I continue the theme of decorations for those who sometimes get bored of the standard Windows design. Although now many ready-made assemblies are being released, which are not only preinstalled (or optional) with the necessary programs, but also with an already built-in theme. But still there are also "clean" ones, for fans of minimalism or if the licensed version. That's why I wrote this article. In it you will learn how to change the icon (icon) of a file or folder in standard ways without resorting to the help of programs. And for the sweet one I will answer the question - ?
In general, I think if you want to change the Windows interface, then it will be much easier to download some theme with all the bells and whistles (wallpaper, folders, start, icons, shortcuts, cursor, etc. - everything will be changed), but my site will not dedicated to this, so I'll show you how you can change the icons on your own.
How to change the folder icon
1) Click RMB (right mouse button) on the folder we need
2) In the menu, select the last one - Property
3) In this window, select the tab Settings
4) Click on the button Change Icon
5) This window will open, in which you simply select the icon you like for the folder from the list (note that you can "twist" it left and right with the slider. Do not think that there are few icons
Well, for those for whom this is not enough - I immediately answer the "sweet" question - Where are icons stored in Windows?
Here's the answer:
C: \\ Windows \\ System32 \\ shell32.dll
C: \\ Windows \\ System32 \\ imageres.dll
C: \\ Windows \\ System32 \\ ddores.dll
For general awareness, I inform you - dll this is the format of the libraries. It is in these three files that Windows stores its icon library.
And that's why I just opened this question about storage - if you don't have enough in the set - just replace SHELL32.dll in the "Look for icons in the next file" field with imageres.dll and if this is not enough, then on ddores. dll and click Enter... It's important, you don't need to go anywhere else!
These files are also needed for all sorts of perverts who want to see what's inside and "pull" these icons out of there (I don't know why). For them, I hid a small guide under the spoiler.
1) Open one of the proposed files using the program (The link can be used to download a free 30-day office version).
2) In the panel Resource tree open the folder Icon
3) Choose any of the icons you like.
4) In the panel Resource tree right click on the given resource and select Extract ... → Extract as "resource_name.ico"
5) Select a folder to extract and click Save
You can also extract all icons at once, for this:
6) In the panel Resource tree right click on the folder Icon and select Extract ... → Extract all as type "Icon"
7) Select a folder to extract and click OK
6) After you have selected the icon you need, click OK and enjoy the result of your work.
How to change the file icon
The principle is the same as for folders, only the difference is in the window Properties - there we need to click on Change Icon
a window will appear in which you need to select an icon
If there are no icons there or there are few, then you can put there the paths that are written in the above method for folders (for example C: \\ Windows \\ System32 \\ imageres.dll)
Icons are needed either in the library ( dll) or exe file or ico or png... Basically only the icon on the folders is changed.
And then my surprise appears. I have prepared for you a small collection of icons in the format ico ... All you need is to download, save, unpack and specify the path to the icon through the button Overview.. in shortcut or folder settings.
This is more for acquaintance than for using them. All the same, the article is more about standard methods. If there is something more - write, always happy to help.
Changing icons in Windows 7 is the best way to update your desktop design. It is not difficult to complete, anyone can handle it
Any computer has a library of icons that can be installed on folders instead of 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 do not even know about this possibility, and admire the standard icons, which visually become boring over time.
To change icons in windows 7, follow these steps:
- Right-click on the folder where you want to change the icon;
- In the menu that opens, select the "Property" item;
- Click on the "Settings" tab;
- Click on the item "Change icon";
- In the window that opens, you can select an icon. The list is quite long - 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 can be easily downloaded from the Internet. To install new icons, follow these steps:
- After downloading the archive, unpack it;
- Click on the "Start" button;
- Go to the "Computer" menu;
- Open the system drive 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 - on the icon that you want to change;
- Then - "Change icon" - and indicate 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 a lot of them on your computer.
To be honest, I didn't quite understand what this article is for. This opportunity appeared several years ago, and now only the lazy does not know about it. And those who are not afraid of experiments went further - with a restorator in their teeth and a head on their shoulders, you can do things much more interesting than just changing the appearance of folders \u003d)
McLotos: To be honest, I do not quite understand what this article is for.
The answer is in the first paragraph. I reply to all emails from blog readers, and while I rarely give detailed instructions in the mail, I always give directions. This was not enough, so I posted a post under the Question - Answer heading.
McLotos: This opportunity appeared several years ago, and now only the lazy does not know about it.
It appeared more than a few years ago. But even if everyone who is not lazy knows about it, the described solution does not lie on the surface.
McLotos: And those who are not afraid of experiments went further - with a restorator in their teeth and a head on their shoulders, you can do things much more interesting than just changing the appearance of folders \u003d)
Apparently, you are an experienced designer, easily deal with Windows resources with the help of Restaurateur. Can you describe in a nutshell how the task is solved in it?
Echinosor
Did something like this:
1) if you place a file inside, it is inconvenient (if you select and often transfer data). To see everything, the display of hidden files is turned on. Therefore, there should be a minimum of hidden files inside the folder.
2) I assigned a picture through the Properties folder item (Win XP), but it was inconvenient, often it crashed without explanation.
