Unable to edit or replace imageres.dll.mun file because it's already in use.


flunitazene

Member
Local time
1:58 AM
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1
OS
Windows 11
As the title suggests, I'm trying to customize some icons by editing the imageres.dll.mun file. I've been replacing the ico files within it using Resource Hacker and saved as a new file in a different folder while doing so, but when trying to copy the new version to SystemResources to replace the original, I got a typical "This file is open in another application" error. Are there any ways to get around this or should I just give up and try a different method? I'm on Windows 11.

Also, I don't normally like to edit system files and was originally planning to do this through regedit, but it seems I'm only able to change icons in the shell32.dll.mun directory. If I'm mistaken and there actually is a way to do what I want using regedit, or really any way that's easier or less risky than how I'm going about it, please let me know. I was hoping to be able to pull it off without paying for IconPackager (Stardock already has more than enough of my money lol) but I'll be willing to if there really aren't any good alternatives.
 
Windows Build/Version
Windows 11

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Did you try booting in safe mode?
 

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Please remember if you run "SFC /scannow", your customized imageres.dll.mun will be replaced as a repair action.

1. File Explorer has the current file locked in memory (in use). So you can't overwrite the file, but you can rename it something else.
2. After you renamed the existing imageres.dll.mun, copy your customized file as the original filename.
3. Kill/restart File Explorer for your changes to take effect.

Code:
ren C:\Windows\SystemResources\imageres.dll.mun C:\Windows\SystemResources\imageres.dll-BACKUP.mun
move \folderpath\your.dll.mun C:\Windows\SystemResources\imageres.dll.mun
taskkill /f /im explorer.exe
start explorer
 

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Windows 7
MS may replace your modified xx.num file next time you install windows upgrades. Point the icon to another location(file) is better.
 

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Windows 11
OS
Windows 11
This specific file cannot be modified directly. The first step, which you already did, is to copy to another folder and modify the copy. The next step is to change owner of the folder C:\Windows\SystemResources from TrustedInstaller to Administrators group. Then change access rights from Read-only to Full for the Administrators group. Then verify that the original file C:\Windows\SystemResources\imageres.dll.mun has also changed owner to the Administrators group and then change access rights to Full for the Administrators group. The next step is to replace the file with the modified version, but it is in use by File Explorer, so you have to terminate the File Explorer process and then use Command Prompt as Administrator or a third-party file manager to replace the file. Assuming the modified file is in C:\Temp folder, the commands are:
Code:
C:
cd \
cd Windows
cd SystemResources
ren imageres.dl.mun imageres.dll.mun.bak
copy \Temp\imageres.dll.mun .
explorer
exit
 

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    Legacy MBR installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, no WDDM 2.0 graphics drivers, no SSE4.2, cannot get more unsupported ;) This is only my test laptop. I had installed Windows 11 here before upgrading my main PC. For my main PC I use everyday see my 2nd system specs.
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For ease of access, use powerrun or rightclicktools to run command prompt s trustedinstaller. Then you can rename the current one to .bak and move the modified one to the directly. Then restart Explorer
 

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Not while File Explorer is running. End Task explorer.exe from Task Manager before replacing the file.
 

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    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (5699), 25H2 (9168)Mobile DualCore Intel Core 2 Duo T7250, 2000 MHz4GBMobile Intel(R) GMA 4500M (Mobile 4 series)
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (5699), 25H2 (9168)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Extensa 5630EZ
    CPU
    Mobile DualCore Intel Core 2 Duo T7250, 2000 MHz
    Motherboard
    Acer Extensa 5630
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Mobile Intel(R) GMA 4500M (Mobile 4 series)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC268 @ Intel 82801IB ICH9 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1
    Screen Resolution
    1280x800
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250GB SATA Device (250 GB, SATA-III)
    Internet Speed
    802.11g wireless 54 Mbps
    Browser
    MICROSOFT EDGE
    Antivirus
    WINDOWS DEFENDER
    Other Info
    Legacy MBR installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, no WDDM 2.0 graphics drivers, no SSE4.2, cannot get more unsupported ;) This is only my test laptop. I had installed Windows 11 here before upgrading my main PC. For my main PC I use everyday see my 2nd system specs.
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro v25H2 (build 26200.9168)Intel Core-i7 3770 3.40GHz s1155 (3rd generat...2x Kingston Hyper-X Blu 8GB DDR3-1600GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3050 WINDFORCE OC V2 6GB...
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro v25H2 (build 26200.9168)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom-built PC
    CPU
    Intel Core-i7 3770 3.40GHz s1155 (3rd generation)
    Motherboard
    Asus P8H61 s1155 ATX
    Memory
    2x Kingston Hyper-X Blu 8GB DDR3-1600
    Graphics card(s)
    GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3050 WINDFORCE OC V2 6GB (GV-N3050WF2OCV2-6GD)
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD audio (ALC887)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Sony Bravia KDL-19L4000 19" LCD TV via VGA
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900 32-bit 60Hz
    Hard Drives
    WD Blue SA510 2.5 1000GB SSD as system disk, Western Digital Caviar Purple 4TB SATA III (WD40PURZ) as second
    PSU
    Thermaltake Litepower RGB 550W Full Wired
    Case
    SUPERCASE MIDI-TOWER
    Cooling
    Deepcool Gamma Archer CPU cooler, 1x 8cm fan at the back
    Keyboard
    Mitsumi 101-key PS/2
    Mouse
    Microsoft Compact Optical Mouse
    Internet Speed
    802.11ac 5GHz wireless 260Mpbs
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Legacy BIOS (MBR) installation, no TPM, no Secure Boot, WDDM 3.0 graphics drivers, WEI score 7.4
Not while File Explorer is running. End Task explorer.exe from Task Manager before replacing the file.
Not necessary. Done it dozens of times.
 

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Windows 11 Pro

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