How to Create an Icon in Paint

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Launch Paint from the All Programs | Accessories menu.

   The Windows SYSTEM Icons are ALL located at: <Main Drive Letter>:\WINDOWS\system32\SHELL32.dll; The BAD news is that you cannot easily access them inside of the Dynamic Link Library (DLL). , It will appear as an itty-bitty picture in the upper left. , It still won't be "large"
   
   but it's manageable this way. , Yes, you could try to do something without them, but you'll be sorry. ,, Paint will save it as an ".ico" file If you did it right, an itty-bitty picture will be there for you to see.
   
   If it's not there, Windows didn't like your creation and will not read it in later steps.
   
   IF WINDOWS DIDN'T LIKE YOUR WORK, YOU CANNOT PROCEED. , FYI:
   The standard BLUE background on our machines is: ,,,,,, DRIVE Letter:\WINDOWS\system32\SHELL32.dll >>> That IS NOT where you want to be. <<< DON'T choose from THEIR list ! ,,,,,
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   Step 2: Start with a known good ICON image.

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   Step 3: Open the ICON with PAINT.exe (Yes

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   Step 4: it'll open OK).

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   Step 5: To make the image larger to work with

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   Step 6: click the Magnifier tool and select the level 8 magnification setting.

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   Step 7: Press G to add gridlines.

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   Step 8: Use the tools and colors to create your itty-bitty icon.

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   Step 9: Press S to save the file with these specifications: File name MUST have a .ICO at the end The "file type" MUST say "24 Bit Bitmap".

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    Step 10: Go Back over your work & Fix it NOW.

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    Step 11: Hue=141; Sat=115; Lum=105; Red=58; Green=110; Blue=165

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    Step 12: We'll assume that you've verified that Windows WILL allow you to use the new file

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    Step 13: so go on.

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    Step 14: Right click on a rarely-used desktop ICON and select "Properties" at the bottom.

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    Step 15: It will open a new window; go to the "Shortcut" tab.

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    Step 16: Select "Change Icon" underneath all the boxes.

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    Step 17: It will assume that you want to select one of the Microsoft Icons & will take you there.

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    Step 18: Click "Browse"

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    Step 19: and go to where your newly created & stored ICON is waiting.

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    Step 20: Pick your file; It must clearly display the ".ico" extension or it won't work.

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    Step 21: The program will try to install it for you.

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    Step 22: If it worked OK

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    Step 23: close any open Windows and you are done!

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    Step 24: If it complains

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    Step 25: go back over your steps.

Detailed Guide

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