3) I often use iColorFolder - it works by right-clicking, for free (no need to break it), in the folder only desktop.ini
equinox.net
I have been using icons on folders for a long time, and it is to facilitate visual search. Helps a lot. I use the desktop.ini method.
Echinosor: if you place a file inside, it is inconvenient (if you select and often transfer data)
Echinosor: To see everything, the display of hidden files is turned on.
I have long wanted to ask a discussion on this issue in a separate post, 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 commonly used desktop shortcuts.
MicroAmper
A very useful article, especially for those who do not have time to experiment with the system. Thanks.
MegaVolt, folder icons are shown even in Total Commander (surprise! :)
MicroAmper, I am glad that the information was useful to you! I appreciated the humor of the chosen nickname;)
YaNkEE
Vadim, really, only lamers don't know about it ^ _ ^
But if this is a short advice for them - I suggest describing autorun.ini for the same, for example, a flash drive (so that the flash drive has its own icon or even a certain application is launched, etc., well, you yourself know).
ZY: the browser was updated, the autocomplete of forms was erased \u003d (I had to enter the nickname and soap manually \u003d (here, I am complaining about fate.
YaNkEE
Correct remark. Perhaps I'll add to the article that the file needs to be assigned the "hidden" attribute.
I can see all hidden files. Therefore, when dragging, it still interferes (only if the icon is in a folder). It's good that when you click Ctrl + AKhryusha asks about the selection of hidden ones.
And about the holivar about "hidden files" - you can arrange ^^. I, for example, better to see everything... Yes, need this is not every timebut, as they say, rarely, yes aptly... For example, the file hosts have to edit (brother climbs the younger, pumps up "programs for voices on VK" and that's it). He read some tips for speeding up somewhere and edited boot.ini and was silent, they say he did nothing. A new system selection line appeared at startup. But I brought him to clean water. So this is needed.
ZY sorry for offtopic, Vadim, post other people's useful articles? Where to throw for consideration?
YaNkEE: Vadim, really, only lamers don't know about it ^ _ ^
When the complexity of the material is well below the level of the reader, it takes tact to refrain from expressing its superiority over those who are new to the information.
Meanwhile, the level of knowledge of my readers varies greatly, based on their comments and questions in the letters.
YaNkEE: But if this is a short advice for them - I suggest describing autorun.ini for the same, for example, a flash drive
Windows 7 users don't need this information. autorun does not exist in it, there is only autoplay. In Vista and XP experienced readers have probably disabled autorun to prevent virus infections. Thus, the value of the material to my audience is highly questionable, but thanks for the advice!
YaNkEE: And about the holivar about "hidden files" - you can arrange
So I am very careful about the lamer label. Not knowing something is not shameful, and this is not lameness. Under this definition, I mean, rather, the unwillingness to turn on the brain to process information and increase their knowledge.
YaNkEE: Vadim, post other people's useful articles? Where to throw for consideration?
MicroAmper
Will this method work on XP? My hidden desktop.ini file is not visible (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 interfere, because often the display of system files is disabled.
MicroAmper, the question is whether the file is not displayed or not created. Open a command prompt and run:
Notepad D: \\ folder \\ desktop.ini
Specify the 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 checked it. After specifying the path to the ico file, the folder icon changes, and when you move the cursor over this folder, instead of the FOLDER EMPTY inscription, the inscription SIZE: 157 bytes appears, which probably indicates the presence of a desktop.ini file. But I can't find it. Maybe you need to use the DISPLAY SYSTEM FILES function? I'll check it out now. Regarding the remarks about lamerting, 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
Using Total Commander, we managed to find desktop.ini and even open it [.ShellClassInfo]
IconIndex \u003d 0
[.ShellClassInfo.A]
IconFile \u003d D: \\ New folder (2) \\ libr.ico
[.ShellClassInfo.W]
MicroAmper
Everything worked out provided that in the second line after the file name ico was not specified, 0 Checked for XP. Even the presence (on another system) of IconPackager did not prevent the display of the changed folder.
MicroAmper: Using Total Commander managed to find desktop.ini and even open it
Miracles, you can't cope with the guide :) But I told you right away how openand you tried it see, which in this case is just not needed.
Andrew
Vadim, thanks for the article, my library has been added.
But to be honest, it's not necessary for me, but how I find the right pack, it's just my computer.
Andrew, well, I also have my 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 you need to click in the Favorites.
YaNkEE
Vadim Sterkin:
Windows 7 users don't need this information. autorun does not exist in it, there is only autoplay.
Well, firstly, not all blog readers sit on the seven ^^ Secondly, the same autoplay suggests running autorun.exe, if you don't 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 \u003d). But I offered this as whistle deals for friends to be happy and surprised when opening your USB flash drive to throw something useful. And if after that the image on the monitor also turns upside down, it will deliver a sea of \u200b\u200blulz ^ _ ^
Vadim Sterkin: I also talked about a separate discussion
I didn't mean this article \u003d)
Vadim Sterkin: Windows 7 file hosts does not have the attributes "System" or "Hidden"
I have no honor to know, sir;) I know that in XPyushe hidden, for this I need to see everything. Thank you for the information.
