Changing Icons

[ritaren]

Hello everyone,

This is my first post. I'm new at this so please be gentle. I have windows 98 for my operating system. I am trying to change the icon for programs such as outlook express, recycle bin, and the network neighborhood. These programs do not let you change the icon the normal way by clicking properties and change icon. Does anyone know the correct way these icons can be changed? Thanks in advance, Rita

[HAL9000]

Welcome aboard to PCMECH!

You shouldn't have any problem changing the shortcut icon for Outlook Express. I just checked my system, and I can. For the other Icons, I do believe this feature was in Win98 (I'm on ME), but right click on your desktop, select properties, click the Effects tab, the icons can be changed from there.

[ritaren]

Thanks -

You reminded me about Outlook Express. If in properties it is in read only you cannot change the icon. I took it off read only and I am able to change the icon. The other programs, Network Neighborhood & the Recycle Bin, I know there is a way to change them. They were previously changed before my husband decided it was time to reformat the hard drive. I just don't remember how it is done. You have to access this a different way than right clicking and choosing properties. Any ideas?

[HAL9000]

Originally posted by HAL9000
For the other Icons, I do believe this feature was in Win98 (I'm on ME), but right click on your desktop, select properties, click the Effects tab, the icons can be changed from there.

This should work for you. Don't get confused, I don't mean right click on the icon, but on the desktop so that you can get to your display properties.

[DrZaius]

Hi ritaren, welcome to PC Mech!

For ultimate control over icons check out Icon Phile (http://members.nbci.com/scrows/iphile.html). It's a free little program that lets you change almost any icon you can think of. And for tons of info on customizing the Windows interface check out Virtual Plastic (http://www.virtualplastic.org/). Hope that helps.

[ritaren]

I have one down. I was able to figure out how to change the Outlook express icon. Now specifically I need to know how to change the Recycle Bin Icon on my desktop. In windows 98, there is no "effects" when you right click and choose properties. There are 3 tabs - 1) Global 2) C: 3) D:. No "effects" choice on any of these three tabs.

I remember getting to a location that showed me choices of icons for both the empty recycle bin and the full recycle bin. You had to change each one manually. Does anyone know how to get to this point? You CANNOT right click on the icon and choose properties. It will not let you change them this way. Thanks, Rita

[HAL9000]

OK, You're still not going to where I want you to go.

Click: Start > Settings > Control Panel > Display > Then there sould be an Effects tab.

[ritaren]

Thank you Hal -

Was able to change the icons through control panel > Display. Thanks much. I was confused because the other icons you just right click on the icon on the desktop.

Thanks - Very appreciated,
Rita

[HAL9000]

No problem, come back again.