download on the Internet. To install new icons, follow these steps:
- After downloading the archive, unpack it;
- Click on the "Start" key;
- Go to the “Computer” menu;
- Open the system disk link;
- Go to the System32 folder;
- Next, go to the downloaded icons, select them and right-click;
- Copy them and paste them into System32;
- Open the “Personalization” menu (right mouse button on the desktop);
- Click “Change desktop icons”, then click on the icon you want to change;
- Then - “Change icon” - and specify the path.
As you can see, replacing icons in Windows 7 is not difficult. And by downloading new icons, you can make any folder visually unique, even if you have many of them on your computer.
To be honest, I don’t quite understand what this article is for. This opportunity appeared several years ago, and now only the lazy don’t know about it. And those who are not afraid of experiments have gone further - with a restorator in your teeth and a head on your shoulders, you can do things much more interesting than just changing appearance folders =)
McLotos: To be honest, I don’t quite understand what this article is for.
The answer is in the first paragraph. I answer all emails from blog readers, and although I rarely give detailed instructions in mail, I always give direction. This turned out to be not enough, so I published an entry in the Question - Answer section.
McLotos: This opportunity appeared several years ago, and now only the lazy don’t know about it.
It appeared more than a few years ago. But even if everyone who is not lazy knows about it, the solution described does not lie on the surface.
McLotos: And those who are not afraid of experiments have gone further - with a restorator in your teeth and a head on your shoulders, you can do things much more interesting than just changing the appearance of folders =)
Apparently you are an experienced designer, you can easily deal with Windows resources with the help of the Restaurateur. Can you describe in a nutshell how it solves the problem?
Echinosor
Did something similar:
1) if you place a file inside, it’s inconvenient (if you select and often transfer data). To see everything, display is turned on hidden files. Therefore, there should be a minimum of hidden files inside the folder.
2) I assigned an image through the Properties folder item (Win XP), but it was inconvenient and often disappeared without explanation.
3) I often use iColorFolder - it works with the right key, it’s free (no need to break it), the folder contains only desktop.ini
equinox.net
I have been using icons on folders for a long time, and specifically to facilitate visual search. Helps a lot. I use the desktop.ini method.
Echinosor: if you place a file inside, it’s inconvenient (if you select and often transfer data)
Echinosor: To see everything, display of hidden files is enabled.
I’ve been wanting to start a discussion on this issue in a separate post for a long time, because I don’t understand why “see everything” :)
MegaVolt
I don’t change the icons for folders - all the same, work with files goes through the TS.
Sometimes I change the icons of frequently used shortcuts on the desktop.
MicroAmper
A very useful article, especially for those who do not have time to experiment with the system. Thank you.
MegaVolt, folder icons are shown even in Total Commander (surprise! :)
MicroAmper, I'm glad you found the information useful! I appreciated the humor of the chosen nickname;)
YaNkEE
Vadim, really, only lamers don’t know about this ^_^
But if this is short advice for them, I suggest describing autorun.ini for the same, for example, flash drive (so that the flash drive has its own icon or even launches a certain application, etc., well, you know).
Z.Y.: the browser was updated, the auto-filling of forms was erased = (I had to enter the nickname and soap manually = (here, I’m complaining about fate.
YaNkEE
True point. Perhaps I’ll add to the article that the file needs to be assigned the “hidden” attribute.
All hidden files are visible to me. Therefore, when dragging, it still interferes (only if the icon is in a folder). It's good that when you press Ctrl+A Piggy asks about highlighting the hidden ones.
And as for the holivar about “hidden files” - you can arrange it ^^. For example, I it's better to see everything. Yes, need to This not every time, but, as they say, rarely, but aptly. For example, file hosts you have to edit (the younger brother climbs, pumps up “programs for voices on VK” and that’s it). He read some tips on speeding up somewhere and edited them boot.ini and was silent, as if he did nothing. There is a new system selection line at startup. But I brought him to clean water. So it's necessary.
ZY Sorry for being off-topic, Vadim, do you post other people’s useful articles? Where should I submit it for consideration?
YaNkEE: Vadim, really, only lamers don’t know about this ^_^
When the complexity of the material is well below the reader's level, tact is needed to refrain from expressing one's superiority over those to whom the information is new.
Meanwhile, the level of knowledge of my readers varies greatly, based on their comments and questions in letters.
YaNkEE: But if this is a short advice for them, I suggest describing autorun.ini for the same, for example, flash drive
Windows 7 users do not need this information, because... There is no autorun in it, there is only autoplay. In Vista and XP experienced readers have probably disabled autorun to prevent virus infections. So the value of the material for my audience is highly questionable, but thanks for the advice!
YaNkEE: And as for the holivar about “hidden files” - you can arrange it
So I'm very careful about being labeled a lamer. There is no shame in not knowing something, and it is not lame. By this definition, I rather mean the reluctance to use the brain to process information and increase one’s knowledge.
YaNkEE: Vadim, do you post other people’s useful articles? Where should I submit it for consideration?
MicroAmper
On XP this method will work? I can't see the hidden desktop.ini file (display is enabled).
Vitaly
In addition to the “hidden” attribute, you can add the “system” attribute, and then even if the display of hidden files is enabled, the icon under your feet will not get in the way, because the display is often system files disabled.
MicroAmper, the question is whether the file is not displayed or not created. Open command line and do:
Notepad D:\folder\desktop.ini
Specify your path to the folder.
YaNkEE, you have a great chance ^^ to demonstrate your knowledge in this matter “for lamers”, especially since you have XP :)
Vitaly, thanks for the addition, I also integrated it into the article.
