How to Replace Shell32.dll in XP SP2 Fully updated???

About:

I've done SOME googleing about that and everything i got was quite outdated or poorly written.
I've got a edited shell32.dll and when i replace the original it restores it self.
The purpose of the edit was to swap some of the current icons.

GOAL: replace the original with my copy and make it STICK

ME:
If you know how to do it and care to share that - treat me as a user with enough experience to navigate and work with generic software freely to a degree of - a guy whos' been behind the keyboard and corners of windows for years but hasn't had any programming experience or interest past learning how to solve windows and other software annoyances and provide convenience for his work/play environment.

Thank you for your time!

 

Check the event logs to see if Windows File Protection is replacing your file. If so, you may need to replace the file (with proper backup, I recommend) in the c:\windows\system32\dllcache folder as well.

Note that you may have to show hidden and protected operating system files to do so.

 

Thx Allot, no wonder i couldn't do it in the like 200 forum posts i read in google results none of the wise guys even mentioned that i had to unhide that damn dllcache folder.

 

Heres a Quick reply on How To : for anyone that might end-up in need for this Info.

1. Its best to copy your shell32.dll to folder other than system or system 32. Say some folder name "My custom stuff".
2. You edit the dll. - If you don't know how to do it and you don't know how to get the information about that its best not to do it at all.
3. Start > Run > control folders (wich is basicly calling the folder options control pannel)> View > and you make hidden files visible and remove hiding on protected OS files.
4. You go to your ...windows\system32\dllcache folder and you rename the shell32.dll to someting like "My backup of the original shell32.dll" then you paste your copy.
5. Now you go to windows system and since you cant replace or delete the shell32.dll you just RENAME it to another backup if you like and then you paste yours.
DO NOT GET ALLARMED BY THE WINDOWS MESSAGE there is no damage just paste your new dll.
6. Windows detects what you have done and asks you for a install cd if it hasnt asked you already when you renamed it. You CANCEL that, and then it tells you that you have a modified dll which is not an original and it might affect stability and - asks you if you want to keep it or not. You answer YES. And you are done.


ICONS RELATED
I am not sure if your new folder icons will appear after a restart or you have to refresh them manually from the last menu of "tweak UI" wich is a official microsoft proggie for some tweaks.