TUTORIAL: All About Resource Hacker! A Brief Tutorial

[Vishal Gupta]

!!! WARNING !!!

Playing with system files using resource hacker can be Dangerous for your system and it can make your system not working.

So use it at your own risk!



Guys!

So many members hv asked me a lot of questions about Resource Hacker, like:

=> How to replace existing Resources ( Bitmaps, AVI, Icons, etc.) in a file?
=> How to add ur own resources?
=> How to change Menus/ Strings?

and so on...

So here I'll try to cover all such questions and many other tips-n-tricks.:)
So here we go.....

NOTE: I hv divided this tutorial in 2 parts:

PART1 : BASIC INFORMATION
PART2 : ADVANCED INFORMATION

Basic part contains Basic details, like viewing/replacing resources, etc.
Advanced part covers some advance information which is described for geeks. Like Adding ur own resources, using scripts with resource hacker, etc.

PART1 : BASIC INFORMATION


What is Resource Hacker:

Resource Hacker is a Free s/w to edit 32-bit windows files (DLL, EXE, CPL, and many other). U can add/delete/view/rename/modify existing resources in a file using this gr8 piece of s/w.

Download Link:

U can d/l Resource Hacker from here (http://delphi.icm.edu.pl/ftp/tools/ResHack.zip).
U don't need to install it, simply extract the files and run the s/w. It also doesnt make any entry in Registry!:)

Using Resource Hacker:

When u open a file in Resource Hacker, it shows various directories in left-side pane, like:

AVI
Cursor
Bitmap
Icon
Menu
Dialog
String Table
Accelerators
Version Info

and so on...

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/2309/newpicturelr6.jpg

These directories vary from file to file!
Following is a small description of these directories:

AVI : This directory contains AVI files.
Cursor : This directory contains Cursor files.
Bitmap : This directory contains Bitmaps.
Icon : This directory contains Icons.
Menu : This directory contains various Menus.
Dialog : This directory contains various Dialog boxes.
String Table : This directory contains various Strings.
Accelerators : This directory contains Shortcut keys.
Version Info : This directory contains version information of the file.

Viewing Resources:

U can view any resource embedded in the file. Simply expand the directory and click on the name of the resource.
Actually each resource contains 3 parts:

Resource Type
Resource Name
Resource Language

Resource Type : Its indicate that the resource is an AVI/Bitmap/Menu/Cursor/Icon/String/etc.
Resource Name : It describes the name of a resource, no 2 resource can hv the same name.
Resource Language : Its the language used in the file. For ENGLISH its 1033.


Continue Here... (http://www.askvg.com/tutorial-all-about-resource-hacker-in-a-brief-tutorial/)

[aditya.shevade]

Hi

Great! Can you tell me how to save the changes? I tried to save the shell32.dll but it cannot be replaced. Is there any other way?

Aditya

[Vishal Gupta]

thnx.
U can't save a system file while running windows.
It happens bcoz of WFP (Windows File Protection) service running in background.
But there r several utilities to overcome this problem!
Either u can use replacer, which works well in such conditions. Simply run the utility and first drag-n-drop the original file in its window then it'll ask for the new one, thendrag-n-drop ur customized file and then press "Y" for confirmation.
It'll automatically replace the file at next system restart.
U can find such utilities here (http://www.thinkdigit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30897).

[rk]

nice tutorial vishal

[pranshu]

Good one Vishaal! Thanks a lot for all your effort, but why didnt you post all of them in one post rather than posting them in different posts. Increasing your post counts??? Even then it doesn't matter to me till the time good things are brought in.

[sudipbhowmick]

Plz.....Give Me A Brief Tutorial if possible on how to change the "system property box" & "run" dialog box & other windows dialogs & menus.

thanx to U very much for teaching .....plz keep it on.

[aditya.shevade]

Hi

I don't get it. I asked you a lot of questions by sending you the email. It was all related to this tutorial. Still you say it's the worst tutorial you ever made? It's great. Just give detailed info on how to do things exactly. And please tell me how to create a live windows cd.

Aditya

[Vishal Gupta]

thnx guys for ur kind support :)

Hacking System Properties Dialog Box (Sysdm.cpl file)

NOTE: Here I'll describe how to change the first tab "General" in System Properties dialog box. Following is a screenshot of the dialog box which will U get after following hack.

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/1538/newpicture9nf.jpg


Continue here:
Hacking System Properties Dialog Box in Windows XP (http://www.askvg.com/hacking-system-properties-dialog-box-in-windows-xp/)

[ax3]

hi VIshal ... instead of v guys doing these above stuff ... can u also upload ur files ... will b useful ...

well i will b trying this stuff bt time is THE thing ...

[Vishal Gupta]

I hv uploaded my Sysdm.cpl filehere (http://www.MegaShare.com/23799).
But don't forget to take a backup of ur existing Sysdm.cpl file.
If u face ne problem like version problem, just replace my file with ur default file. :D

[aditya.shevade]

Hi

Nice thing that you are actually telling us how to do things. Not the usual use resource hacker line. Continue with this! You are helping people like me.

Aditya

[ayush_chh]

:confused: don't know that what i m goin to post has already been posted or not.
if yes then tell me i'll delete this.

after learning that using res hak one can edit so many files (thanks to vishal gupta for his superb tut on 'list of files to be hacked') i tried to edit logonui.exe and on searching i found that the logon and logoff screen can be changed.:cool:

how to do it.

open the 'logonui.exe' file with res hak.
now goto UIFILE/1000/1033

on the right side there is a large blank space but as u go down u will find the stuff.

all u have to do is to change the values where ever u see

rgb(0-256,0-256,0-256)

for respective shades

actually the screen is divided into many parts:

these can be editted in UIFILE
the main screen
top pannel
bottom pannel
these can be editted in BITMAP section
there are many seperating lines(BITMAP/124,125,126/1033)
the windows logo(BITMAP/123,127/1033)
one bitmap on left top corner(BITMAP/100/1033)
one behind user name(BITMAP/112/1033)

this is all part of my research. i hav not found it from any link;)

thank you

[aditya.shevade]

@ Ayush

Well I read this somewhere. But since you say you found it on your own it's good.

