How do you add icons to Windows XP Home Edition?

Question

I have several different bundled icons that were given to me by a friend, who couldn't figure out how to install them on her PC. I took them, thinking it couldn't be that hard,as they probably went somewhere in the windows system folder. I was wrong. It is that hard!!! Is there anyone out there that can break it down to simple step by step instructions as to how to install icons on XP, whether they are handmade or store bought (w/o directions). Thanks.

KC

Answer 1

Create a folder (anywhere) and copy all the icons into the folder.

Say you have an icon for "ProgramA" on your desktop and you want to replace its picture with IconB from you icon folder
Right-click on the icon for ProgramA
Select Properties
Click the Change Icon button
Browse to your icon folder and select IconB
Done

Now the exception to this is if you want to replace one of the standard system icons such as My Computer or the Recycle Bin. When you click on them, and choose Properties, you get a different menu - no "change icons"
So, right-click anywhere on the desktop (except on an icon)
Select Properties
Go to the Desktop tab
Click Cutomize Desktop
You will see the System Icons with a Change Icon button beneath

Answer 2

Add a Picture to a Folder
Published: November 19, 2001

Submitted by Jess Jimison, Laramie, Wyoming

Tired of looking at the same old folder icons? Give your folders some style! Follow these steps to change the picture that identifies a folder, but note that if your folder doesn't contain an image file, Windows won't generate a folder picture. And you can only see a picture on a folder when it's in Thumbnails view within another folder. To switch to Thumbnails view, on the View menu of the open folder, click Thumbnails.

1.


Right-click a folder, and then click Properties.

2.


Click the Customize tab, and then click Choose Picture.

3.


Select any image on your computer, click Open, and then click OK.

Your folder will have a whole new look. Place it inside another folder that uses Thumbnails view to see the display. Use pictures to remind you of the contents of folders, or just to make them more fun.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/learnmore/tips/jimison1.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/learnmore/tips/urena1.mspx

Add Familiar Icons Back to Your Desktop
Published: July 2, 2001

Submitted by Joe Urena, Renton, Washington

It's the case of the missing icons. Many of you may be wondering where all the icons from your desktop are in Windows XP? Well if you're like me, you like to have at least My Computer, My Network Places, and My Documents on the desktop.

To do this:
•

Right-click on the desktop, and then click Properties.
•

Click the Desktop tab and then click on Customize Desktop.
•

Put a check mark in the box next to My Document, My Computer, My Network Places, or Internet Explorer, to add those familiar icons to your desktop.

For more tips on XP! Hope this helps!

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/learnmore/tips/default.mspx

Answer 3

You don't "install" icons.

Put 'em someplace safe, for example My Documents.

So, let's say you want a shortcut for a program to use a special icon. Right-click the shortcut, choose Properties, then Change Icon. Now browse to choose the icon for it.

To change the icon for something like My Computer or the Recycle Bin, it's a little more work. Right-click the Desktop, choose Properties, then click the Desktop tab, then click the Customize Desktop button. Then you can choose which Desktop items to change the icon for.

Answer 4

Its simple.........right click on Icon which u want to change >>Properties>>Shortcut Tab>>Change ICON>>

Browse ur Icon........

You cant change default icons like Hard drive, etc.......for dat dere r different softwares or themes.

Answer 5

acceptable click this methodology itself, elect deliver to/computer. This creates a shortcut on the computer. Then left click the shortcut and drag it to commence, then all application, then startup. Drop it contained in the startup folder. If there is already a operating laptop or computer icon, you do the same to that.