How to edit shell32.dll? How to add custom pictures/icons into shell32.dll?

Question

I want to create an icon for my folder named "TOOLS", as you can observe there is no suitable/satisfying icon available in Windows XP, so I want to create an icon and include it in icon list.

Is it possible with any such supporting softwares.??

Answer 1

You don't need to modify shell32.dll just for that, storing a separate .ico file should suffice. Just modify the desktop.ini in your TOOLS folder. (see e.g. here)

Answer 2

You can edit your shell32.dll file. However, I don't recommend this.

The icons in shell32.dll can be changed using a Resource Editor (Resource Hacker, Exescope, etc.). As I said, I don't recommend editing it as it is a very sensitive system file. Here is a tutorial about how to do it with Resource Hacker. Take your own risk.

You can also use Microangelo Librarian (shareware) to change existing icons in shell32.dll. First make a copy of shell32.dll, and import it into Microangelo Librarian. Then edit any existing shell32 icons into whatever you want, save, exit, and replace the real shell32.dll with your modified copy.

Answer 3

You can use iconlover to edit icons inside DLL.