Aditya

[delivi]

thanx for this wonderful tutorial it was really helpful.

[ayush_chh]

@ Ayush

Well I read this somewhere.
Aditya


if it's not useful then as i said before i will delete it.:)

[__Virus__]

man o man.. trust me I like your helping nature to the max!! awesome dood.. just keep it comin.. wonderful helping nature!!!

[aditya.shevade]

@ Ayush

I am saying donot delete it. It's good that you found that out on your own.

Aditya

[knight17]

Nice tutorial...
Thanks for that...please add more....

[nitish_mythology]

Wow nice work Vishal...
Thanks!

[ayush_chh]

'VISTA' u r gettin FAMOUS. WE like YOU.

[wizrulz]

Hey hi vish

I was just doing something with help of ur tut ..but i wanna knwo how to replace the progres bar in SHELL32.dll....something like u have in one of ur screen shot (green one ).....u have not posted abt anything abt it.
Are any more tuts coming wrt to resource hack???

[Vishal Gupta]

Its not related to Shell32.dll, its bcoz of the Visual Style, U use! :)

[wizrulz]

WHATEVER.....what to do to get that effect.... ??? any tuts for that ;)

[Vishal Gupta]

Okie!
If u install any 3rd party theme in XP, the look of progress bar is changed...
So if u want to hv that green progress bar, then install any VISTA visual style for XP.

Or if u do it manually, then open the .msstyles file in Resource Hacker and search for:

PROGRESSCHUNKVERT_BMP
PROGRESSCHUNK_BMP
PROGRESSTRACKVERT_BMP
PROGRESSTRACK_BMP

in BITMAP section, and change their color/style according to ur requirement! :)



================================================== ==========================



Okie Guys!
After a LONG break, I'm posting a small tut on some COMMON changes/hacks, which most of the ppl want to make!
Here I'll tell U the exact location of the thing, U want to change.

List of a few Locations in Windows XP to be Hacked (http://www.askvg.com/list-of-a-few-locations-in-windows-xp-to-be-hacked/)


Its not the complete list. There r lots of other things, which can be changed/hacked. But posting all the settings will require lots of time. So I request U guys, that if u want to change something else, which is not present in the list, pls ask here. I'll try my best to answer the query! :)

[aditya.shevade]

How the hell you find time for all this? It's great to have you around to help us. :-)

[Vishal Gupta]

lol...
I was FREE today (Afterall its 15th August) and thought of posting this...
It took approx. half an hour for me to open the files in RH and then look for the things and then post here! :D

[paul_007]

the best tutorial i have ever seen :)

[spiceluvver]

nice work vishal.......
keep the good will coming to us.........

[timimski]

wow, great tutorial, thanks for all your efforts ...

Vish, how would you change the colour of a Dialog ... for example, the standard grey background colour to an RGB, or other, custom colour? Any ideas?

[gouthama]

sir u have not told how 2 add genuine pic.


and one more thing i have came 2 know tat with resource hacker even we can hack all trail software's so plz guide us in tat sir
u can mail me at Gouthama1@Gmail.com


thank-u

[Brave_Hunt]

If %windir% means 'Windows' then what's 'Program Files' Means?

[Vishal Gupta]

^^
%windir% or %systemroot% = Windows
%programfiles% = Program Files
:)

[clmlbx]

Thanks For Ur Tut. That Was Realy Very Usefull For Us.

Can You Also Explain How To Insert Controls In System Dialog Box
And Define Their Work.as In Ur Tut U Added Resources So How Did You Defined In System Dialog Box. (all Coding That U Did ) . Inserting Controls Options ( Pre-define Controls ,caption,class Name, Style ) What To Define ????

So Pls Give Some Help On It.

Again Thanks For Ur Tut.

[Vishal Gupta]

thnx :)

I think u didnt read my this (http://www.thinkdigit.com/forum/showpost.php?p=266092&postcount=10) post in previous page of this thread? In this post I posted the complete tutorial for customizing System Properties box.

I also uploaded my sysdm.cpl file here (http://www.thinkdigit.com/forum/showpost.php?p=266550&postcount=12).

[Vishal Gupta]

Guys!

I hv added some images in the Main posts (http://www.thinkdigit.com/forum/showpost.php?p=263106&postcount=1) of this thread for better understanding and to make the tutorial more intresting :D

[SoFtEcH]

wOw! Nice to see you here with great achievement Vishal :)...
OFF TOPIC :
do you remember me?...

Yah me too Indian man... I'm form Tamil Nadu. You are doing really great work brother...
__________
^^
%windir% or %systemroot% = Windows
%programfiles% = Program Files
:)

Yah and

%UserProfile% means drive:\Documents and Settings\User

%ALLUsersProfile% means drive:\Documents and Settings\ALL Users

%AppData% means drive:\Documents and Settings\User\Application Data
__________
sir u have not told how 2 add genuine pic.


and one more thing i have came 2 know tat with resource hacker even we can hack all trail software's so plz guide us in tat sir
u can mail me at Gouthama1@Gmail.com


thank-u

Hi Goutham,

Its not meand that Resource Hacker is used to hack some trial softwares.But
It does can hacks the resource's of some
system files/applicaitons/screensavers/cpl files.

[Vishal Gupta]

^^
thnx man! :D

And of course I remember u buddy ;)

[SoFtEcH]

Cool

[Vishal Gupta]

Guys! This is my RUN dialog box's new Look: :D

http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/9633/newpicturegw3.jpg

How is it? :)

[rakeshishere]

OMG awesome dude..Any info abt how did u do this..I know u would have used reshack but the procedure for it

[Vishal Gupta]

thnx buddy :)

Here is how did I do it: :D

Hacking RUN Dialog Box in Windows XP (http://www.askvg.com/hacking-run-dialog-box-in-windows-xp/)

[SoFtEcH]

cool :) ...

[rakeshishere]

Thanx ..That was awesome

[aditya.shevade]

Really good

[wizrulz]

A SALUTE TO U VISHAL.............
HEy can u please also add the avi for the green progress bar u had???

[Vishal Gupta]

I added it in my 2nd (http://www.thinkdigit.com/forum/showpost.php?p=307322&postcount=43) post in this page ;)

[wizrulz]

Not this one dude...the green one remember in one of ur resource hacker post it was...i guess vertical one....

