How to change default folder icon in Start/Programs

Is there a way to change the default folder icon in Start/ Programs? I don't like the one with all the junk on it and just want the plain icon like you can get with a shortcut. I know I can go to them one at a time and right click/properties/customize/change icon/apply but would like to convert the whole batch of them at once and set the default icon to a plain folder. Any ideas?

Jim

 

define 'junk' more or less. program installers 'set' the icon and it's the maker's choice more or less. u can change em manually as u've described. don't think u'll find a way to mod them in groups and don't think that u'll find a way to change the default for each prog install. the installer will almost certainly put what it wants there.

 

According to the Microsoft Knowledge Base article, How to Change the Default Icons for Folders in Windows XP:
You cannot customize the default icon for a folder in Windows; however, you can make a shortcut to a folder and change the look of the shortcut icon.

That said, there is software out there for doing what you want. I use Icon Packager which is put out by the same developers as Window Blinds. There's a free trial version but if you like to play with XP's eye candy (which I do), it's well worth the fiftenn bucks (Window Blinds is $20, US).

Another program that does the same thing is Style XP. I've never used it but some prefer it over Window Blinds. It's also shareware with a free trial version.

 

Not really junk

Just all the little colored dots and the edges of the folders look fuzzy. I was not referring to the ones added by installers just the normal folder icon. I prefer the plain manilla folder to the ones that are there now. The ones that look like good old Win2000 in other words. I just changed them all one at a time but still think there should be a way in WinXP to do them all at once.

Jim

 

Herd72--Not sure I understand the question, and I doubt,this will change all folder icons in one operation, but
When I right click any folder icon in Start|All Programs, then click Properties, on the Customize tab I can change the icon for the folder to almost anything I want. The "folders" in Start|All Programs are shortcuts so that satisfies the limitation in Miz' link.