The one used by Post Prep is not a valid icon for the EXE resource. As far as I can tell/remember the icon must be 16x16x16 (16 pixel by 16 pixel by 16 color) The one used by Post Prep is 17x12x256

For desktop icons in XP you can use 48x48xTrueColor but the program icon in the top left of programs can not use those (without some type of 3rd party tool or registry manipulation)

If this is not the correct information please let me know, or if you know of an actual ICON resource usage white paper, etc...

Using only 16x16x16 is VERY limiting with what can be used. Here are a couple of ideas.

For Desktop icons you can write much nicer art work though.

ICON Idea 1


ICON Idea 2


Anyone else have other ideas for this?

Of course if all you are wanting is an image file to use for a shortcut I guess you could use the 32x32 or the 48x48 icon size.

I did find this resource which says:
Quote:

It should also be noted that there is no formal specification for either the Windows icon or cursor file formats



Microsoft Windows Cursor and Icon

DIBs and Their Uses

SeeDIB.exe Shows 16 and 32 Bits-Per-Pel Bitmap Formats

BITMAPINFO Structure