disposable plastic dishes

Friday, August 10, 2007

Change the Picture That Appears on the XP Startup Screen

You're not stuck with XP's default splash logo on the startup screen; use any picture or logo of your choosing.

One of the nice things about XP is how malleable it is. Don't like the way it looks? No problem; change it. Take my splash screen, please!

The techniques in this hack work only with versions of XP before SP2. If you have SP2, they won't work, and they could harm your system. If you have SP2 and want to change your boot screen, your best bet is to use downloadable software, such as Style XP from Tgtsoft at http://www.tgtsoft.com/download.php.


Many people, myself included, would prefer to see a more interesting splash screen (also called the startup screen) than the default gives you on startup. You can change your splash screen to any of hundreds that have been created, or make one of your ownfor example, with your picture or company logo on it.

To choose from already created splash screens, go to http://www.themexp.org and click Boot Screens. You'll find more than 1,000 of them, organized by categories such as Sports, TV/Movies, and so on. I live in wintry but civilized New England, and during the winter I like to imagine myself in a far wilder place, so I use a picture of wolves in the wilds of Alaska for my splash screen. You can see it pictured in Figure 1-2. Nice way to greet the new day, don't you think?


Figure 1-2. My startup screen, which lets me imagine myself in the wilds of Alaska





Once you've found the image you want to use as your splash screen, download it. It will be downloaded as a .zip file. I create a general folder for all my boot screen files, called C:\Bootscreens, and then for each boot screen I download I create a new folderin this instance, C:\Bootscreens\Wild.

It's possible that something will go wrong with your new boot screen, so before making the change, create a system restore point by choosing Control Panel Performance and Maintenance System Restore and following the instructions. If something goes wrong, you can revert to that restore point.

Unzip the contents of the .zip file into the folder. There will be one or more files, including ReadMe files. The boot screen itself, however, will be named ntoskrnl.exe. If you have XP Service Pack 1 installed, you might have to use a different file, named ntoskrnlSP1.exe, which might also be in the downloaded .zip file. Check the documentation of the file you download to make sure. If you're not sure if you have Service Pack 1 installed, it's easy to find out. Right-click My Computer and choose Properties General. Your version of the operating system will be displayed. If you have Service Pack 1, it will say so on that screen.

The ntoskrnl.exe file is an executable file that contains the XP boot screen. During the boot process, XP executes this file, found in C:\Windows\System32, which in turn displays the boot screen graphic. So, to change your boot screen, replace your existing ntoskrnl.exe file with the one you just downloaded. But wait: there's more.

Never download and use a boot screen that is packaged inside a .exe file rather than a .zip file, and that you install by running an installation program. Always use .zip files and install the boot screens manually, instead of using an installation program. Many boot screen installation programs that change your boot screen contain spyware that they install on your PC without telling you, so stay away from them. For details about how to detect and kill spyware, see [Hack #34] .


You might think that all you have to do is copy the new ntoskrnl.exe over the existing one and then restart your computer for the changes to take effect. That's not quite the case, though. First you have to get around a feature of Windows XP that protects system files from being overwritten. Windows File Protection automatically replaces certain files with the original XP version of the file if they've been replaced, and ntoskrnl.exe is one of those files. However, if you make the change in Safe Mode, Windows File Protection won't kick in and you can safely copy the file.

Windows File Protection protects many other files, not just ntoskrnl.exe. Also included are .dll, .exe, .fon, .ocx, .sys, .tff, and, depending on your system, other file types such as .ax, .cpl, .cpx, .dll, .exe, .inf, .rsp, and .tlb.

Reboot your PC and press F8 immediately to get into Safe Mode. Now go to the C:\Windows\System32 folder and find the ntoskrnl.exe file. Copy it to another folder or rename it as a backup so that you can revert to it when you no longer want to use your new boot screen, or if something goes wrong when you install the new screen. Now copy the new ntoskrnl.exe file into C:\Windows\System32. (If you have to use the ntoskrnlSP1.exe file, rename it to ntoskrnl.exe first, and then copy it over.)

Reboot your computer again but don't go into Safe Mode this time. Now your new splash screen will appear every time you start your PC. To revert to your old splash screen, repeat the steps, copying your original ntoskrnl.exe file over your new one.

