Changing WinXP Home System Icons

For the most part, I can change icons by opening the properties and click on "change icon" button then change the icon. However, there one icon, the DESKTOP icon, which I have displayed in a quick launch tool bar, that I cannot change. When I open the properties there is no "change icon" button. I can't seem to find where the DESKTOP icon is located. Typical MS "you don't need to know" **** I guess. Where can I find these elusive icon(s) so that, if I desire, I can change the icon to something more desireable? Thanks for the assist.

 

Quicklaunch "Show Desktop" uses extension of *.scf (shelled command file)and is not a *.lnk. Work around would be to move desktop.scf to a safe place of your choosing and create a shortcut to it and place that (shortcut) into quicklaunch. Then you should be able to customize the icon via the shortcuts>properties button.

You should be able to do all this by dragNdrop:
drag "show desktop" icon from the quicklauch and move it to where ever you wish. Once moved create a shortcut to it. Put shortcut into quicklaunch. Change shortcuts icon using the procedure your familiar with.

Just don't ask me why you can't change the *.scf icon because my answer would be a quesstimate (assume it's hard coded in iexplore.exe).

By the way show desktop.scf is located in your "quick launch" folder:
"%USERPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch "

Note*USERPROFILE=C:\Documents and Settings\<UserName>.

 

Thanks for the response goddez1. I will be doing some more browsing (exploring) in my computer and see what "pops" up.
I don't know why; except for maybe maintaining job security, this has be such a difficult thing. I guess .... just a typical MS thing!!!! Take care.

 

I'm a little confused,

What is it your having difficulty with and feel is security related, finding the quick launch folder or dragNdrop? I thought I explained:
1]what the icon "show desktop" is, that is in the quick launch toolbar.
2]offered a work around if you wanted your own icon.

If your problem is searching and finding the files or folders you wish to find:
Before searching for a file or folder, make sure these folder option>view settings are in place:
*Go to My Computer>Tools>Folder Options>View tab
*Under the Hidden files and folders heading:
*Select Show hidden files and folders.
*Uncheck Hide protected operating system files option.
*Also, make sure there is no check mark beside Hide file extensions for known file types.
* Click OK.

Use windows built in search or better yet.....
Optional Recommendation: Download and install Ransack: (In my personal opinion: a better, faster, more reliable "file and folder" search tool than windows built in search)
http://www.mythicsoft.com/agentransack/[*] Click OK.

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Do a file/folder search for either quick launch or show desktop and see what comes.

NOTE* I did give you the file path for quick launch in a previous thread, but if you'd rather search for these the above will get you there.