MicroAmper
I created an empty folder and tested it. After specifying the path to the ico file, the folder icon changes, and when you hover over this folder, instead of saying FOLDER EMPTY, the message SIZE: 157 bytes appears, which probably indicates the presence of a desktop.ini file. But I can't find it. Perhaps it is necessary to enable the DISPLAY SYSTEM FILES function? I'll check it now. Regarding remarks about lameness, I think that the level of knowledge of each user is determined by the priority of using the computer. I bought a computer to solve problems related to my work. There is not always enough time to study everything else.
MicroAmper
WITH using Total Commander managed to find desktop.ini and even open it [.ShellClassInfo]
IconIndex=0
[.ShellClassInfo.A]
IconFile=D:\New folder (2)\libr.ico
[.ShellClassInfo.W]
MicroAmper
Everything worked out provided that in the second line after the name ico file do not specify,0 Tested on XP. Even the presence (on another system) of IconPackager did not prevent the display of the changed folder.
MicroAmper: Using Total Commander I was able to find desktop.ini and even open it
Miracles, you can’t get along with a guide :) But I told you right away how open and you tried it see, what in in this case just not necessary.
Andrey
Vadim, thanks for the article, I’ve added more to my library.
But I’ll be honest, it’s not necessary for me, but when I find the right pack, it’s just - this is my computer.
Andrey, well, I also have my own computer :) But the icon makes visual search easier and faster.
And if you can navigate through the list of folders using the keyboard (by entering the first letters), then in Favorites you need to click.
YaNkEE
Vadim Sterkin:
Windows 7 users do not need this information, because... There is no autorun in it, there is only autoplay.
Well, firstly, not all blog readers are on seven ^^ Secondly, the same autoplay suggests running autorun.exe, wouldn’t you know. So there is always a meaning.
Vadim Sterkin: In Vista and XP, experienced readers have probably disabled autorun to prevent virus infections.
Vadim Sterkin, of course, autorun is disabled, you just offended me =). But I offered this as whistling tricks for friends, so that they will be happy and surprised when they open your flash drive to send something useful. And if after this the image on the monitor turns upside down, it will cause a sea of lulz ^_^
Vadim Sterkin: I was talking about a separate discussion
I didn't mean it this article =)
Vadim Sterkin: Windows 7 file hosts does not have "System" or "Hidden" attributes
I don’t have the honor to know, sir;) I know that in XP Yusha hidden, for this I need to see everything. Thank you, I'll take it into consideration.
Vadim Sterkin: There is no shame in not knowing something, and it is not lame.
Yes, I agree. Definition noob it will be more truthful.
Vadim Sterkin: you have a great chance ^^ to demonstrate your knowledge
My time has come! No command line required.
MicroAmper,
Go to the folder and directly to address bar write after the folder address
\desktop.ini
and press Enter. I think there is no need to explain.
MicroAmper: Everything worked out provided that ico was not specified in the second line after the file name,0
MicroAmper, if there is only one icon in the ico file, 0 is not needed. If this is an application with built-in icons, a library or an ico file with several icons, you need an icon index.
MicroAmper
Yes, I admit, I turned my brain on at the wrong time and was punished for it. Could you please clarify the purpose of the lower lines (after the top two) [.ShellClassInfo]
IconFile=D:\New folder (2)\libr.ico
IconIndex=0
[.ShellClassInfo.A]
IconFile=D:\New folder (2)\libr.ico
[.ShellClassInfo.W]
IconFile=D:+AFwEHQQ+BDIEMARP- +BD8EMAQ/BDoEMA- (2)+AFw-libr.ico
YaNkEE
MicroAmper, sorry, I deceived you. Even if there is 1 icon in the file, an index is needed. BUT: in Windows 7, the icon index is written separated by commas, in Windows XP there is a separate line for this (IconResource instead of IconFile and IconIndex):
Index highlighted in bold. I just didn’t read your post carefully = (There’s already a 0 there, and there’s no need to write it separated by a comma =)
As for the last two lines, I don’t know. This will definitely go to the icon. Cached only. Try removing everything except
[.ShellClassInfo] IconFile=D:\New Folder (2)\libr.ico IconIndex=0
but before that, make a copy of the contents to another file. Maybe on a computer different systems stand and write down their paths in it. I won't guess.
I specially reviewed all the folders with icons - they are everywhere in desktop.ini
[.ShellClassInfo] IconFile=%SystemRoot%\system32\SHELL32.dll IconIndex=14
and only the index changes.
YaNkEE, today I cleared out quite a few comments behind you, plus edited a couple more. The role of the cleaner is starting to stress me out. Could you be a little more responsible in what you write here?
html tags don't work in code because it's code!
MicroAmper
Hi all! To avoid confusion, let me clarify the contents of [.ShellClassInfo]
IconFile=D:\New folder (2)\libr.ico
IconIndex=0
[.ShellClassInfo.A]
IconFile=D:\New folder (2)\libr.ico
[.ShellClassInfo.W]
IconFile=D:+AFwEHQQ+BDIEMARP- +BD8EMAQ/BDoEMA- (2)+AFw-libr.ico
stated before editing. I only edited one line (IconFile=libr.ico). Everything is working.
MicroAmper
YaNkEE Maybe there are different systems on the computer and write their paths into it. I won't guess.
Yes, there are two XP on sections C, E.
MicroAmper
In the case of XP, when editing desktop.ini , it is enough to leave three lines [.ShellClassInfo]
IconFile=libr.ico
IconIndex=0
YaNkEE
Vadim Sterkin, sorry of course.
But I can’t edit my comments myself.
baw17
similarly I use Total commander because Windows Explorer does not give that unlimited freedom
MegaVolt
>> folder icons are shown even in Total Commander (surprise! :)
I know. By the way, it’s not a fact - you can disable the display of associated icons.
This, of course, is a matter of taste, but why do I need unique 16x16 icons? all the same, folders are searched by name, not by type.