retreiving icon associated with a file type without using SHGetFileInfo?

I only know how to do it useing the SHGetFileInfo() API. But that function needs an actual file to exist. I'm wondering if there is a way to get the icon associated with a file without using SHGetFileInfo()???
I know I could create a dummy file and then use it to call SHGetFileInfo() but I rather not do that if there's another way :)

Have a look at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT hive, and notice that each extension is listed there. If you open up a key, look at the (default) value for it.

I'm looking at ".bmp" and the default value for it is "Paint.Picture"

Now in the same hive (HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT) look up "Paint.Picture"

There is a subfolder called "DefaultIcon." The (default) value of this folder will tell you the module name, and icon index, separated by a comma. From here, just call ExtractIcon() on that module, specifying that specfic index.

aaaaaaah many thanks:D:D:D sounds cool. Umm would you recommend this method though? just curious:)

You're welcome

And, I see no harm in using it. Beats creating a temp file, anyway.

If you use SHGetFileInfo you can use the SHGFI_USEFILEATTRIBUTES attribute if the file doesn't exist.
This way you can extract an icon just be using "*.jpg" as filename.

aah even more interesting:D I'll take a look at that....
I'm guessnig that's a constant I need to pass as the dwFileAttribute parameter?:D

True.

VB Code:

Private Const SHGFI_USEFILEATTRIBUTES As Integer = &H10

There is a complete class for this in the codebank. Pretty cool.

http://vbforums.com/showthread.php?t=330983

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Originally Posted by MrPolite

aah even more interesting:D I'll take a look at that....
I'm guessnig that's a constant I need to pass as the dwFileAttribute parameter?:D

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Since I'm feeling generous today, I'll give you the source code for an ActiveX dll I'm using in a program to populate a image list control with file extension icons. It's made in VB6.

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Originally Posted by kaffenils

It's made in VB6.

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This is the VB.Net forum though. Thanks all the same I'm sure its lovely.

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Originally Posted by wossname

This is the VB.Net forum though. Thanks all the same I'm sure its lovely.

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Yes I know it's vb.net, but it should be easy to convert from vb6 to .net

naah I dont want vb6 stuff:D not even vb.net.... I'm writing in C#. I just ask here cuz I get more responses:D:D:D:D
I still havent started workign on this part of my app, but will do soon. I like what pax said, and if that didnt work then I'll look at megatran's, and then maybe wossname's:D:D

Kaffenils thanks for the reply though, I'll give you a positive feedback as soon as VBF lets me rate people again :D