To create icon, I usually recommend IcoFX:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IcoFX[
^],
http://icofx.ro/[
^].
You can also use pixels editors of your choice and import some images in IcoFX.
Of course, there is a number of other editors, including Visual Studio.
You should understand that a single icon contains several images of different sizes, so the Shell can use it in different views. You should also use transparency feature, which is important for icons.
Icons are needed only in two places: 1) application icons, set by using application Properties in Visual Studio, 2) Form or Window icon for each form. You should not use icon in other places, where you can use bitmaps, vector graphics, etc.
First use of it mentioned above defines how the application file looks on desktop, file managers (like Explorer), and other views using the system shell.
—SA