Windows 10: How to universally change all instances of an icon and other questions

This is a multi-part question (I've done quite a lot of search-engine research with no conclusive results):



As seen in the linked-to image: I've created a custom folder icon (A purple folder) and embedded it in a self-made .dll file using Resource Hacker:

Resource Hacker

I set that folder-image as the icon by selecting Properties > Customize > Change Icon in the right-click menu of the folder named GameXN Figure 1..

However, as you can see, the image shown in Figure 2. is the only image that has changed. Normally that would be the icon shown in Figure 3..

Is there a way to cause windows to replace the actual desktop icon (The Yellow Folder with the white files contained within it - called GameXN Figure 1.)?

Is there a further way to cause Windows to interpolate the yellow folder as the purple folder, thereby allowing it to dynamically preview the contents of the folder (In the case of Figure 1. the white sheets of paper)?

And finally, where can I locate the image of the tiny Yellow Folder Figure 3. to edit that icon so that it's purple?

Also, when highlighting a file (Single-clicking on it) what do I need to change to ensure that highlighted folders appear in the new purple icon colour rather than appearing as yellow when highlighted?

(I'm aware there are custom icon sets online to download but would prefer to do this myself as it's a learning process.)

:)

 

How to prevent multiple instances of an application

Hi all

I have a problem with one of my applications.. I use some CAM software to generate large text files (G code for machine tools). The CAM program then launches another text editor application that opens the text file created and allows me to hand edit it
and then send it via RS-232 cable to the machine tool.

The problem is that the Text editor program is old, like Windows XP era old.. It's propriety software made by the the machine tool company and it is the only thing i can use with this machine tool. I've set it to Windows XP compatible mode and it works
OK, in the Windows 10 environment.. The problem is that because it's launched by another program, if i forget to close it down before re-posting any changes in the CAM software, it causes another instance of the editor to be launched. In this situation
i would expect the text editor to simply load the new text file, but instead it launches a whole new instance of the editor.

Is there a way to prevent multiple instances of the same program? Perhaps some kind of command line switch etc?

I have tried using a batch file that performs a "taskkill" operation to end the program if it's already running before launching it again, thereby preventing the multiple instances, but this seems to interfere with the COM port operation and causes it to
lock up and stop working. Incidentally the same thing happens when multiple instances of the editor program are open. The only way to get the COM port to work again is a system reboot..

It's getting really frustrating having to do re-boots just because i forget to close a program down..

Anyone have any ideas how i can get around this problem?

Cheers

Lee

 

How to prevent multiple instances of an application

the only time that works is when the program itself is written to prohibit multiple instances

if the programmer didn't do that with this program

then there really isn't any method to preventing multiple instances

 

@Thelps
I'll attempt to address some of your issues:

- the tiny folder image (figure 3.) is not an Explorer icon per se, it's a shortcut to create a new folder, part of the Quick Access Toolbar, which can be removed:







- the self made .dll you created is probably going to pertain only to the folder you created it for. If you want the custom icon to represent all Explorer Folder images, you'll need to replace 24 items:





in imageres.dll/Icon/9 thru 40

 

Thanks for the reply Edwin. *Smile

Do you know what needs to be done to cause the folder in Figure 1 to appear as a purple folder but still show the interpolated custom file thumbnails (the white sheets that preview a random selection of files contained within the folder)?

Are there specific dimensions that a folder icon needs to meet to cause windows to do the above? For instance, I can't create the image of, say, a taco, and have windows still preview the folder's contents within the icon? Or is this possible?

From what I can tell, the custom .DLL file only pertains to folders where I specify that .DLL via Properties > Customise > Change Icon​.

Your assistance is greatly appreciated!