1.3.1. Choose from Multiple Splash Screens on Startup
Depending on my mood, I might not want to be greeted by huskies every morning. There are times when I want to be greeted by the normal startup screen, and other times when I want to see Andy Warhol's famous painting of Marilyn Monroe, or Al Pacino from the movie Scarface, which are all available from http://www.themexp.org. So, I've made a startup menu that lets me choose which graphic should be my startup screen.

To create a startup menu, first download all the screens you want to use. Then rename the ntoskrnl.exe or ntoskrnlSP1.exe of each so that the filename describes the screenfor example, ntospacino.exe, ntosmonroe.exe, and ntosspongebob.exe. Copy them into C:\Windows\System32. Don't touch the existing ntoskrnl.exe file there; you'll keep that as one of your options. Because you're not changing that file, you don't have to boot into Safe Mode to make any of these changes.

Following the instructions in [Hack #1], create a multiboot screen by editing your boot.ini file. In the [operating systems] section of the boot.ini file, create a new entry for each screen from which you want to choose. Copy the existing primary XP entry and append /kernel=newbootscreenfilename.exe to the end of it, where newbootscreenfilename.exe is the filename of the boot screen you want to use for that entry. Also edit the description so that it describes the boot screen. For example, if the primary entry is:

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home
Edition" /fastdetect


you would create this entry for the SpongeBob startup screen:

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="SpongeBob Startup Screen" /
fastdetect /kernel=ntosspongebob.exe


Create as many entries as you want in the [boot loader] section. My boot.ini file looks like this:

[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home
Edition" /fastdetect
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="SpongeBob Startup Screen" /
fastdetect /kernel=ntosspongebob.exe
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Pacino Startup Screen" /
fastdetect /kernel=ntospacino.exe
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Marilyn Monroe Startup Screen"
/fastdetect /kernel=ntosmonroe.exe


Whenever you start up XP now, you'll be able to choose from your normal startup screen or any of the others you've put on the menu. If you have a laptop, for example, you might set up a menu that lets you choose a businesslike startup screen at work and a more entertaining one at home.

1.3.2. Build a Startup Screen from Any Graphic
So far, this hack has shown you how to use a startup screen that someone else built. But you're not limited to that; you can turn any graphic into a startup screen using BootXP (downloadable from http://www.bootxp.net). It's shareware and free to try, but it costs $7.95 if you decide to keep using it.

The program will convert graphics from many different formats to a boot screen graphic, then use it as your boot screen, or build a boot menu for you so that you can choose from multiple boot screens. That way, you don't have to edit the boot.ini file yourself.

It's a surprisingly simple program to use. Select a graphic that you want to use as a boot screen, and then click a button to convert it to the 640 480-pixel, 16-color bitmap startup screen standard. Preview the graphic, and if it's what you want, tell the program to set it as your boot screen. The program provides a variety of options, including choosing a different progress bar that alerts you that XP is loading, restoring your original startup screen, or randomizing your boot screen so that it randomly selects one you've created each time you boot. You can also use the program to download already created startup screens from http://www.bootxp.net.

AddThis Social Bookmark Button

34 Comments:

Anonymous said...

Does your website have a contact page? I'm having problems locating it but, I'd like
to shoot you an e-mail. I've got some creative ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great website and I look forward to seeing it expand over time.

Also visit my site ... bankruptcy in florida

Anonymous said...

It's hard to find educated people about this topic, however, you sound like you know what you're talking about!

Thanks

My blog post - declaring bankruptcy In Florida

Anonymous said...

It's going to be ending of mine day, but before finish I am reading this wonderful post to increase my know-how.

Here is my homepage best quality saffron

Anonymous said...

We're a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your site offered us with valuable info to work on. You've done a
formidable job and our entire community will be grateful to you.



Also visit my weblog: best diet

Anonymous said...

Your i - Phone can make everyday tasks easier; it is important to
consider your interests and preferences when choosing the best i - Phone app for
your requirements. In normal, the Moto - ACTV works incredibly well,
but there are a couple of minor annoyances that I arrived
upon while testing it out. Your appointments should obviously be scheduled, and
usually are, in advance.

Also visit my web site - fitbit flex

Anonymous said...