[Vishal Gupta]

Ohhhh.
That was bcoz of the theme, I was using. :)

If u use any Vista Visual style, then u'll also get the same green progress bar in the dialog box. Currently I'm using my own VistaVG theme :D

[::vicky::]

what are the system requirements for windows vista? and when is the final release vishal & brother viishal can u help on a tutorial which is in tutorial section with the name tea effect plz

[n2casey]

Hi Vishal!

Congrats for ur tute (Enable hibernate ....) & thanks from all users who were not knowing about Resource hacker. I m using RH for last 2 yrs but I have joined forum just few days b4 so I never posted ne tute but U r doing a nice & hard work.
Once again, congrats. Keep it up friend.

[Vishal Gupta]

@::vicky::
Vista will be released in Jan 2007 to all users.

And pls don't ask me ne help regarding to photoshop as I'm totally noob in PS :D

@n2casey
thnx buddy :)

[pops]

Excellent work… great... And Thanks A lot.

[vikas_patil60]

Nice tutorial...
Thanks lot....
be continue....
what about disktop dialog in disktop properties
I don't found in the...dll
Please.helppppppp

[Vishal Gupta]

thnx!
I posted about all such hacks here (http://www.thinkdigit.com/forum/showpost.php?p=288519&postcount=26) :)

Changing the look of Desktop tab in Desktop Properties box

Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 29952 to 29956 -> 1033.

[SoFtEcH]

chk the link bro....

I know something in PS :P ...

[Vishal Gupta]

Oops! thnx for correcting. :)

Link has been fixed now...

[koolkapoor]

really kool man!
P.S:do you konow how i can register windows vista RC1 like you did?

[Vishal Gupta]

If u r able to connect net in RC1, then u can easily activate it on net.
In other cases, u can activate it on phone, but I can't remember the phone no. :(

[niks999]

Hey Vishal!!!
Can u tell me how to change the background of the login screen????
I can change the text but am not able to change the picture in the background!
Help me PLZ@@@@
__________
Hey Vishal!!!
Can u tell me how to change the background of the login screen????
I can change the text but am not able to change the picture in the background!

[RoughGuy]

very nice n informative..... thanks for sharing man....

[anantkhaitan]

Vishal can you tell me how to bring "Make a new Shortcut" below "Make a new folder" in the left task pane

[Vishal Gupta]

I never tried it but I'll tell U all what I know about it:

1.) All these links r hardcoded in the Windows Shell, so u can't add items but u can remove or change their locations.

2.) Open Shell32.dll file in Resource Hacker.

3.) All Task Pane information is stored in UIFILE section.

4.) There r 2 sub-section under UIFILE section: 3 & 4.

5.) In the 2nd section 4, u'll get XML file, in which all these items r defined, like:

a.) AppletLink (for pictures/music folders)
b.) TaskLink (for file/folder tasks, like cut,copy,paste,etc.)
c.) CategoryLink (Other places)
d.) CategoryList / CategoryView (details)

6.) And finally, the strings/labels & their details r stored in:

String Table -> 1953 & 1956 -> 1033. :)

I hope, it'll help U :D

PS: If u want to change the look of the task pane, then u'll hv to edit shellstyles.dll file, which u'll find in the Shell folder under every Theme folder in %windir%\Resources\Themes folder.

[anantkhaitan]

Thanx Vishal for this info i will try my Trial & Error method to get to a conclusion and immediately post it here if results are +ve

I remember you Posted something on adding "Hide the content of this folder" to a user defined folder probably..... only by registry hacks

[vikas_patil60]

Hi vishal
reshacker some time show massage like
" exe Compressor .................."
Do you know about exe Compressor

[spiderman]

small world big minds large followers one of them is spiderman

hello thanx verymuch. keep on going
lage raho vishal

[jz2linkinpark]

wow, your shell skills are so good!

[Vishal Gupta]

Thank u guys for ur valuable comments :)

[ax3]

from where do u get these images ????

[Vishal Gupta]

Which image r u talking about? :)

[kp3]

How do i make progress bars´? I know how i add them but i think i must code sumtehing.....

[rup]

hi vishal... this is my first thread but one of the several visits...so, first of all i just want to say...u buddy always rock the forum with ur new posts,,...i hv already implemented sum of ur fantastic threads... n solved the challenged which one of my fnds hd given to me 3-4 yrs ago to change the start button text... thax a lot.. here by i want to ask u something.. that the "folder option" which is usually found in "view" menu or in "settings".. but i hvn't found this in my pc using 98SE.. hv i md any mistakes...n another qs>>.
can u plz tell hw to change the "welcome" text appears in XP booting screen.... thax buddy n wish u join the MCA group soon with ur bydefault power of talents............................:)

[Vishal Gupta]

@kp3
U can add progress bars but can't make them working coz it depends upon the internal coding!

@rup
thnx buddy for ur comments :)
To change the "welcome" text, open %windir%\System32\Logonui.exe file in Resource Hacker and goto:

String Table -> 1 -> 1033

And in right-side pane, change the text of 7th entry. :)

[ax3]

hi vishal ....... how do i just change the font from visual style or msstyle through resource hacker ?

coz some visual style or msstyle which i have downloaded have very small font ......

[Vishal Gupta]

No need of Resource Hacker!

Just open Desktop Properties, goto "Appearance" tab and click on "Advanced" button, now u can change fonts u want ;)

[ax3]

thanx . bt if i wanna modify a particular style .....

[Vishal Gupta]

Then open the .msstyles file in Resource Hacker and look for the image u want to change and then just replace it with ur own image ;)

[sree_shan]

thanks vishal.....
great info by u ... :)
__________
@vishal :)
u rockkkkkkk always.....
thanx yaar....
i had modified my system properties dialog box as u said ..... it is looking nice....
but a small doubt remains in my mind....
the 6.bmp which u attached is appearing only in "general" tab ... but i want to make the 6.bmp to be appear in every tab option(computer name,hardware,.....) at the leftmost as it is in general tab ....
how can i make it and what modifications do i hav to done .... ?????
help me reg. this ....:( :( :(
i know u always rocks..... :) :) :)

[Vishal Gupta]

Yeah! U can add that image in other tabs too ;)

If u check other dialogs in the sysdm.cpl file, then u'll get other tabs also, now just resize the dialog to make space for the image and then just insert the BITMAP :)

[Quiz_Master]

Can u tell me where can I get pre made images to place in my dialog boxes.

