>Hi Goerge, Paul,
>
>As both of you mentioned, ExtractIconEx() returns a pointer/handle to the icon.
>However, how is it that Windows Explorer is capable of extracting the related default icon for a file (registry) and place that icon in its ListView control?
>
>Obviously, a ListView gets its icons from a related ImageList object and, from my experience ImageLists require a PHYSICAL file name. In that case a pointer would mean nothing to me. Do you have an idea as to how to approach this dilema?
>
>Sorry, I do not mean to sound naive, but this is the first time I tackle this.

You're making the assumption that the Explorer is using the ImageList control. ActiveX controls are often used to simplify interfacing with the API, for us high level programmer types. I don't think that the Explorer would use one.

Not completely off the thread, but in doing a little research I found that an object variable that can be used by the ImageList (from LoadPicture) has a handle and type properties. I haven't been able to find out. I wonder if it would be possible to create a custom object with those properties and pass it? I doubt it, but "ya never know 'til ya try".:-) If I can sneak a couple of minutes to look at it, I'll let you know for certain.