How to Change the Icons on My XP Computer

Select new icons in Windows XP

You can change icons in Windows XP if you are tired of the same old standard icons or want an image that has more meaning to you. It is possible to change the icons of various items, from folders to application shortcuts. You can select a Windows icon or use one of your images. Changing an icon in Windows XP is a straightforward process.

Instructions

Change Icons on the Desktop

1. Go to the desktop and right-click any blank spot. This should produce the "Display Properties" box.

2. Click the "Desktop" tab and click on the "Customize button." Select an icon that you wish to change from the list and click on the "Change icon" button.

3. Choose a new icon from the "Change icon" box. If you have images on your computer that you would like to use instead, click the "Browse" button. Navigate to the folder containing the images and select one.

4. Click "OK" to return to the "Desktop Items" box. Repeat this step for other items if you wish or click "OK" to return to the "Display Properties" box. Click "OK" to close the box.

Change Application Shortcut Icons

1. Right-click on a shortcut icon on your desktop and select "Properties."

2. Click the "Change Icon" button to choose a new icon. Again, you can use the "Browse" button to select a personal image.

3. Click "OK" to save your changes. Click "OK" to return to the properties box and exit.

Change the Icon for Individual Folders

1. Right-click on a folder and select "Properties." Click the "Customize" tab and click the "Change icon" button.

2. Choose from the available images or click "Browse" to choose an image from a different location.

3. Click "OK" to save your changes. Click "OK" to close the folders properties box.

Change Icons in Top-level Folders

1. Open a top-level folder. These include folders such ass My Documents, My Pictures, My Music and My Downloads.

2. Click on "Tools" and select "Folder Options." Click the "File Types" tab and select the file extension type you wish to change. Click the "Advanced" button.

3. Click on the "Change Icon" button and select a new icon for the file. You can also click "Browse" to select a personal image stored in a different location. Click "OK" to save the change. Click "OK" to exit the properties box.

References

• Microsoft: Let's Make a Theme: Customize Windows XP

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish