Windows 7 Forums


Windows 7: Libraries Icons - Change


Libraries Icons - Change

How to Change a Library Icon in Windows 7
Published 27 Jan 2009
Published by

Applies to:
7

Featured Tutorial

Microsoft Account Primary Alias Email Address - Change
Microsoft Account Primary Alias Email Address - Change

How to Change your Microsoft Account Primary Alias Email Address

Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7
Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7



Secunia ONLINE Software Inspector
Secunia ONLINE Software Inspector

How to Scan for Common Software Vulnerabilities

Search - Find More with Filters and Operators
Search - Find More with Filters and Operators

How to Use Windows Search Filters and Operators to get better Search Results in Windows 7

User Profile - Customize During Installation
User Profile - Customize During Installation

How to Customize Default User Profile in Audit Mode

Microsoft Account "Two-step Verification" - Turn On or Off
Microsoft Account "Two-step Verification" - Turn On or Off

How to Turn "Two-step Verification" On or Off for your Microsoft Account
How to Change a Library Icon in Windows 7

information   Information
This will show you how to change any Windows 7 Library icon to any icon that you would like instead of the default icon.

Note   Note
If you would like to use a custom library icon (.ico file) on your computer and would like it to also have it display on another computer that joined or is added to the homegroup as well, then you will need to make sure that the .ico file you are using is saved at a location that each computer on the homegroup as full access to first. For example, in a C:\Users\Public folder or shared user folder.

Tip   Tip
For more on libraries managed code, see: Windows 7 Libraries - Managed Code - Windows 7 for Developers

warning   Warning
You will need to use a 256x256 pixel icon that was made for Windows 7 and Vista for them to display properly at all of the available icon view sizes in Windows 7. For more about these type of icons, see: Icons in Windows Vista






OPTION ONE
To Change a Library Icon Using the "Libraries Icons" Program
1. If you have not already, then click on the Download button below and download and save the ZIPfile below to your desktop. Next, extract (drag and drop) and the LibraryIconChanger.exe file from within the ZIP file.
Replace_Librarie_Icons_by_bluefisch200.zip
download
2. Run the LibraryIconChanger.exe file.
NOTE: This is a standalone EXE file that only runs and does not install on your computer.

3. In the right pane, select (highlight) the library that you want to change or restore the default icon of. (see screenshot below)
Libraries Icons - Change-libraries_icons.jpg
4. Do either step 5, 6, or 7 below for what you would like to do.

5. To Change a Library Icon with a Icon from a DLL File
NOTE: By default, the available DLL icons are from the C:\Windows\System32\imageres.dll file. If you would like to select a icon from within a different DLL icon, then click on the browse Name:  browse.jpg
Views: 71064
Size:  1.0 KB button, navigate to, and select the DLL file.
A) In the right pane, select an available icon, and click on the Select Icon from dll button. (see screenshot below step 3)

B) Go to step 8.
6. To Change a Library Icon with a Icon File of Your Choice
A) Click on the Select new Icon from file button. (see screenshot below step 3)

B) Navigate to and select a .ico file that you want to use, then click on Open.

C) Go to step 8.
7. To Restore the Default Icon of a Library
A) Click on the Restore default icon button. (see screenshot below step 3)

B) Continue on to step 8.
8. Close the Libraries Icons program. (see screenshot below step 3)

9. Log off and log on, or restart the computer to apply.




OPTION TWO
To Manually Change a Library Icon
1. Set Folder Options to Show hidden files, folders, and drives.

2. In Windows Explorer, navigate to the location below for the library you want to change the icon of. (See screenshot below)
Libraries folder: (ex: Documents, Music, Pictures, Videos)
C:\Users\(User Name)\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Libraries
For "Recorded TV" Library
C:\Users\Public\Libraries

Libraries Icons - Change-libraries.jpg
3. Open Notepad by one of the methods below. (See screenshots below)
Libraries Icons - Change-start_menu1.jpgLibraries Icons - Change-start_menu2.jpg
4. Drag the Library icon (from step 2) that you want to change into the blank Notepad and drop it. (See screenshots below)

NOTE: Libraries are .xml files, so they can be edited in Notepad. These are the default entries for the Libraries.
  • Documents default- <iconReference>imageres.dll,-1002</iconReference>
  • Music default - <iconReference>imageres.dll,-1004</iconReference>
  • Pictures default - <iconReference>imageres.dll,-1003</iconReference>
  • Recorded TV default - <iconReference>imageres.dll,-1008</iconReference>
  • Videos default - <iconReference>imageres.dll,-1005</iconReference>
Libraries Icons - Change-documents.jpgLibraries Icons - Change-music.jpg
Libraries Icons - Change-pictures.jpgLibraries Icons - Change-recorded_tv.jpg
Libraries Icons - Change-videos.jpg
5. To Use a Custom Icon of Yours
A) Look for the line below. (See screenshots above)
NOTE: If this is a new Library that you have created, then the line will not be there and you will need to add the <iconReference>"path to icon w/file extension"</iconReference> line directly under the <isLibraryPinned>-1</isLibraryPinned> line entry.
<iconReference>"path to icon w/file extension"</iconReference>
B) In Notepad, substitute path to icon w/file extension in quotes to the full path of the custom icon that you want to use for the default Library icon instead.

C) Go to step 7.
6. To Use another Windows 7 Icon
A) Download and install the free program IconViewer.
NOTE: Be sure to download the correct 32-bit or 64-bit version for your Windows 7.

