Downloads Library - Create

How to Create a "Downloads" Library with Correct Icon in Windows 7 and Windows 8​

   Information

This will show you how to create a Downloads library in Windows 7 and Windows 8 that has the original default Downloads library icon with the blue arrow pointing downwards on a glass plate.

EXAMPLE: Original Downloads Library Icon

Here's How:
1. To Download the Downloads Library Icon
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the Downloads_Library.zip file that contains the original Downloads library icon.

Download


B) Save the ZIP file to your desktop.

C) Double click/tap on the ZIP file to open it, then extract (drag and frop) the Downloads_Library.ico file to the location that you want to keep it at.
WARNING: The icon file will need to remain at this location while it is being used (step 3) for the Downloads library. If you move it, then the icon will no longer be displayed for the Downloads library.

D) Right click or press and hold on the Downloads_Library.ico file, and click/tap on Properties, General tab, on the Unblock button, and on OK. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: If you do not have a Unblock button under the General tab, then the shortcut is already unblocked and you can continue on to step 2.
2. To Create the Downloads Library
A) In Windows Explorer, navigate to your C:\Users\(user-name) folder, then create a new library with the Downloads folder. (see screenshot below)

B) Open the new Downloads library, and include the C:\Users\Public\Public Downloads folder. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: If you like, you could include any other folder location(s) that you would like to also be included inside the Downloads library as well.


3. Do step 4 or 5 below depending on if you are in Windows 7 or Windows 8.

4. To Change the Downloads Library Icon in Windows 7
A) Change the Downloads library icon to use the Downloads_Library.ico icon file at the location you have saved it to in step 1. (see screenshots below)

   Note

For example, I saved my icon from step 1 to C:\Users\(user-name)\My Documents, so I would add the line below (right screenshot below) while changing the icon at step 5 at that link.

<iconReference>"C:\Users\User-Name\Documents\Downloads_Library.ico"</iconReference>

You would substitute the path in red to the full path of where you saved the Downloads_Library.ico file instead in step 1.

B) Go to step 6 below.
5. To Change the Downloads Library Icon in Windows 8
A) Using OPTION ONE in the tutorial below, change the new library's icon using the Downloads_Library.ico icon file at the location you have saved it to in step 1. (see screenshot below)
How to Change a Library Icon in Windows 8


6. You will now notice that the Downloads library icon has changed.
NOTE: See example screenshot at the top of the tutorial.
That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

---

• How to Create a "Games" Library with Correct Icon in Windows 7 and Windows 8
• How to Create a "Favorites" Library with Correct Icon in Windows 7 and Windows 8
• How to Create a "Searches" Library with Correct Icon in Windows 7 and Windows 8
• How to Create a "Links" Library with Correct Icon in Windows 7 and Windows 8
• How to Change a Library Icon in Windows 7
• How to Hide or Show a Library in the Windows 7 Navigation Pane
• How to Restore the Default Libraries in Windows 7
• How to Fix Libraries when Hidden and Empty in Windows 7
• How to Create a New Library in Windows 7
• How to Create a New Library in Windows 8
• How to Include a Folder in a Library in Windows 7
• How to Remove a Included Folder from a Library in Windows 7
• How to Set the Default Save Folder for a Library in Windows 7
• How to Add or Remove the Libraries Desktop Icon in Windows 7
• User Folders in Windows 7 Libraries
• How to Turn the Library Pane On or Off in Windows 7

 

[Brink]

Hello NoN,

Sure you can change the library icon if you like. You can download the icon here for it. Just click on the icon image to get the download window for it.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/57627-windows-7-default-ico-png-icons-download.html

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[NoN]

Hello NoN,

Sure you can change the library icon if you like. You can download the icon here for it. Just click on the icon image to get the download window for it.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/57627-windows-7-default-ico-png-icons-download.html

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Oops!!!

All icons were just a post up in front of me... I though they were the icons like the default users accounts!

It's a little tricky "xml" way...it tooks me time realizing it from the folder i wanted!! i've Got some access denied issue when drag & drop into the notepad, i'll find my way!

Thanks a lot!
& Your Tutorials are both like a User's Guide and optimizing tweaks!

 

[Brink]

Ok NoN,

Just post there if you have any questions.