Vadim Sterkin: Not knowing something is not shameful, and this is not lameness.
Yes, I agree. Definition noob will be truer.
Vadim Sterkin: you have a great chance ^^ to demonstrate your knowledge
My hour has come! No command line needed.
MicroAmper,
Go to the folder and write right in the address bar after the folder address
\\ desktop.ini
and press Enter. I think there is no need to explain.
MicroAmper: Everything worked out provided that you do not specify 0 in the second line after the ico file name
MicroAmperif there is only one icon in the ico file - 0 is not needed. If this is an application with embedded icons, a library or an ico file with several icons, an icon index is needed.
MicroAmper
Yes, I admit, I turned on my brains at the wrong time and was punished for it. Could you please clarify the purpose of the bottom lines (after the top two) [.ShellClassInfo]
IconFile \u003d D: \\ New folder (2) \\ libr.ico
IconIndex \u003d 0
[.ShellClassInfo.A]
IconFile \u003d D: \\ New folder (2) \\ libr.ico
[.ShellClassInfo.W]
IconFile \u003d 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):
The index is in bold. It's just that I didn't carefully read your post \u003d (There is already 0, and you don't need to write it separated by commas \u003d)
And about the last two lines - I don't know. It’s definitely for the icon. Cached only. Try to remove everything except
[.ShellClassInfo] IconFile \u003d D: \\ New folder (2) \\ libr.ico IconIndex \u003d 0
but before doing that, make a copy of the content to another file. Maybe different systems stand on the computer and write their paths into it. I will not guess.
Specifically revised all folders with icons - everywhere in desktop.ini there is
[.ShellClassInfo] IconFile \u003d% SystemRoot% \\ system32 \\ SHELL32.dll IconIndex \u003d 14
and only the index changes.
YaNkEE, I cleared out a lot of comments for you today, plus a couple more rules. The role of the cleaning lady is starting to strain me. Could you approach what you are writing here with a little more responsibility?
Html tags don't work in code because it is the code!
MicroAmper
Hello everybody! In order not to get confused, I will clarify the contents of [.ShellClassInfo]
IconFile \u003d D: \\ New folder (2) \\ libr.ico
IconIndex \u003d 0
[.ShellClassInfo.A]
IconFile \u003d D: \\ New folder (2) \\ libr.ico
[.ShellClassInfo.W]
IconFile \u003d D: + AFwEHQQ + BDIEMARP- + BD8EMAQ / BDoEMA- (2) + AFw-libr.ico
specified before editing. Only edited one line (IconFile \u003d libr.ico). Everything works.
MicroAmper
YaNkEE Maybe different systems are on the computer and write their paths into it. I will not guess.
Yes, there are two XP on partitions C, E.
MicroAmper
In the case of XP, when editing desktop.ini, it is enough to leave three lines [.ShellClassInfo]
IconFile \u003d libr.ico
IconIndex \u003d 0
YaNkEE
Vadim Sterkin, sorry of course.
But I can't edit my comments myself.
baw17
i use the Total commander in the same way because windows explorer does not give that unlimited freedom
MegaVolt
\u003e\u003e folder icons are shown even in Total Commander (surprise! :)
I know. by the way, not a fact - you can turn off the display of associated icons.
This is, of course, a matter of taste, but why do I need unique 16x16 icons? all the same, folders are searched by name, not type.
Many people want to have a beautiful look of a computer desktop. To do this, it is advisable to know where the icons are located in windows 7, XP, Vista and windows 8, but not necessarily. 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 with ---\u003e, windows folder -\u003e, system32 folder -\u003e "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 on change icon. There are about a hundred of them.
The choice is great. Only Windows icons (icons) are standard, but you have the opportunity to make individual ones.
This will require two free programs: paint and FormatFactory. They are both in Russian, although for professional work it is better to use Photoshop.
How to sketch computer shortcuts yourself
Find the image file you like on the Internet. Take a screenshot and open it in paint. Then you can edit (add an inscription, etc.).
Then resize it to: 50 x 50 px. Save. Place in any 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 icon), just click at the very top of the "overview" and indicate the place where your icon is located. That's all. There is nothing complicated.
Any computer has a library of icons that can be installed on folders instead of 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: WindowsSystem32shell32.dll;
- C: WindowsSystem32imageres.dll;
- C: WindowsSystem32ddores.dll
If you are tired of the standard Windows 7 icons, you can easily change them. Many users do not even know about this possibility, and admire the standard icons, which visually become boring over time.
To change icons in windows 7, follow these steps:
- Right-click on the folder where you want to change the icon;
- In the menu that opens, select the "Property" item;
- Click on the "Settings" tab;
- Click on the item "Change icon";
- In the window that opens, you can select an icon. The list is quite long - 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 can be easily downloaded from the Internet. To install new icons, follow these steps:
- After downloading the archive, unpack it;
- Click on the "Start" button;
- Go to the "Computer" menu;
- Open the system drive 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 - on the icon you want to change;
- Then - "Change icon" - and indicate 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 a lot of them on your computer.
