How To Install New Windows Icons ?

Greetings.

I wanted to take a break from working and gaming on my computer. I thought it would be interesting to add some custom icons to my desktop. So obviosuly, I have a few questions.

1. What is the format for the icons? I downloaded a few and they are of the .icl file extension. However, I think they are multiple icons in one file formart that will be seperately viewable when browsed within XP?

2. I perused the XP examples. I think they were in the system directory but I could not see them listed when I investigated.

3. I will scan them with virus software and such - but are they known to be high risk? Are there any reputable sites that contain free icons?

Thanks for any help.

 

1. .icl = Icon Library, yes it contains multiple icons.

2. Icons can be found in many file formats; ico, icl, exe, dll, gif, png.

3. Scanning the files is a good idea, you can never tell what a virus will be disguised as. Don't know about any reputable sites.