B) In Windows Explorer navigate to the .exe (ex: for program icons) or .dll (ex: Windows 7 icons) file that contains the icon that you want to use for the default Library icon, then right click on the file, click on Properties, and the Icons tab. (See screenshot below)
NOTE: The most common Windows 7 icons come from the C:\Windows\System32\imageres.dll file.

C) Look for the line below. (See screenshots below step 4)
NOTE: If this is a new Library that you have created, then the line will not be there and you will need to add the <iconReference>path to icon w/file extension,-icon#</iconReference> line directly under the <isLibraryPinned>-1</isLibraryPinned> line entry.
<iconReference>path to icon w/file extension,-icon#</iconReference>
D) In Notepad, substitute path to icon w/file extension to the full path of the file that includes the icon you want from step 6B, then substitute icon# with the icon number under the icon you want from step 6B. (See screenshot below)
NOTE: If the file that includes the icon you want in step 6B is in the C:\Windows\System32 folder, then you will just need to type in the file name instead of the full path.




FOR EXAMPLE:
  • Let's say I want to change the Pictures Library icon to the icon #1008 (step 6B) included in the C:\Windows\System32\imageres.dll file. I would use imageres.dll,-1008. (See screenshot below)
  • Let's say the icon #1008 (step 6B) was included in the C:\Program Files\imageres.dll file. I would use C:\Program Files\imageres.dll,-1008 instead.
Libraries Icons - Change-imageres_properties.jpg
7. In Notepad, click on File and Save, then close Notepad. (See screenshot below)
Libraries Icons - Change-save.jpg
8. The Library icon will now be changed. (See screenshot below)
NOTE: For example, the default Pictures Library icon.
Libraries Icons - Change-new_library_icon.jpg
9. Repeat steps 3 to 8 if you would like to change any more Library icons.

10. When done, set Folder Options to Don't show hidden files, folders, and drives.

11. Log off and log on, or restart the computer to fully apply the icon change to all locations for this library folder.
That's it,
Shawn




Related Tutorials

Need more help? Try searching our extensive help and support site.
Loading
27 Jan 2009   #1
garysgold

Vista Ult 64 bit Seven Ult RTM x64
Maine, USA
 
 

Great tutorial Shawn. Been wanting to do this to a couple. Thanks.



Gary
My System SpecsSystem Spec

27 Jan 2009   #2
Brink

64-bit Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 & Windows 8 Enterprise
Texas
 
 

You're welcome Gary.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
27 Jan 2009   #3
greenlink23

Vista & Win 7
 
 

very nice turotial. although i followed bogos tutorial, i fund this one to be easier to follow.

here are my current libraries:
My System SpecsSystem Spec
.


27 Jan 2009   #4
garysgold

Vista Ult 64 bit Seven Ult RTM x64
Maine, USA
 
 

Hi Shawn,

When I used my 'contacts folder' to create a Library, it didn't have an icon line in notepad. I got around this by coping the code from one of the standard libraries and pasting it in the proper place in the contacts page. Made the necessary changes and WaaLaa. Tried it with a couple other folders and no icon line in them either.

Don't know what gives, but the fix worked.

Gary
My System SpecsSystem Spec
27 Jan 2009   #5
Brink

64-bit Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 & Windows 8 Enterprise
Texas
 
 

Thank you Greenlink.

Gary,

Yeah, unfortunately not all of them have the icon line already added to them.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
28 Jan 2009   #6
greenlink23

Vista & Win 7
 
 

with custom libraries you need to add the icon line manually.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
30 Jan 2009   #7
BenjaminCarmine

Windows 7 Beta Buil 7000
 
 

I don't know what i am doing wrong.

When i want to select my own icon, it doesn't show it.

That's the way i do it.

(1) Like in the manual above, i drag "documents" in notepad.
(2) I search the line and swap it with the full path to my icon.
Quote:
<isLibraryPinned>-1</isLibraryPinned>
<iconReference>imageres.dll,-1002</iconReference>
<templateInfo>
->
Quote:
<isLibraryPinned>-1</isLibraryPinned>
<iconReference>C:\Users\Ben Carmine\Pictures\Icons\Windows7Icons\Icons\imageres186.ico</iconReference>
<templateInfo>
doesn't work.
Tried plenty of things.
for example:
C:\Users\Ben Carmine\Pictures\Icons\Windows7Icons\Icons,-imageres186.ico

And also google.com

Both were not the answer

Please help me
My System SpecsSystem Spec
30 Jan 2009   #8
Brink

64-bit Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 & Windows 8 Enterprise
Texas
 
 

Hello Benjamin, and welcome to Seven Forums.

What is the icon file's name and exact full path of the one that you want to use, and for which Library is this for?

Shawn
My System SpecsSystem Spec
31 Jan 2009   #9
BenjaminCarmine

Windows 7 Beta Buil 7000
 
 

the icons file name is imageres186.ico

The full path is C:\Users\Ben Carmine\Pictures\Icons\Windows7Icons\Icons\imageres186.ico

I want to use this icon for the document library .
My System SpecsSystem Spec
Comment

 Libraries Icons - Change problems?



Tutorial Tools



Similar help and support threads for: Libraries Icons - Change
Windows 7 Tutorial Category
Devices and Printers - Change Device Icons with Custom Icons Tutorials
My folder icons doesn't change when I change the icons unless refresh. General Discussion
Solved Weird problem, explorer toolbar icons sometimes change to other icons Browsers & Mail
Annoying Homegroup and Libraries desktop icons Customization
How to change the homegroup and libraries icons? Customization


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:01 PM.


Seven Forums Android App Seven Forums IOS App Follow us on Facebook

Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized,
sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation.
"Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
© Designer Media Ltd
  

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32