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
- 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
) or 'aerospace' (a reference to it's original theme see below), as explorer doesn't work properly. a.k.a open windows do not appear in the superbar (i'll try to post images later). also im still working on the fourm logo build, which i will call 'seven fourms'.
