Alright, here’s a quick how-to:
The
only file you need to modify for this is
explorer.exe. In there you’ll need the files 6801.bmp – 6812.bmp.
Which images you need to edit depends on the Taskbar location/icon size of your desire:
(Note: tested under 1280x800, 1024x768, 800x480 maybe other resolutions require different files)Large Icons:
No matter where the Taskbar is located, you only need 6805.bmp
Small Icons:
top: 6809.bmp
left: 6805.bmp
right: 6805.bmp
bottom:680 1.bmp
(If you find out where the other files are used, please let me know.)
Preparation:
- Install necessary tools (if not already installed)
- Take ownership of explorer.exe (so you can overwrite it)
- Create a backup of explorer.exe
How to edit:
- Open your explorer.exe backup with Resource Tuner (or a comparable tool)
- Extract the image files
- Modify the file(s) to your likes
- In Resource Tuner select “Edit Resource” to add the edited image. (Important: the filename has to be the same as the original file)
- Select “Save File as…” and create a copy of explorer.exe somewhere
- Make sure all explorer windows are closed
- In Task Manager, kill explorer.exe
- Replace the old file with the newly created one
- In Task Manager restart explorer.exe (File --> new task --> explorer)
Repeat steps 3 -9 untill you’re satisfied. Enjoy!
Notes:
- Black (outside the icon) = transparent
- Topmost Icon = inactive, middle = mouse hover, lowest = clicked.

- If there is either a lot of black inside the “orb-area” or non-black stuff outside of it, windows will adjust the color/brightness of the icon to the underlying Taskbar color / wallpaper. So you might do the “fitting” with a window color / wallpaper you are planning to use with the icon. (Unless this effect is what you desire)
OK (desired effect)
Not OK (at least for me)
- If you’ve done that, but the colors are still (way) off, reduce/increase brightness or adjust colors for that item
- If you have edited the above mentioned images, but nothing changes, you might need to edit different files than I did.
(Tip: Create an explorer.exe with pictures where you simply put numbers (1-12) on the standard globe and load it,
that’s how I figured out which file is used where.)
That's it for now, I hope it's helpful

If you've got any more questions, just ask.
Also, please post back your experiences/problems if you try it, so I can add them to the list. If I forgot something, I'll add it as well.
And of course, feel free to post your own creations. I’m sure there’s a bunch of people around here that are way better at graphic design than I’ll ever be