Do u made ur own?

[Vishal Gupta]

Whenever I need any image, I just google for that ;)
Like I needed Mickey Mouse image for the RUN dialog box and I googled for it :)

[sabret00the]

Gupta ur good man!!!

[DR RANJAN]

this tutorial section give a new look to my windows...thanx VISHAL

[Vishal Gupta]

thnx guys for ur nice comments ;)

[Mohammad]

Damn man. you are the one....
i was surfing the net for some info about vista theme and now im in a new world of Xp.
your brilliant man. i was surprised that we can do that in our OS.
but im sad cause i couldnt apply those to my winXP. i dont know i tried what u did with the my computer properties, and nothing happened, i was wondering wat was wrong. i will try it again later for sure.
but i wanted to know if i can change the color of the taskbar to black thru this reshack. and how can i change the first boot screen for Xp. the black one with the bar in the middle. i wanna put another picture for it.
thanks again. and now i have around a week to review all the tutorials on this site.
thanks again

[Vishal Gupta]

First thanks for ur precious comments :)

but im sad cause i couldnt apply those to my winXP. i dont know i tried what u did with the my computer properties, and nothing happened, i was wondering wat was wrong.
I think its happening bcoz of the WFP (Windows File Protection) service. Just disable it and ur problem will be solved!
To disable WFP see following thread:

List of Some Useful System Utilities! (http://www.thinkdigit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30897)

but i wanted to know if i can change the color of the taskbar to black thru this reshack.
For it go thru following thread:

How To Change Color Of Taskbar. (http://www.thinkdigit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=35944)

and how can i change the first boot screen for Xp. the black one with the bar in the middle. i wanna put another picture for it.
See following thread:


TUTORIAL: How 2 change XP Boot Screen using Tuneup Utilities! (http://www.thinkdigit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21202)

[Mohammad]

Hey man.
thanks for the quick reply.
well first of all, IT WORKEDDDDDDDDDDDD>:D :D :D i did something wrong in one step. so thats why it didnt work. i actually was trying to make my own mycomputer properties, but man it needs time to set the spaces in between.
ill try my best to work out it.

secondly about the changing the taskbar color. im using the classic xp theme. is that possible to change ? cause u said something about royale theme i guess:???:
and about the boot screen., i hate to use a software. once i use stylexp and it &#^@ my pc up.
is there another way?:)

[Vishal Gupta]

To change the color of taskbar in Classic theme, u can change the color settings in Desktop Display properties!

1.) Open Desktop Properties.
2.) Goto "Appearance" tab.
3.) Click on "Advanced" button.
4.) Change the color of "3D Objects" to ur desired color.

Regarding to Tuneup Utilities, its a gr8 s/w and there is no harm in using it. You can use it without any problem, in fact I'm using it since many months :)

And if u really want to edit the boot screen manually, then its a tough task. You'll hv to edit %windir%\System32\ntoskrnl.exe file in Resource Hacker and replace the Bitmaps. But the Bitmaps are not visible, they r completely Black, so u'll hv to edit them in photoshop!

U can follow this tutorial for it:

How can I change the Windows XP or Windows 2000 boot screen? (http://www.windowsitpro.com/Article/ArticleID/25797/25797.html)

Or u can d/l ready-made boot screens from net and then replace the "ntoskrnl.exe" file! :)

[milnniki]

its very nice vishal

[Vishal Gupta]

Thank u ;)

[Ozric]

I have used ResHacker for some time now but have never seen the point of adding controls to things as they will not be able to do anything. For example, I added a button to a dialog box but it is greyed out as there is no function for it to perform. Is there any way to add functionality to controls? If not, what is the point of being able to add them? This has puzzled me for a long time, if anyone has any suggestions I would be grateful.

[Vishal Gupta]

U can add BIMAPs, AVIs, Date-Time, etc in ur dialog box and they'll work perfectly.

But there is no benefit in adding buttons in the dialog coz u can't add functionality to them!

[Ozric]

Thanks, that's what I thought - strange ! It's fun though, isn't it? I put a shortcut to ResHacker in my SendTo folder, whenever I want to know what a file is I SendTo ResHacker (or Notepad), very handy! http://www.thinkdigit.com/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif

[::.BLOOD!GOD.::]

when i do so
my default gets called automatically
and new one doesm't work
plz help me

[Vishal Gupta]

^^
Its happening bcoz of WFP (Windows File Protection) service, which automatically restore the original file!

Just disable this service using WFP Switcher, u can get it from here:

List of Some Useful System Utilities! (http://www.thinkdigit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30897)

PS: You can also save the file in different location after editing, and then just boot into safe mode or in ne other windows ( if u hv diual boot system) and then replace original file with the edited one and don't forget to replace the file into %windir%\system32\dllcache folder also, it contains a backup of all system files. ;)

[iMav]

hey vishal im getting some wierd error:

access violation at address (some no.) in module 'Reshacker.exe'. Write of address (some no. but not the same as b4) .... i get this while copying ur code (to replaced by the existng in dialog) .... help plz

[Vishal Gupta]

It doesnt hv nething to do with my code ;)

It happens sometimes in resource hacker while editing files. Even I hv also faced same problem manytimes and I had to loose my all edited data :(

Try to copy the file at some other location and then edit it ;)

[iMav]

i tried tht too but it aint happin .... wat i wanna know is tht nothing with my pc or ur code inherited prob of RH .... in tht case then i will try it at some other time .... hope it wrks

[Vishal Gupta]

afaik, this problem has nothing to do with the code :)

[iMav]

ya it happnd ... i replaced the code first and then the added the images and all ..... while going thru the sysdm file via RH .... i got the same eror while i came to image 6 .... so i guess thr is some prob wen u add the 6th image (IMHO)
__________
cud u explain to me ur code coz i don any image in place of angie and i want the image on the left of the text as it is by default

[Vishal Gupta]

Oh! So u r talking about the sysdm.cpl file, which I described here (http://www.thinkdigit.com/forum/showpost.php?p=266092&postcount=10) :)

For it, just add the images first and then replace the code ;)

[qohelet]

hi vishal!

