Windows 7: Change default icon on file type

I'm trying to figure out a way to change the default icon for a specific file type (ie: change .vbs icon to a custom icon). I've been doing some searching on this forum and I've come across some ways to change default icons but they all seem to involve going through the registry. Is that really the only way to change the default icons on Windows 7? I LOVE 7 so far but that really sucks if thats true. What happened to the screen in the attached image (taken from XP)?

Hello jvbeardsley, and welcome to Seven Forums.

This can help show you how to.

File Extension Icon - Change Default Icon

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Thanks for the response, Brink.

In case any one else has this problem and does not want to deal with editing registry keys, I found a great tool that gives you the ability to change the default icon, plus much more. The application is called Creative Element Power Toys located at the link below. It says its for Windows Vista but there is a beta version for Windows 7 available.

Annoyances.org - Edit File Types in Windows Vista

You're welcome. Thank you for posting back with the application.

works great - could not get the registry edit to work for flac files since i have winamp installed - thanks for link to program jvbeardsley

It is not freeware and expires after the trial period. And doesn't work well either in x64 at least.

I have also tried to change the icons by the tutorial mentioned above and all I get is a white-file icon, not the one I want (to replace the ugly 7-zip icons for zip, rar, iso, etc).

Does anyone know of a solution? I am using x64, maybe that's why it's not working.

Thanks in advance.

i have tried that too. Nothing works. I have Win 7 Home Premium x64.

I have managed to change two icons (zip and rar) with TuneUp Utilities (Styler). Unfortunately it only allows to change some very common file types such as avi, mpg jpg, gif, png, html, bmp, etc.

It can be a partial solution for Windows 7 x64. But if anyone knows of a solution for every file type please let us know. I can't understand why Microsoft has eliminated this function in Windows 7.

from my experiencs..u can change .vbs,.rtf etc with iconpackager
Stardock.com - Your Edge In Software
try it..it works!

this works in win 7 pro 64: Types