Change Folder Icons for Windows

By NeSoft
Trial version
User Rating

Used Change Folder Icons for Windows?

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffMay 2, 2012

For some computer users, Windows' mundane yellow folder icon is just too boring to let stand. This program helps search the computer for other icons, and can replace those individual folder images with something more interesting. Unlike more powerful graphics tools, this isn't designed to edit or create icons from scratch, but it does have the ability to extract icon images from executable program files, where they are often hidden. Searching individual folders is fast and easy, and the process of replacing the icons is simple. However, we found a few bugs that caused the program to crash when searching folders with large numbers of executables, or when trying to examine icons before a search was complete. A pop-up screen reminds people to register after 10 icons have been replaced. All told, we would recommend this to people who want a rudimentary desktop-customization tool, but those who want broader icon-creation features should look elsewhere.

Change Folder Icons for Windows

By NeSoft
Trial version
User Rating

Used Change Folder Icons for Windows?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: May 2, 2012

Latest update: May 2, 2012

Version: 8.7

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows 10
Windows 2000
Windows 7
Windows ME
Windows XP
Windows 98
Windows NT
Windows Vista

Additional Requirements: None

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 76,664

Downloads Last Week: 1

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Last Updated

User Reviews

2/5

8 User Votes

Great for specializing folder icons
dllenbk1000March 11, 2010
Pros
Easy to use. Can find all icons on my system.
Cons
Would like to be able to suppress duplicate icons it finds
Summary
Very convenient and easy to use. Really like being able to haveunique iconsfor various folders.
Program didn't work for me
spups1135December 6, 2009
Pros
I thought I would like the ability to change folder icons, but it didn't work to do that.
Cons
That it didn't work for me
Summary
Program may work for some people and not for others.
No right click selection
jessejames4November 4, 2009
Pros
Nothing, missing the most important part.
Cons
For all the hype over this program the one feature that is absolutely necessary is missing: the ability to right-click the mouse and select a file or folder icon to replace the one selected.
Summary
Avoid this product.
expectdelaysMarch 31, 2009
Pros
No redeeming features. Didn't even uninstall completely.
Cons
Clunky, inefficient, annoying, and utterly useless without the license. By the time I got it to do the same thing twice, I'd used up most of my ten free "executions". And it never stops nagging you to register. Ever. At Every Possible Step.
Summary
The interface is way too busy, the steps required to execute a simple action are ridiculously convoluted, and in the end it does something else. You have to watch it like a hawk. I downloaded this product because I couldn't find any other way to access the "absolutely free" icons and libraries in the NeSoft Free Icons Gallery. (Don't go there.) It will find icons like it?s supposed to, but when you go to save them, the program will insist on using the icon you want to save to replace the icon of the folder you want to save it to. I eventually got it right, but by then I'd used up most of my 10 free executions, and I'm not even sure what I'd done differently. I've used GetIcons to suss out icons already on my computer, and @icon sushi to convert other formats. I recently played with Greenfish Icon Editor for maybe 7 minutes, and I found it far superior to Change Folder Icons. Like the man says, look elsewhere.
Don't waste your time.
cookiebunJanuary 9, 2009
Pros
It changes icons.
Cons
My 19 MB icon collection was to much for it to handle. I was unable to scroll through my collection to select the icon I wanted to use. I have a decent amount of video memory and it seemed to want to use every last bit of it.
Summary
This program reminds me of old freeware written with visual basic that I used on my old Windows 98 machine. I wouldn't use this program even if it were free, It's too nasty looking and clunky. Also, CONSTANTLY nags you to buy.
Do Not Buy This!!!!
beachbumblondeSeptember 22, 2007
Pros
Cons
The software does NOT work!! Whenever I tried to open the program,I kept getting a message that my "Trial Period" had expired(I had not even used the program),and I kept getting the same message after I purchased the program.Customer Support was of absolutely NO help at all.Buy this program and you will,just like me,be wasting your money and your time.
Summary
Price too much
Icon DudeJune 23, 2006
Pros
Cons
Why pay for something that you can get for free, and they do a better job?
Summary
Changes & Manages Standard And "System" Icons
mistertFebruary 20, 2006
Pros
Anyone who uses CNET knows how to change a standard folder or shortcut icon without need of a 3rd party application. That said, CFI 7.5 goes a few steps beyond by allowing users the ability to change and manage "system" icons (such as those displayed in Windows Explorer and My Computer) which would otherwise require editing the Windows registry. <p> <p>The UI is fairly intuitive (albeit a bit "busy") and should easily be mastered by intermediate PC users without difficulty. Changing icons is a simple matter. First, use the program's search function to find and display thousands of icons already in your computer or load the included (expandable) icon library. Next, use the program's explorer-like system tree to locate the folder, application, drive, or program icon to be changed. Select the "new" icon, click the "change" button and you're done! The program also has the ability to change the color of your existing folders. To confirm the changes, select "refresh" from the Windows "view" menu and you'll see that your old icons have indeed been replaced. <p> <p>Any icons you've found on your computer (or those found elsewhere) can be saved to a "favorites" folder or set to load automatically when CFI is launched. Another great feature is the program's ability to recall your changes and if desired, restore back to the original. <p> <p>As previously mentioned, the current UI is somewhat congested however the beta version (8.0) available on the publisher's site sports a totally redesigned interface. Although it has a few minor bugs, I found the beta UI to be much more intuitive and streamlined versus the current 7.5 version. One especially nice beta feature is a pair of "before and after" preview windows which display the current and new icon. <p> <p>Those who want to completely overhaul the look of their entire system might be happier with programs such as WindowBlinds or DesktopX however for most users, a lite, non-invasive application like Change Folder Icons is probably more than enough.
Cons
While fairly intuitive the UI is overly busy. The 8.0 beta (available on the developer's web site) offers a much improved interface but with a few minor bugs.
Summary

Developer’s Description

Replace standard folder icons with icons on your computer.

Change Folder Icons is a tool for Windows that allows you to easily find thousands of bright icons on your computer that you can use as folder icons. Program features are change the icon of a folder simply and quickly by pressing the right mouse button on it and selecting "Change Folder Icon", search for icons on your computer files, starting with the selected folder (Drag and Drop and advanced search options are supported), and extract icons from any type of file (.exe, .dll, .lib, and .icl).