How to Change the Default JPG Icon in Vista

The JPG file extension indicates that you have an image file stored on your hard drive. Windows uses the program icon associated with the JPG file extension to show the file in Windows Explorer. You can change this file icon using the Windows registry editor. The "DefaultIcon" registry key is set in the file extension's registry settings. Changing the value changes the icon shown in Vista's Window Explorer.

Instructions

1. Click the Windows "Start" button. Type "regedit" in the menu text box and press "Enter." The registry editor opens on your desktop.

2. Double-click the "HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT" main registry key in the left panel. A list of options is shown. Click the file extension you want to edit in the list. Every file extension is listed, so you must scroll down to the file extension you want to edit. The list is in alphabetical order.

3. Right-click the file extension and select "New," then click "Key." Type "DefaultIcon" as the key name and press "Enter" to set the new key in the registry.

4. Double-click the "Default" value in the "DefaultIcon" key. This value is automatically created when you create the new key. A window opens, prompting you for a location for the icon.

5. Type the location of the icon you want to use. Click "OK" to save your settings. Reboot the computer for the changes to take effect.

References

• Vistax64: Vista - File Extension Type Icon - Change