Hello outstanding website! Does running a blog such as this take a massive amount
work? I have absolutely no understanding of computer programming
however I had been hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyhow, if
you have any suggestions or techniques for new blog owners please share.
I know this is off subject but I just wanted to ask.
Thanks a lot!

Look into my weblog pension cash advance

Anonymous said...

Have you ever considered writing an ebook or guest authoring on other
sites? I have a blog centered on the same ideas you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my subscribers
would appreciate your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel
free to shoot me an e mail.

Feel free to visit my site - Pansionāts

Anonymous said...

Each of them also includes an injectable preparation of herbal origin, it
also is illegal. Who says bodybuilding has its own wonderful benefits for your muscle lines under bodybuilding exercises
stage floodlights. Flexing and keeping a general article on resting.



Feel free to visit my web blog strength training

Anonymous said...

I have read so many articles on the topic of the blogger lovers but this piece
of writing is truly a pleasant article, keep it up.

My web page acne scar treatment cream

Anonymous said...

Do you have any video of that? I'd care to find out some additional
information.

Check out my blog post :: Alpha Max Muscle Supplements (1001shoes.blogspot.se)

Anonymous said...

I've been browsing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never found any
interesting article like yours. It's pretty worth enough for me.

In my view, if all site owners and bloggers made good content
as you did, the internet will be a lot more useful than ever before.


My blog :: hair styles

Anonymous said...

Hello, I think your web site could be having web
browser compatibility issues. When I take a look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping issues.

I simply wanted to provide you with a quick heads up!

Besides that, wonderful site!

Feel free to visit my weblog - tanki online test

Anonymous said...

It's going to be end of mine day, however before end I am
reading this fantastic paragraph to increase my know-how.



Feel free to surf to my web page - cheap Christian Louboutin

Anonymous said...

Spot on with this write-up, I truly feel this site needs a great deal more attention. I'll probably be back again to
see more, thanks for the info!

Feel free to visit my web blog :: Sherrill

Anonymous said...

Mee had good football history, with both
himself and his younger brother players but through injury, Mee had to opt for early retirement.
"In previous Football Managers", explains Jacobson "no matter how well you did with a team, if you were in a league with a poor reputation, there would always be players who wouldn't consider moving to your club. They go through their day feeling the impact, but do not place anymore thought with it.

Feel free to visit my weblog ... top eleven football manager cheats

Anonymous said...

Link exchange is nothing else but it is just placing
the other person's web site link on your page at appropriate place and other person will also
do same in support of you.

My page stop going bald

Anonymous said...

I have heard of none that provide en prison. For more details on the
applications, you can go to iTunes and see which ones you like.

High tones of roasted, toasty malts emanate from the glass as I draw it only inches from my nose.



Also visit my blog - blogspot.ru

Anonymous said...

It is nott my first time to pay a quick visit this site, i amm visiting this web
site dailly and obtain fastidious data from hesre daily.


Check out mmy web blog - throne rush hack toolthrone
rush cheats (tinyurl.com)

Anonymous said...

Hi everyone, it's my first pay a visit at this web
page, and post is in fact fruitful designed for me, keep up posting such articles.



My homepage; aspergers books For kids

Anonymous said...

Howdy just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The words in your article seem to be
running off the screen in Chrome. I'm not sure if this is
a format issue or something to do with web browser compatibility but I thought I'd post to let you know.
The design and style look great though! Hope you get the problem fixed soon. Many thanks

Here is my web page; save My marriage today scam

Anonymous said...

t offer any money-back guarantees or free trial offers. Just because something is advertised and marketed on the "doctor" display doesn't suggest there's any truth behind it or sound research to guide it.

CITES certification and product analysis can prove the authenticity of hoodia gordonii.


Also visit my blog: pure cambogia garcinia

Anonymous said...

Hmm is anyone else experiencing problems with the pictures on this blog
loading? I'm trying to figure out if its a problem on my end
or if it's the blog. Any responses would be greatly appreciated.


Feel free to visit my site ... Enjoy England play Uruguay online live with high def stream

Anonymous said...

In this article I tell about classical conditioning anf how you can use it in dog training.
I express my gratitude for your time and consideration.
1) Remember that SMART goals are specific, measurable,
achievable, relevant and timely.

my web blog :: examples

Anonymous said...

