Member Avatar for DAS-03590

This is not really an issue, just more of an information gathering.

I've read in many places to go to this location to change the Shell Interface icons in Windows XP...

""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\explorer\Shell Icons""


My main question is though, where is the "Shell Icons" item in the registry?

Every time I've looked in the registry and searched it I find nothing.

Also I don't feel like extracting and compiling a DLL to get my icons to work for the system icons (My Computer, Network Locations, Start Menu, and so on).

Any assistance would be great.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Subbu_2

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Short answer for : the Shell Icons key is not created by default in XP — you add it yourself under Explorer and then create numbered string values whose data point to an .ico or to a DLL resource (file,iconIndex). That is the supported, update-safe way to override many system icons without recompiling DLLs (as hinted). (winhelponline.com)

Steps (safe, minimal):

  1. Backup the registry (File > Export).
  2. Using Regedit, create the key named Shell Icons under the Explorer key.
  3. Add REG_SZ values whose names are the icon indexes and whose data is either a full .ico path or a DLL/exe + comma + index. Example .reg you can save and import:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Icons]
"3"="C:\\Icons\\FolderClosed.ico"
"4"="C:\\Icons\\FolderOpen.ico"
"29"="C:\\Windows\\System32\\shell32.dll,29"

After importing, log off/on (or restart explorer) to see changes. (winhelponline.com)

Common useful indexes (these are the ones most people override in XP): folder closed/open, removable/drive/network drive, CD-ROM, shortcut-arrow (29), and recycle bin (31 and 32 for empty/full). Not every index is used the same way in all Explorer views; some overlays are handled separately. Use the index numbers from an icon viewer or Resource Hacker when pointing into shell32.dll or imageres.dll. (mvps.org)

Notes and troubleshooting: if changes do not appear, log off or kill/restart explorer.exe, then rebuild the icon cache. If things look wrong, delete the values you added to restore defaults. For per-desktop icons (My Computer, Network, etc.) the Desktop Properties > Customize Desktop method mentioned by is an easier, lower-risk option. Always export the key before editing and test on a noncritical install when possible. (winhelponline.com)

Recommended Answers

All 12 Replies

Member Avatar for jingda

Sorry for the late reply. Try taking a look at this . It might help a bit. Scroll down until you see something like changing XP Icon. Good luck:)

Member Avatar for DAS-03590

I've seen that before but it still refers to the location that I for some reason cannot seem to find.

""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\explorer\Shell Icons""

I can navigate to the 'Explorer' location but from there i don't see anything referencing 'Shell Icons'.

Member Avatar for caperjack

Also I don't feel like extracting and compiling a DLL to get my icons to work for the system icons (My Computer, Network Locations, Start Menu, and so on).

Any assistance would be great.

a little rusty here ! please explain what you mean by the above statement , exactly what icon do you need to have in my computer ,thanks

here what i think ,right click on the start button /go properties / change to classic view , then customize, then add ,then navigate to the program you want to add ,and click on its .exe file to add the icon to the start menu ,then you can change it back to start menu from classic view ,i could only find a way to add them in classic mode

Edited by caperjack because: n/a
Member Avatar for caperjack

also if you are looking to change the look of an icon ,say on the desktop ,right click on the icon go properties /change icon /then browse /and navigate to c:\windows\system32\shell32.exe, you will be presented with a list of different icons,also just found this one ,pifmgr.dll

Edited by caperjack because: n/a
Member Avatar for caperjack

just reread and realize you are also looking to change icons like the mycomputer icon and that a bit more in depth than any info i just posted .i checked my winxp mode and the registry doesn't show the "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\explorer\Shell Icons either.

Member Avatar for DAS-03590

Yes those are what I am trying to change, My Computer, My Documents, and so on. I find many tools that can do it but there has to be something in the registry that gets changed to make those modifications. I'm mainly looking for creating a different look for my computer from scratch without using the Windows XP Themes so that when I'm done I'll have a fully customized theme.

Member Avatar for caperjack

if you created custom icons you can use them ,just right click on the desktop /properties/desktop/customize desktop/click on the mycomputer icon,network icon , ect ect /choose change icon, and browse to the custom icon you created or downloaded .

Member Avatar for DAS-03590

I'll give that a shot. I didn't see that there before.

Thanks.

Member Avatar for Simon_10

The shell icons key isn't in the registry by default. if you want to change the icons, you have to add the key in yourself.

Member Avatar for Reverend Jim
  1. This thread was already marked as solved.
  2. I really doubt that an XP answer needs further updating.
Member Avatar for Subbu_2

Thank you!!

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