Thanks for all the tutorials about the resource hacker! IT was really great and fun executing.

Just want to ask something about your vistavg in deviant art. Before I used window blinds to skin my comp but recently i changed to just using uxtheme.dll patch since WB is such a resource hog on my comp. I was trying to find some vista visual styles. I found a lot on deviant art but on all of them your visual style is my favorite. However, i cannot fully copy screen shot you have. I mean i wanted to remove "All programs" option in left side of the start menu but unfortunately i was not able to do it. I don't know if the resource hacker will do the trick but if it is i don't know how.

Just look at my screen shots.:) YOur elegant visual style is also here. Thanks a lot!:D

http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/5251/vistavgbyvishalguptahs1.jpg


http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/5428/desktoplj8.png

[Vishal Gupta]

first thnx a lot buddy for ur comments :)

Actually I did a lots of tweaks in my system acc. to my choice :D

Regarding to the "All Programs" menu, just open regedit and goto:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Policies\Explorer

in right-side pane, create a DWORD value NoStartMenuMorePrograms and change its value to 1 ;)

PS: pls post thumbnails instead of the full image coz we also hv dial-up users! :)

[Vishal Gupta]

In Desktop Properties goto Desktop tab and click on Customize Desktop button.

Now u can select, which icons should be displayed on Desktop ;)

[Tech Geek]

Thanks for all those tutorials .

Can anyone help me with this.
I am only able to view classic:mad:

[Vishal Gupta]

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Policies\Explorer

in right-side pane, look for DWORD value NoSimpleStartMenu, if it exists delete it ;)

[Tech Geek]

But i can only see NoDriveTypeAutorun

[Vishal Gupta]

Also check this in: ;)

HKEY_USERS\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersi on\Policies\Explorer
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Policies\Explorer

[RoughGuy]

Hi Vishal Bhai... i think u can help me with this thing.....

I have downloaded a software from net named mySb from here (http://www.sayesoft.com.au/mySB/info.htm) which replaces the start button image and also the button, it can even change the start button like this...

http://www.sayesoft.com.au/mySB/anigo.gif

i searched with Resource Hacker for that type of files in many Dll's but could not find them but in the installation folder of that application i found 4 BMP files containing these images... can u tell me hw this can be possible... is there any way 2 change the start button to our custom shape and also animatable.....

Thanks in advance....

[Vishal Gupta]

You can change the Start button image but u can't set an animated one! :)

To change the start button image u can follow 2 methods:

1.) U can change the BMP in explorer.exe file.
2.) U can also change the whole start button look from the visual style itself, like I changed in my VS "VistaVG" ;)

[RoughGuy]

You can change the Start button image but u can't set an animated one! :)

To change the start button image u can follow 2 methods:

1.) U can change the BMP in explorer.exe file.
2.) U can also change the whole start button look from the visual style itself, like I changed in my VS "VistaVG" ;)

I tried the first one... can u tell u abt the second method plz....

[Vishal Gupta]

2nd method is related with hacking ur current visual style with resource hacker! :)

Suppose, u r using Luna VS, then u hv to open its .msstyles file in resource hacker, which u'll find in %windir%\Resources\Themes\Luna\ folder.

When u open this file in resource hacker, u'll find a BITMAP with the name BLUE_STARTBUTTON_BMP (if u r using some different VS, then the BMP name will be different), now just replace the image with ur desired image ;)

[RoughGuy]

How can i do this in win2000????

[Vishal Gupta]

Then u can't coz win 2000 doesnt support visual styles like XP :(

[qohelet]

first thnx a lot buddy for ur comments :)

Actually I did a lots of tweaks in my system acc. to my choice :D

Regarding to the "All Programs" menu, just open regedit and goto:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Policies\Explorer

in right-side pane, create a DWORD value NoStartMenuMorePrograms and change its value to 1 ;)

PS: pls post thumbnails instead of the full image coz we also hv dial-up users! :)

Ok i did what you said. but this is not really what i wanted. how can i put the "all programs" to the right side of start menu where the options like "my documents", "my pictures" etc appear? Is it possible? thanks

ps. sorry for not posting thumbnails...:rolleyes:

[Vishal Gupta]

Yesh sure! What I did was, I changed the "Favorites" name to "Programs" and also changed its path to "Programs" folder :D

Following is what I did: ;)

1.) Disable "All programs" menu as I mentioned in my previous posts!
2.) Change the "Favorites" path to "Programs" folder in registry! do as following:

open regedit and nevigate to following keys one by one:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders

in right-side pane, change the value of Favorites to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs

PS: change the C:\ with ur system drive letter ;)

3.) At last I changed string "Favorites" to "Programs" by editing Shell32.dll file in Resource Hacker :D which u can find at:

String Table -> 1362 -> 1033

[qohelet]

Yesh sure! What I did was, I changed the "Favorites" name to "Programs" and also changed its path to "Programs" folder :D

Following is what I did: ;)

1.) Disable "All programs" menu as I mentioned in my previous posts!
2.) Change the "Favorites" path to "Programs" folder in registry! do as following:

open regedit and nevigate to following keys one by one:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders

in right-side pane, change the value of Favorites to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs

PS: change the C:\ with ur system drive letter ;)

3.) At last I changed string "Favorites" to "Programs" by editing Shell32.dll file in Resource Hacker :D which u can find at:

String Table -> 1362 -> 1033

THis is really cool!!!!!:D Never thought this is possible...LOL

Thanks bro! KEep up the good work.;)

BTW i also learned that you can also disable the "all programs" option using resource hacker and not doing regedit tweak you advise. How? I know you know.LOL:rolleyes:

[n2casey]

@ qohelet

sorry for not posting thumbnails...:rolleyes:


U can do it now. Just edit ur post.

[Tech Geek]

Also check this in: ;)

HKEY_USERS\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersi on\Policies\Explorer
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Policies\Explorer

I tried whatever u told.
I found one with that name.
I deleted it.
Still i am only able to see the classic view in taskbar> properties> Start menu:x

[ax3]

hey vishal, have u seen MAC theme from Windowblinds ..... v have an option 2 scrollup the window\application instead of minimizing it .......

