Set start menu group folder to custom icon

[MilesAhead]

I'm trying to find out how to programmatically set a start menu group folder to a custom icon when I install my program. I haven't been able to find any api call or script snippet in any programming language so far that shows how to connect a custom icon to the folder. I'm talking about the group folder in the start menu for the current user with an icon that will be copied into the install folder for the program.

[GEOSoft]

I'm trying to find out how to programmatically set a start menu group folder to a custom icon when I install my program. I haven't been able to find any api call or script snippet in any programming language so far that shows how to connect a custom icon to the folder. I'm talking about the group folder in the start menu for the current user with an icon that will be copied into the install folder for the program.

You should be able to do it by creating a desktop.ini file inside the folder. Use this format for the file.

[.ShellClassInfo]

IconFile=myicon.ico

ConfirmFileOp=0

[MilesAhead]

You should be able to do it by creating a desktop.ini file inside the folder. Use this format for the file.

Seems to have no effect even on a desktop folder.

I'm thinking it's not easy because the tools that work with Inno Setup have the {group}\ prefix hard-wired so you can't put an icon for {group} itself.

Strange.

[MilesAhead]

You pointed me in the right direction. Thanks. This desktop.ini seems to do it

[.ShellClassInfo]

IconResource=icon.ico,0

Now I should just have to add it as a file in Inno Setup

[GEOSoft]

Seems to have no effect even on a desktop folder.

I'm thinking it's not easy because the tools that work with Inno Setup have the {group}\ prefix hard-wired so you can't put an icon for {group} itself.

Strange.

You have to set the file attribs for desktop.ini to +SRH. I'm not even positive that Windows will allow it in a start menu folder but I think it will because you can change it by right clicking the foler and choosing Properties >> ustomize tab >> Change Icon. As a matter of fact you can probably use that method and then copy the file that's created into your source folder. Just make sure that you don't allow Inno to change the attributes. Also remember that you can't place a file into the {group} folder until after the folder has been created. You might have to do it as a post install operation.

[MilesAhead]

You have to set the file attribs for desktop.ini to +SRH. I'm not even positive that Windows will allow it in a start menu folder but I think it will because you can change it by right clicking the foler and choosing Properties >> ustomize tab >> Change Icon. As a matter of fact you can probably use that method and then copy the file that's created into your source folder. Just make sure that you don't allow Inno to change the attributes. Also remember that you can't place a file into the {group} folder until after the folder has been created. You might have to do it as a post install operation.

The funny thing is, the lame way I did it worked in Vista 32 bit. The other way with setting the folder as system and all that didn't work in Vista64. So I reverted back. It's just too much hassle to get an icon that won't show up until after a logoff anyway.

Inno does the secondary folders for you. Guess I'll just go with it the way I had it.