How to replace system icons in XP?

[jonessoda]

I know how to replace the icons of most programs, but not the system icons (like, for My Computer, Recycle Bin, etc.). Any help? Google just yields shady download after shady download.

 

[Noema]

There's a very nice (and not shady at all!) program from Stardock called Iconpackager. There are thousands of different icon sets on the net, including some very cool looking high res sets at deviantart.com. It's not free but the trial version is fully functional if you want to take it for a spin.

This is how it looks on my desktop. As you can see, you can choose to change the icons for everything, including recycle bin, file types, My PC, etc.

EDIT: IconPackager also allows you to resize icons on the fly, a la OSX. This is specially nice if you have a set of high-res icons and your are running at, say, 1600x1200.

 

[jonessoda]

If I use the trial version to change the icons, and the trial ends, do the icons remain changed, or revert to normal? I was hoping for a permanent and free solution.

 

[Noema]

They will remain changed after expiration, but you won't be able to change them to another package. You can revert to normal if you want but will have to buy the software if you want to change them again to a custom package after reverting to normal if the trial expired.

If you don't want to use Iconpackager, you can always change the icons for My PC, Recycler Bin, etc. by right clicking on the desktop, going to properties>'Personalize Desktop' and clicking 'Change Icons'. Any *.ico or *.png file will do, as long as they are the appropiate size. Irfanview lets you save the files to those formats and will also let you do transparecy effects for the image.

 

[jonessoda]

That worked for now, thanks. I might have to try that utility you suggested to change folder icons.

 

[Aluvus]

Right-click the desktop, choose Properties (or Control Panel -> Display). Open the Dekstop tab, click Customize Desktop. You can change icons for My Computer, Recycle Bin, My Documents, and My Network Places.

 

[corkyg]

Aluvus is on the money! It is easy to do, and there are many ways to create icons. Here is an example of how I have changed system icons as Aluvus states:

Icons

My Recycle Bin icons for empty and full are my own creation. 🙂

BTW - "System" is how I renamed :My Computer." "My anything" is so childish. 🙂

 

[Noema]

Originally posted by: corkyg
"My anything" is so childish. 🙂

QFT :thumbsup:

Good thing they are finally getting rid of the 'My --" monikers in Vista.

 

[Geiser34]

Right-click the desktop, choose Properties (or Control Panel -> Display). Open the Dekstop tab, click Customize Desktop. You can change icons for My Computer, Recycle Bin, My Documents, and My Network Places.

:thumbsup: Thanks