Cannot make icons

I did make icons by opening a 32 by 32 pixel graphic in Paint with 96 x 96 dots per inch. Then saved as "name.ico ". Now when I do this, it shows this without a graphic. I can open it in Windows Picture and Fax Viewer as a graphic. I like to change some folder icons to a graphic that tells me at a glance what is in the folder. I have lost it. Can someone help me get it back

 

I made a "name.ico" and copied it to a folder that is not the folder where the icons are usually kept. The graphic is shown. When I try to attach it to a folder I get a notice that it is not an icon. If I copy it elswhere, the graphic is shown.

 

I kept trying and learned why I lost it. You must start with a .bmp to end with a .ico. I must have forgot that. Of course I have a good memory. I could tell you what I had for breakfast 2 weeks ago last Monday. Of course I have the same thing for breakfast everyday. Oh well!!!