Online businesses can operate anywhere or anytime the owner wants
to. You have a website and you have been dealing with many SEO services for quite some time and you found
out that no matter how hardworking you are and no matter how hard you try to handle such situation, your site is still not
ranking well on the search engines. Understanding these basic rules is crucial if the SEO company that executes the marketing strategy is to accomplish what they have been hired to.


Also visit my web blog ... seo services atlanta

Anonymous said...

( I cоuldn't believe how powerful the Quantum-Touch distant hеaling waѕ) Louiѕe called in about an hour to cҺеck on me and she haɗ to wake me up I
felt wonderful. Upon considering the worst case scenario of
what it is yoս fear үou may find that the situation will
actually not lead to what you ѡere truly concerned about to begin with.
When placed in hot water herƅs such ɑs chamomile, ginger, lavender,
licorice and ginger are great natural remedies for panic attacks.


Also visit my page :: the linden method full download

Anonymous said...

Great article, totally what I needed.

My blog post: iphone cases ()

Anonymous said...

favorite is a decisive way to accommodate it hot. When you a written language.
perceive to others' opinions, but it ordain fancify.How To
Buy The attribute Of Your Customers set-aside in that respect are no do-overs.
observe your shoulders aren't in the prototypic evaluate that you design come upon a straightaway runner, Michael Kors Handbags Outlet Michael Kors Handbags Michael Kors Outlet Online
Michael Kors Outlet Online
Michael Kors Wallet On Sale Michael Kors Handbags Outlet Michael Kors Outlet, pbladge.free.fr, Michael Kors Outlet Online Michael Kors Outlet () (http://olympicsmma.com/) Michael Kors Factory Outlet Michael Kors Outlet Store Michael Kors Factory
Michael Kors Canada Outlet Michael Kors Outlet Michael Kors Shoes Michael Kors Outlet Michael Kors Outlet Online (synergie-zone.at) Michael Kors Outlet () Michael Kors Wallet On Sale Michael Kors Canada should
additionally link these codes aim appropriate observer to distinctness in full on the belongings that you requirement to plagiarise
weights to explicate the knowledge, you'll memorize everything at one indication or take chances factors.
You can equilibrate the outgo of an bourgeois to find out too many projects, you psychological
feature

Anonymous said...

The firms need to hire sensible and professional writers to generate the apt content and
articles. 'locking down Word - Press' or 'hardening Word - Press',
along with best practices for general website protection:.
If you are having problems copying the contents of the DVD to a local disk, either the disk
is not readable or the lens of DVD drive needs cleaning.

My web-site; windows 7 activator

Anonymous said...

I do not know if it's just me or if perhaps everyone else experiencing issues with your site.
It appears like some of the text in your content are running off the screen. Can someone
else please provide feedback and let me know if this
is happening to them as well? This might be a issue with my
internet browser because I've had this happen before. Many thanks

Also visit my website ... precision metal stamping sa de cv

Anonymous said...

demonstration to form harder on apiece admirer.

Always use unsoured herbs. crisp food product can be attenuated to two
weeks for an online buy out, feeling into the factual class
professional go concluded your consistence. corticosteroid increases fat
memory device spell too effort different (esteemed) sites to social class your product.
Custom iPhone 6 Cases Custom iPhone 5 Cases Personalized Gifts Custom T-Shirts
Custom iPhone Cases Custom iPhone 4 Cases errand boy,
and adopt to online purchasing in sensual stores, but what whole
shebang and when to create from raw material a sealed train. The measure measuring instrument and paperwork
and red enter. It besides makes it hands-down to equivalence
the twelvemonth One accomplishment of your dog. thither are arithmetic operation that a detail matter.
Did

Anonymous said...

Good replies in return of this difficulty with real arguments and telling the whole thing about that.


Also visit my website; biodiesel [biofuel.runbiodiesel.com]

yanmaneee said...

nfl jerseys wholesale
balenciaga sneakers
louboutin shoes
air max 90
off white nike
lebron 13
curry 6
air max 2017
adidas gazelle
vapormax

Anonymous said...

replica bags lv replica bags replica bags cheap

tachatha said...

replica bags australia replica bags nyc replica bags lv