U being a resource hacker can c add this thing 2 ur theme .....


it would B GREAT ...........

[Vishal Gupta]

Its not possible in msstyles, only possible in WindowBlinds themes :)

[Tech Geek]

What abt my question:mad:

[Vishal Gupta]

sorry! it'll be more easier to me if u pls provide screenshots of following sections:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Policies\Explorer
HKEY_USERS\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersi on\Policies\Explorer
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Policies\Explorer

[ax3]

thanx 4 the reply Vishal .............

@kenshin1988 ....... it was default with WB4 .....

am planning 2 install WB5.1 & MAC theme .... will search & post it

[Tech Geek]

sorry! it'll be more easier to me if u pls provide screenshots of following sections:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Policies\Explorer
HKEY_USERS\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersi on\Policies\Explorer
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Policies\Explorer


I've formatted my PC.
Problem SOLVED.

[Vishal Gupta]

^^
Thats the ultimate solution, which u hv applied ;)

------------------------------------------------

Guys! Today I changed the look of my RUN dialog box and its looking as following now: :D

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/2739/newpicturekw4.jpg

[tweakyou]

Thanks Vis(hal Gup)ta.

[Tech Geek]

^^
Thats the ultimate solution, which u hv applied ;)

------------------------------------------------

Guys! Today I changed the look of my RUN dialog box and its looking as following now: :D

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/2739/newpicturekw4.jpg

Awesome buddy.

[Vishal Gupta]

Thank u guys http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v155/askforravi7/smilies/wub.gif

[Tech Geek]

One question

How do you know which registry does what?

[Vishal Gupta]

Its just experience buddy :) The main thing is that I love these things so its easy for me to remember all such stuffs ;)

[Tech Geek]

sorry! it'll be more easier to me if u pls provide screenshots of following sections:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Policies\Explorer
HKEY_USERS\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersi on\Policies\Explorer
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Policies\Explorer

Now think these are some of the registries

How do you knoe it does that particular work?
How do you test it out?

[Vishal Gupta]

lol, I didnt know about them at once, the thing is that I must hv read about them somewhere and then I knew that which key does what!

So its just like, u read that msconfig shows startup items list and since then u know that :D

[keyurjani]

thanks dear
really usefull inf
thanks for sharing

[phreak0ut]

Aaaaawwwwwwwwwweeeeeeeeeessssssssooooooommmmmmmmee eee!!!!!!!! :D

[Vishal Gupta]

Thank u guys http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/8399/thumbsup4kk.gif

[Tech Geek]

How to change the icon of folder box in XP??

[Vishal Gupta]

I didnt understand! :confused:
Can u provide a screenshot? :)

[Tech Geek]

Sorry.
Not Box , folder icon in XP.

[Vishal Gupta]

Open Shell32.dll and goto:

Action -> Replace icons ...

Now change 4 & 5 to ur desired icons ;)

[Tech Geek]

Where is this file?

[Vishal Gupta]

%windir%\System32\Shell32.dll ;)

[Tech Geek]

How to change the drive icon?
C:\

[Vishal Gupta]

Change 9 icon in same file ;)

But it'll change all drive icons, and if u want to change only C: drive icon or any other particular drive icon, then u can use a registry trick for it:

http://www.thinkdigit.com/forum/showpost.php?p=341441&postcount=2

[Tech Geek]

thanks.
when are ur exams going to get over.

[Vishal Gupta]

29th December :)

[Tech Geek]

Hey Vishal
I replaced the background of shut down.
Do we have to restatrt to see that??

[Vishal Gupta]

Obviously :D u hv to restart the system to take affect ;)

[Tech Geek]

ok
Can you upload some vista icons?
__________
Buddy i replaced the folder icns but no effect.
I saved them.
Restarted.
Still no effect.
What shud i do?

[Vishal Gupta]

Whenever u replace icons in Shell32.dll file, windows doesnt automatically show them, it happens bcoz of the Icon Cache which windows use to show all icons in computer!

So u hv to reset the icon cache to make them working ;)

U can use TweakUI or Tuneup Utilities, both hv an option to do this!

[Tech Geek]

Can you post the code for the last run you made?
which language is that code in?
Even how to add bitmaps.
__________
I didn't see any option to reset the icon cache.

[Vishal Gupta]

1.) Download TweakUI from here (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx)
When u'll open it, u'll see an option Repair at bottom of the left side pane. And when u'll select it, u'll get the option to "Repair icons" in right-side pane!

U can also do it manually by deleting "iconcache.db" file (it'll be a HIDDEN file) in following directory:

C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Application Data

Here Replace C: with ur system drive and "Administrator" with ur username.

2.) To know how to add BITMAPs, pls read my posts on the first page!


Here is a step-by-stpe tutorial for making ur RUN dialog box look-a-like mine: ;)

Hacking RUN Dialog Box in Windows XP - Version 2 (http://www.askvg.com/hacking-run-dialog-box-in-windows-xp-version-2/)

[Tech Geek]

Which language is this(code)
and what about the theme i gave you.

[Tech Geek]

reply vishal
pls

[Vishal Gupta]

I'm not sure but I think its Delphi ;)

[anilmail17]

i think these are form or object parameter and they belongs to windows MFC object for more detail look in microsoft msdn collection

[Tech Geek]

I'm not sure but I think its Delphi ;)
If you are not sure how did you get all those codes????:confused:

BTW
I edited the run. did everything you told. i am able to see the same old run.??

[Vishal Gupta]

lol, I don't get those codes, I simply edit the existing codes :D
Do some R&D with existing codes and u'll also get used to with it ;)

[Tech Geek]

What about the run problem??

[Vishal Gupta]

WFP (Windows File Protection) problem!
Disable it using WFP Patcher or just use replacer and replace the "Shell32.dll" file in following folders:

%windir%\System32\
%windir%\System32\DLLcache

[Tech Geek]

where will i get this replacer??

