Where in Registry to change DefaultIcon for File Types?

[David4321]

1) How can I change the default icons for file types in the registry?

I added the key "DefaultIcon" to several file types as listed in HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT and set the data to the full file path of the icon - I'd have thought that would work. I've restarted, and it did not.

Where is the correct location & method?

2) Also: (once I get the correct location & make the edits) How can I create a registry file that will add the specified changes to an existing registry when clicked? Not save the entire registry, and replace it, just add the specified keys & data to install these icon changes. This should be at least good as a backup, for editing a new or reinstalled OS, and ideally (if possible) a file that can perform a smart operation by substituting the current system's user folder name.

Thanks

 

[linney]

Have you looked at these sort of options?

Types

http://types.sourceforge.net/

Changing file icons and context-menus in Vista, XP style, The best way I know how

http://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?s=3509653c0d16385fa52a772dbd8e63c2&showtopic=559484

How do I Change Vista Icons?

http://www.tech-faq.com/how-do-i-change-vista-icons.shtml

How To Change The Icons In Windows Vista

http://www.myvistathemes.com/articles/how-to-change-the-icons-in-windows-vista/

http://www.google.com/search?q=chan...-au&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1

How to add, modify, or delete registry subkeys and values by using a registration entries (.reg) file

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310516

 

[David4321]

Extremely helpful response - Thank you.

The "Types" app is a keeper!

The problem was file types whose icon associations were linked through shared Progid reg entries - I cleared those, and the icons displayed properly.