i have downloaded them and i can't get the game to pick them up

Did you unzip them into the Portraits directory?

Here is an explanation for using custom portraits.

Step 1. Make sure all the portraits are in BMP format. Sizes are for the large port 110W x 170H, small 38W x 60H.

Step 2. Open up the Icewind Dale program folder. This would be found in C:\Program Files\Black Isle\Icewind Dale. Right click in the window and select new--> folder , and name it Portraits.

Step 3. Place any portraits you have into this folder. Also a consideration needs to be made how you name the portraits. I have found naming them fem001L.bmp , fem001s.bmp, male001L.bmp, male001s.bmp. works the best.

Step 4. Start the game and enjoy your new custom portraits.

For more hints and tips take a look at my new webpage http://www.iwdbg.cjb.net/

thanx but i installed it on my E drive