 

[NoN]

Hi there Brink,
Well, looks the method to change the Icon library, in the way i wanted to does not work at all!!
I've been to:
C:\Users\Votre_Compte\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Libraries, to edit with the notepad the icon.xml,
but i don't have the line <iconReference>iconres.dll, -1005</iconReference> (for exemple), to change it to <iconReference>D:\Icones\Win_music.ico</iconReference> (again for exemple)

It is because the icon i want to change are from the "User Public" and not the "User".
It does work fine when you use it on the "User" Icons, but not on "User Public" unless adding lines to the notepad edited.
I'm not enough skilled to add lines even if i suspect a little how to do it!
I give it a try maybe soon and let you know if it had work.

 

[Brink]

Hello NoN,

You can use the examples in the tutorial to see where to add it. If you are unsure, then upload the TXT file for the library in a ZIP along with the full path of the icon. I'll be happy to add it in for you.

 

[NoN]

Hello NoN,

You can use the examples in the tutorial to see where to add it. If you are unsure, then upload the TXT file for the library in a ZIP along with the full path of the icon. I'll be happy to add it in for you.

Sorry i've been lazy lately for that thread...

I found an easiest way you brought at:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/35040-new-library-icon-change-default-icon.html

This work well for the recorded Tv Icon! But this apply to all new created libraries...

So, i still have to change the other way of the "User Public Libraries"

I've pack in a Zip folder what we were discussing about "User Public Libraries" for you modifying the lines.

I just don't know where to put those added lines without fearing messing all up!

I know: <iconReference>iconres.dll, -1005</iconReference> to <iconReference>D:\Icones\Win_music.ico</iconReference>

But the path inside .xml are too different from the method you are usualy explain in this thread.

It would be much appreciated. Kind Regards.

Thank you for all your efforts and this much helpfull 7 forum!

 

[Brink]

NoN,

Could you upload the complete TXT file from step 4 here of each library that you want to change the icon for, then list the icon's full path for each library. I'll add it to the TXT file and upload it back to so that you can finish the steps in that tutorial.

P.S.
You cannot have the icon in the SysWoW64 folder. You might place it a user folder instead.

 

[NoN]

NoN,

Could you upload the complete TXT file from step 4 here of each library that you want to change the icon for, then list the icon's full path for each library. I'll add it to the TXT file and upload it back to so that you can finish the steps in that tutorial.

P.S.
You cannot have the icon in the SysWoW64 folder. You might place it a user folder instead.

I'm following step by step!

Here the new document zip...

 

[Brink]

NoN,

Ok mate. Here are the modofied text files with the icon path included in them for the libraries below.

Some other items to check:

• Right click on the icon file and click on Properties, General tab, and see if you have a "Unblock" button at the bottom. If you do, then move the file to the desktop, click on Unblock, and move the file back.

 

[NoN]

NoN,

Ok mate. Here are the modofied text files with the icon path included in them for the libraries below.











Some other items to check:

• Right click on the icon file and click on Properties, General tab, and see if you have a "Unblock" button at the bottom. If you do, then move the file to the desktop, click on Unblock, and move the file back.

WOW! That just work great. Thank you Shawn!

I've upload the document.zip with the two modified Library Icons in case someone would do the same.

Appart that the "Icons" folder have to be in System32 (x86)...see the Icons zip file.

It just have to be drag & drop in:C:\Users\YOU\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Libraries, to replace the others one.

And all is done!
Cheers!

 

[Brink]

You're most welcome NoN.

 

[Urhixidur]

Nice. However...

The icon is missing a few sizes (easily added using IcoFX or some other icon editor); also, Windows 7 drops the "glass pane" at the 16x16 size, essentially using the 24x24 icon trimmed and with the pane removed. I've edited your icon accordingly and attached it to this post.

 

[Brink]

Thank you Urhixidur, and welcome to Seven Forums. I have updated the tutorial with this icon.

 

[svnpenn]

Any chance of a "Searches Library Icon" ?

 

[Brink]

Hello svnpenn, and welcome to Seven Forums.

I shall look into it, and post back when completed.

 

[svnpenn]

Great thanks for quick reply and courtesy

 

[Brink]

Ok svnpenn. All done.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/195201-searches-library-create.html

 

[svnpenn]

Huzzah!! You are the master!

 

[Brink]

You're most welcome.

 

[svnpenn]

Ok now. How about a "Links Library Icon" ?