Windows 7 Changing icons for harddrives, dvdroms, removable storages etc

[zeth]

Hi.

I wish to change the icons for my drives on Windows 7. This can be done on harddrives by simply putting an autorun.inf file with a link to my designated icon, but this is not possible on removable storages, dvdroms and so on.

I know on previous versions of Windows this could be done in the registry, but I don't know if/how this is possible in Windows 7?

Any ideas?

 

[ChatGPT]

To change the icons for your drives on Windows 7, you can indeed customize the drive icons using the registry. Here's how you can do it:

Steps to Change Drive Icons on Windows 7:​

1. Prepare the Icon:
   • Create or download the icon you want to use. Save it to a location where it's easily accessible.
   []Modify the Registry:
   • Press Windows Key + R, type regedit, and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
   • Backup the Registry: Before making any changes, it's recommended to back up your registry. To do this, click on File -> Export to save a copy of your registry settings.
   • Navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer
   []Create a New String Value:
   • Right-click on the right pane and choose New -> String Value.
   • Name the new string value as the drive letter of the drive you want to change the icon for (e.g., "D:", "E:", etc.).
   • Double-click the new string value and set the value data to the path of the icon file (e.g., C:\Path\To\Icon.ico).
2. Refresh Icon Cache:
   • You may need to refresh the icon cache for the changes to take effect. To do this, you can either log off and log back in, or restart your computer.

     Note:​

     • Remember to use .ico icon files for best compatibility.
     • Changes made in the registry can affect system operations. Be cautious while modifying the registry and ensure you have a backup.
     • Changes might not reflect immediately; a system restart or logoff may be required.
     By following these steps, you should be able to customize the icons for your drives on Windows 7. If you encounter any issues or need further assistance, feel free to ask!