Creating Icons for Downloaded Files

Once you have unzipped or run your downloaded file, then you will want to create a way to access this program. By creating a Windows icon is probably the easiest way.

Using Windows 3.1

Select Program Group and click OK.

Select an appropriate name for the program group, leave Group File blank, and click OK.

Now, to create the icon itself, go back to the File menu again, choose New, Program Item and click OK.

• Description: Type the name of the program (this will appear under your icon).
• Command Line: Enter the path and the file name (using the .exe file), such as c:/directoryname/filename.exe. If you do not remember where your files are, use the Browse button to search for it.
• Working Directory: Leave blank.
• Shortcut Key: Leave blank.
• Change Icon: Select an appropriate icon (if the program does not already have one).

Click OK to save all your changes. You will now see a new program group with your new icon in it.

Using Windows 95

You will see two tabs. Click on Start Menu Programs, and then ADD.

You will be asked to provide the path to the file that you want to execute. Input the path and executable file name (use the Browse button if you wish), then click NEXT.

Select the file folder where the listing is to be placed. If you want, create a new folder for it. Click NEXT.

Choose an appropriate name for the new program and enter it. Click NEXT.

You will be asked to choose an icon for the program. Choose an icon, and click FINISH (if Windows finds an icon with your program, this step will be skipped).

To create an icon, or shortcut, on your screen:

Click your RIGHT mouse button anywhere on your desktop screen. A menu will appear. Click NEW then SHORTCUT.

You will be asked for the path for the executable file. Input the path and file name, and click NEXT.

Enter the name of the icon, and click FINISH.