How to Rename a Desktop Icon on Windows XP

Windows XP automatically names desktop icons but the names assigned to the icons are generic and often don't help you remember the associated program. If you have a desktop icon in Windows XP with attached text that does not meet your needs, rename the icon. Windows XP allows you to rename most icons without the risks of accessing or changing the system registry.

Instructions

1. Select the icon you want to rename.

2. Decide on a new name for the icon. Make sure you select something that is logical to you given the program or function associated with that icon. Names that make sense to you are names you are more likely to remember rather than confuse yourself with later.

3. Right-click the icon.

4. Select "Rename" toward the bottom of the options listed in the pop-up box.

5. Type the new name you selected for the icon in the highlighted space.

6. Click anywhere on the screen outside the icon to set the name change.

7. The new name you selected for the icon should appear beneath the icon where the old name was. The new name is now permanently associated with that icon.

Tips & Warnings

• Renaming an icon is also possible by clicking on the text beneath the icon, waiting a second and then clicking on it again. The text should highlight and allow you to type in a new name.