Changing file icons in Vista

[FredyB]

How can I change an icon for a particular file type in Vista? In XP you could go through the Folder Options and change the icons, file types would have, but in Vista, it is not in the same way. Anybody checked?

[Gusgr8]

Located in the Customize section of Properties... if I understand you correctly.

[Jimmy24]

I think this is one of the things Microsoft changed to simplify things for normal users. Most people won't be change file icons or even care so it wasn't added to the simplified interface.
For the registry key the structure is like this:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.ext = WindowsProgramFileTypeName
Then go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\WindowsProgramFileTypeName\DefaultIcon to change it's icon.

Note: WindowsProgramFileTypeName is an example, the exact value varies from extension to extension. Sometimes it's even shared between different file types.

[SpearMan]

Some programs, like Vista Manager or TuneUp Utilities 2008, allow you to change most icons associated with a program to something of your choice.

[FredyB]

Just so i'm/we're clear: what i'm talking about is not changing individual icons. I'm talking about like in xp, you go to control panel|folder options|file types and highlight, oh...jpg, for example. From there, you can change the default icon for all jpg's, savvy?

[Isaac1]

Doesn't look like you can change the file icon. It will only change according to which program is the default to open it. So maybe change it so it opens with another program and then change back to your preferred app and see if that reloads a more suitable icon.