Help with modifying system files

[ipaq38vette]

Yesterday I reveived an old laptop that I would like to use for supplementary tasks. It runs windows 98, and nothing later. I don't mind the 98 interface, but I hate hate hate the 98 icons. I tried moving the shell32.dll icons file from my xp machine to the laptop but windows won't let me overwrite, rename, cut, or delete the existing shell32.dll file. How do i get around this? Is there a freeware solution?

also, does anyone know how to make the text background for the desktop icons transparent?

[mscdex]

One solution is to use a program called Icon Packager (http://www.stardock.com/products/iconpackager/) which is made by Stardock. You can then find some XP icon sets at WinCustomize (http://www.wincustomize.com), among other icon sets as well. Hope this helps.