Can I use M$ icons in my software?

[ClickHere2Surf.com]

I'm currently making a new version of my software and was wondering if I can use microsoft icons in it such as the red "X" close button from Windows XP and the favorites star icon from Internet Explorer? Can I get sued for this or is it ok?

Thanks

[TechZ]

I would think its copyrighted. But there are lots of free icons available for download on internet, google.

I've seen variants of the icons youve mentioned, mostly used by people who make skins for XP. Download some style packs and you can ask the makers for use of their icons.

[RejectionMan]

you should be able to use the red X, infact if its inside of a message box you can our just about all of the MS icons that are avlible through msgbox options in both VB and C++.

if its in your application form thinge will be a little more sticky, i genraly keep to what ever button the IDE offers me rather than monkeying with it to avoid potential problems and extra work prettying its up.