How to Find the Icons Folder

If you are looking for a designated Icons folder, good luck. Because, there is no "Icons" folder unless you created it. You can, however, locate all of the ones that were installed with certain program files by using the Search method. You can also locate the few icons that come with the most frequently used folders such as "My Computer," "My Documents," "My Network Places" and "Recycle Bin." Follow the steps below to find every icon that ever was, but not necessarily ever will be.

Instructions

1. Select "Search" from the Start menu to bring up the Search Companion.

2. Enter the wildcard search as "*.ICO" in the "Search for Part or All of the File Name" text box.

3. Select "Local Hard Drives" from the "Look In" drop-down menu as the search location.

4. Click "Search."

Modify Existing Icons for Commonly Used Desktop Folders

1. Click on "Control Panel" from the Start menu. Next, choose "Appearance and Themes."

2. Click on "Display" and then go to the Desktop tab.

3. 

   Click on "Customize Desktop." At the General tab, make a selection from the desktop icon lineup and then click "Change Icon." (Note: Typically, "My Computer," "My Documents," "My Network Places," "Recycle Bin (full)," and "Recycle Bin (empty)" are shown.)

4. 

   Pick a selection from the list of icons and then click "OK."

Tips & Warnings

• As you will see, by using the "Search" method, icons are all over the place--that is, unless you have created a specific folder for them. If you have not already done so but decide to make one, the best place to save the folder may be in the "My Pictures" file along with the other graphics files.

• Sometimes it's best to leave program-related icons alone to avoid any weird stability issues. This may hold true especially when dealing with shared icons. Don't go looking for trouble when peaceful icons didn't start any.

Resources

• Microsoft Accessibility: Learn more about finding and modifying desktop icons.