How To Create Actual 256px icons?

Hey what's up guys! I have an issue with creating crisp clear 256x256px icons for windows, no matter what tool I use, I end up getting icons in 32x32px with smooth edges. I can convert my .png images to 256x256px icons with 32-bit depth but they end up being distorted with crappy edges when I apply changes.

I use Icofx and Axialis' IconWorkshop pro to convert my .png images, but both end up giving me icons in 32x32px with 32-bit depth but without distortion in image quality at all, unless I force it to give me an icon in actual 256x256px since the 256px thumbnail in both apps don't really generate icons in 256px when I save as .ico . I've seen people create and convert .png pictures to crisp clear 256px .ico files on deviantart for distribution so I think I'm not doing something right. Please help me.

You might want to try this link :

ConvertICrg - Create Windows Icons From Images In PNG, JPG, GIF & BMP Format

It seems to work good.

I haven't tried the software, just the online converter.

Pictures of online process :

I already tried that website and it didn't give the intended results, I want to create 256px icons with 32-bit depth from .png files on my pc offline. I know it can be done with the apps I've got, I just don't know how.

If you create icons with that website and apply them on your desktop, you'll notice some distortion in the icons which I've be trying as much as possible to avoid.

Aspect ratio may cause distortion.

As long as the link is here maybe someone else will find the site useful.

EDIT--

The width & height of the original image should be the same to avoid distortion.

The width and height are the same, I think it has something to do with selecting the right image format since the 256px thumbnails in both apps generate icons in 32px.

See if this tutorial will help Icon - Make from Image - Windows 7 Help Forums

Jerry