[Vishal Gupta]

http://www.thinkdigit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30897

[Desi-Tek.com]

If you are not sure how did you get all those codes????:confused:

BTW
I edited the run. did everything you told. i am able to see the same old run.?? actually there r lots of such tutorial available online from long time :)
http://www.google.co.in/search?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-GB%3Aofficial&channel=s&hl=en&q=resource+hacking+tutorial&meta=&btnG=Google+Search
and the code which it generate is developed by developer of resource hacker him self to ease the customization of vb, vb.net ,c++ program as it is difficult to understand assembly language .
i got this information by disassembled resource hacker with W32Dasm.
http://img277.imageshack.us/img277/3848/rshqw5.th.jpg (http://img277.imageshack.us/my.php?image=rshqw5.jpg)

[Tech Geek]

Thanks for the info Desi-Tek.com

[Vishal Gupta]

@Desi-Tek.com
Its not created by Resource Hacker developer ;)
In fact if u open any file in Resource Editor, Resource Tuner or even in VS.NET, u'll get the same code :)

[Tech Geek]

WFP (Windows File Protection) problem!
Disable it using WFP Patcher or just use replacer and replace the "Shell32.dll" file in following folders:

%windir%\System32\
%windir%\System32\DLLcache

With what should i replace??

[Vishal Gupta]

Whenever we edit any file, windows overwrite it using a copy of this file in "DLLcache" folder.
Thats why I suggested u to overwrite both the current file and its copy in "DLLcache" folder with ur customized file ;)

[Desi-Tek.com]

@Desi-Tek.com
Its not created by Resource Hacker developer ;)
In fact if u open any file in Resource Editor, Resource Tuner or even in VS.NET, u'll get the same code :) well resource editor and resource tuner is based on resource hacker but still i'll ask my friend jingBoy he is a professional cracker :)
http://www.google.co.in/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&channel=s&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-GB%3Aofficial&hs=FJZ&q=cracker+jingboy&btnG=Search&meta=

[-={ SEASER }=-]

The codes come from Microsoft. The are what MS call 'MFC styles'.
Read all about them here (http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/xyfwf42d%28VS.80%29.aspx)

The window styles are used most prevalently in these dialog boxes.

You can also get some more info on the coding here (http://www.msghelp.net/showthread.php?tid=56256) (skip the tut and read lesson 6), and here (http://webpages.charter.net/joolsie/LogonScreens.htm)

[sreenidhi88]

vishal i made changes to msgina.dll file and used replacer.and afterr the restart it says"unable to load msgina.dll cantact ur sys admin.and promts fror restart.what shud i do.i cannot logon now.how shud i restore my original file

[Vishal Gupta]

Buddy playing with system files is not very safe ;)
U must hv made some mistake while editing the file and thats why the file gon corrupt and giving error.
U can try to repair the windows using XP Setup CD :)

[Ron]

hEY vISHAL...............
tHANKS........U helped me to give a new look to my PC...................

[Ron]

Hacking System Properties Dialog Box (Sysdm.cpl file)
PS: Here in the screenshot image saying "ask for Genuine Microsoft software" is the OEMLOGO.BMP which u hv to place at %windir\System32\ folder. I'm attaching it too.

HEy,
Where should i place the OEMLOGO.BMP............Can i get the exact location...

[Vishal Gupta]

%windir\System32\ => C:\Windows\System32

NOTE: Here C: is ur system drive, where Windows is installed. :)

[CadCrazy]

Hello vishal,
i have downloaded vistaVG from your website, but i do t no how to apply this theme to my system ?????

[Vishal Gupta]

Pls read here: :)

VistaVG: A New Visual Style for XP Released by Me ! (http://www.thinkdigit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=38499)

[anniyan]

thanks a lot its very useful :)

[iceeeeman]

vishal whenever i double click on a folder a search window opens can ya tel me how to ovecome this problem

[n2casey]

vishal whenever i double click on a folder a search window opens can ya tel me how to ovecome this problem

Try this

Click Start>Run, type regedit & press Enter
Locate the following keys in the registry:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell
U will find a String Value in right hand pan.
Double click it & type none in the Value Data box.
Click OK & quit Registry Editor.

[bopstar]

hi all...great info

quick question, can i change the other tabs in the sysdm.cpl, to make system properties windows looks more uniformed?
i've been able to change the advance tab, but have had no luck with the hardware and remote (remotepg.dll) tabs. can they be hack in any way?

ps. i haven't found the other files in the system32 folder yet, eg. computer name, system restore and automactic updates, so i have tried to alter them yet...

[Vishal Gupta]

Other tabs, like "Advanced, Error reporting, visual affects, etc." are present in same file "sysdm.cpl" ;) Just browse thru other dialog boxes in the file :)

and regarding to "System Restore", "Computer Name", etc tabs, these tabs aint present in "Sysdm.cpl" file but in other files. So u'll hv to search for them in "System32" folder.I was only interested in the first tab so I searched for it. If I get time, then I'll search for other tabs too :D

[iceeeeman]

Try this

Click Start>Run, type regedit & press Enter
Locate the following keys in the registry:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell
U will find a String Value in right hand pan.
Double click it & type none in the Value Data box.
Click OK & quit Registry Editor.
hi man THNX

[iceeeeman]

1.) Download TweakUI from here (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx)
When u'll open it, u'll see an option Repair at bottom of the left side pane. And when u'll select it, u'll get the option to "Repair icons" in right-side pane!

U can also do it manually by deleting "iconcache.db" file (it'll be a HIDDEN file) in following directory:

C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Application Data

Here Replace C: with ur system drive and "Administrator" with ur username.

