How to Change the Default Icons for Folders in Windows XP (310192)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP 64-Bit Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
This article was previously published under Q310192

SUMMARY

You cannot customize the default icon for a folder in Windows; however, you can make a shortcut to a folder and change the look of the shortcut icon.

MORE INFORMATION

To make a shortcut to a folder and change the look of the shortcut icon:
  1. Open My Computer and browse to the folder that you want.
  2. Right-click the folder, and then click Create Shortcut. If you are prompted to place the shortcut on the desktop, click Yes.
  3. Right-click the shortcut you created, click Properties, and then click Change Icon.
  4. Click the picture of the icon you would like the shortcut to use, click OK, and then click OK.

No Icons Available

If you click Change Icon, and there are no icons available, use the Browse button to find Shell32.dll:
  1. Right-click the shortcut you created, click Properties, and then click Change Icon.
  2. Click Browse, type %systemroot%\system32\shell32.dll in the File name box, click Open, click the icon you want to use, click OK, and then click OK.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/18/2001
Keywords:kbdisplay kbenv kbFAQ kbhowto kbProd2Web kbui KB310192
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