Customize Windows XP Icons - A Complete Guide

Customizing Icons in Windows XP

A friend, Sue, recently inquired about personalizing icons within Windows XP. Consequently, I’ve compiled a guide detailing various methods for icon modification, encompassing both native Windows features and supplementary software solutions.

Changing Standard Icons Manually

To alter the appearance of icons like My Computer, My Documents, and the Recycle Bin, right-click on the desktop and select "Properties." Navigate to the "Desktop" tab and then click the "Customize Desktop" button.

Within the "Desktop Items" dialog box, choose the desired icon and click the "Change Icon" button. A new window will appear, allowing you to select a different icon.

Click the "Browse" button to locate and select your preferred icon file.

Modifying Icons for Specific Folders

You can also change the icon for individual folders. Right-click on the folder, choose "Properties," and then select the "Customize" tab. Click the "Change Icon" button.

This process involves creating or modifying a hidden desktop.ini file within the folder. This file contains text similar to the following:

[.ShellClassInfo]
IconFile=%SystemRoot%\system32\SHELL32.dll
IconIndex=20

The "IconFile" line specifies the path to the icon file. When using a .ico file, adjust the "IconIndex" line to 0. It’s important to note that this method isn’t universally applicable to all folders; for example, the Windows folder icon cannot be altered this way.

Utilizing iColorFolder for Simplified Folder Customization

The iColorFolder application, previously reviewed, allows you to apply colored folders to specific locations. Furthermore, this tool enables you to set a default folder icon.

Beyond colored folders, iColorFolder can assign default icons to any file type and easily modify the icon of a specific folder, either by changing its color or selecting a completely different icon.

Customizing Icons for Removable Drives

To set a custom icon for a flash or USB drive, create a new file named autorun.inf in the drive’s root directory. Add the following section to the file:

[autorun]
icon=autorun.ico

This instructs Windows to use autorun.ico as the drive’s icon. Ensure that the icon file is renamed to autorun.ico and placed in the root directory of the drive.

For a cleaner appearance, it’s recommended to make both files hidden. Right-click on the files, select "Properties," and check the "Hidden" box.

This method is exclusive to removable drives and will display the custom icon on any Windows computer the drive is connected to.

Changing Icons for File Types

To modify the icon for file extensions like .txt, access the "Folder Options" dialog within Windows Explorer (Tools menu). Select the "File Types" tab, choose the desired file type, and click the "Advanced" button.

In the "Edit File Type" dialog, click the "Change Icon" button and select a new icon.

Be aware that some file types cannot have their icons altered using this method. Avoid changing icons for folders or drives, as this may cause instability.

Customizing Application Shortcut Icons

To personalize the icon of an application shortcut (on the Start Menu, Quick Launch bar, or desktop), right-click the shortcut and select "Properties." Then, use the "Change Icon" option on the "Shortcut" tab.

Implementing Windows Vista Style Drive Icons

It’s possible to apply Windows Vista-style drive icons, featuring a bar graph indicating disk space, to Windows XP.

Modifying System Icons with IconTweaker

For comprehensive control over system icons – including Control Panel, drives, folders, and printers – the freeware application IconTweaker is a valuable tool. Click the "icons" icon on the left panel to access customization options.

Simply click the "Change" button to modify any built-in icon, then click "Open" to select your desired icon file.

IconTweaker also allows you to create and apply icon themes.

Resources for Free Icons

When sourcing icons online, prioritize those packaged in .zip files and formatted as .ico files. Exercise caution with .exe files and scan them thoroughly before use.