2.) To know how to add BITMAPs, pls read my posts on the first page!
Here is a step-by-stpe tutorial for making ur RUN dialog box look-a-like mine: ;)

I hv attached both images, just extract them and add them as following:

1.) Open %windir%\System32\Shell32.dll file.
2.) Add 404.bmp at 404 location.
3.) Add 405.bmp at 405 location.
4.) Now come to Dialog -> 1003 -> 1033 and replace existing code with following one: :)

1003 DIALOGEX 0, 0, 275, 160
STYLE DS_FIXEDSYS | DS_MODALFRAME | DS_NOIDLEMSG | DS_CONTEXTHELP | WS_POPUP | WS_CAPTION | WS_SYSMENU
CAPTION "Windows Vista™ Registered to - Vishal Gupta"
LANGUAGE LANG_ENGLISH, SUBLANG_ENGLISH_US
FONT 8, "MS SHELL DLG"
{
CONTROL "Windows Edition", 304, BUTTON, BS_GROUPBOX | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE, 5, 50, 265, 83
CONTROL "Windows Vista™ Ultimate", 52, STATIC, SS_LEFT | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_GROUP, 25, 65, 162, 8
CONTROL "Hacked By : VISHAL GUPTA", 54, STATIC, SS_LEFT | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_GROUP, 25, 81, 100, 8
CONTROL "Copyright © 2006 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.", 0, STATIC, SS_LEFT | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_GROUP, 10, 99, 195, 9
CONTROL 405, 0, STATIC, SS_BITMAP | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_GROUP, 204, 58, 64, 59
CONTROL "", 12298, COMBOBOX, CBS_SIMPLE | CBS_AUTOHSCROLL | CBS_DISABLENOSCROLL | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_VSCROLL | WS_TABSTOP, 10, 115, 195, 13
CONTROL "&Locate...", 12288, BUTTON, BS_PUSHBUTTON | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_TABSTOP, 210, 140, 50, 14
CONTROL "&Go!", 1, BUTTON, BS_DEFPUSHBUTTON | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_TABSTOP, 155, 140, 50, 14
CONTROL "", 0, "SysDateTimePick32", DTS_LONGDATEFORMAT | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE, 15, 140, 135, 14
CONTROL 404, 0, STATIC, SS_BITMAP | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_GROUP, 0, 0, 274, 44
}

U can change the strings and can replace my name :idea:



hi man can u tel which software did u use to write ur name in the black background
__________
1.) Download TweakUI from here (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx)
When u'll open it, u'll see an option Repair at bottom of the left side pane. And when u'll select it, u'll get the option to "Repair icons" in right-side pane!

U can also do it manually by deleting "iconcache.db" file (it'll be a HIDDEN file) in following directory:

C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Application Data

Here Replace C: with ur system drive and "Administrator" with ur username.

2.) To know how to add BITMAPs, pls read my posts on the first page!
Here is a step-by-stpe tutorial for making ur RUN dialog box look-a-like mine: ;)

I hv attached both images, just extract them and add them as following:

1.) Open %windir%\System32\Shell32.dll file.
2.) Add 404.bmp at 404 location.
3.) Add 405.bmp at 405 location.
4.) Now come to Dialog -> 1003 -> 1033 and replace existing code with following one: :)

1003 DIALOGEX 0, 0, 275, 160
STYLE DS_FIXEDSYS | DS_MODALFRAME | DS_NOIDLEMSG | DS_CONTEXTHELP | WS_POPUP | WS_CAPTION | WS_SYSMENU
CAPTION "Windows Vista™ Registered to - Vishal Gupta"
LANGUAGE LANG_ENGLISH, SUBLANG_ENGLISH_US
FONT 8, "MS SHELL DLG"
{
CONTROL "Windows Edition", 304, BUTTON, BS_GROUPBOX | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE, 5, 50, 265, 83
CONTROL "Windows Vista™ Ultimate", 52, STATIC, SS_LEFT | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_GROUP, 25, 65, 162, 8
CONTROL "Hacked By : VISHAL GUPTA", 54, STATIC, SS_LEFT | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_GROUP, 25, 81, 100, 8
CONTROL "Copyright © 2006 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.", 0, STATIC, SS_LEFT | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_GROUP, 10, 99, 195, 9
CONTROL 405, 0, STATIC, SS_BITMAP | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_GROUP, 204, 58, 64, 59
CONTROL "", 12298, COMBOBOX, CBS_SIMPLE | CBS_AUTOHSCROLL | CBS_DISABLENOSCROLL | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_VSCROLL | WS_TABSTOP, 10, 115, 195, 13
CONTROL "&Locate...", 12288, BUTTON, BS_PUSHBUTTON | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_TABSTOP, 210, 140, 50, 14
CONTROL "&Go!", 1, BUTTON, BS_DEFPUSHBUTTON | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_TABSTOP, 155, 140, 50, 14
CONTROL "", 0, "SysDateTimePick32", DTS_LONGDATEFORMAT | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE, 15, 140, 135, 14
CONTROL 404, 0, STATIC, SS_BITMAP | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_GROUP, 0, 0, 274, 44
}

U can change the strings and can replace my name :idea:



hi man can u tel which software did u use to write ur name in the black background!!!!!
__________
hi man can u tel which software did u use to write ur name in the black background!!!!!

[Vishal Gupta]

^^
Its just a BITMAP, which I created in Photoshop :D
and then added that BITMAP in RUN dialog box using Resource Hacker ;)

[iceeeeman]

Vishal can u plz tel me how to get ur name when u right click on desktop?above the arrange icons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Vishal Gupta]

For it u'll hv to edit %windir%\System32\Shell32.dll file and add ur desired string in Menu -> 215 ->1033 :)

So just open the file in Resource Hacker and goto the above mentioned Menu and add following line:

MENUITEM "put_your_desired_string_here", 33333, MFT_STRING, MFS_GRAYED | MFS_DEFAULT

after following lines:

215 MENUEX
LANGUAGE LANG_ENGLISH, SUBLANG_ENGLISH_US
{
POPUP "", 0, MFT_STRING, MFS_ENABLED, 0
{

and then Compile Script and save the file ;)

[iceeeeman]

For it u'll hv to edit %windir%\System32\Shell32.dll file and add ur desired string in Menu -> 215 ->1033 :)

So just open the file in Resource Hacker and goto the above mentioned Menu and add following line:

MENUITEM "put_your_desired_string_here", 33333, MFT_STRING, MFS_GRAYED | MFS_DEFAULT

after following lines:

215 MENUEX
LANGUAGE LANG_ENGLISH, SUBLANG_ENGLISH_US
{
POPUP "", 0, MFT_STRING, MFS_ENABLED, 0
{

and then Compile Script and save the file ;)

THNX DUDE N CAN U TEL ME HOW TO GET THE SMALL CLOCK ON DESKTOP

[Tech Geek]

iceman are you talking about the picture of VG's desktop in deviantart??

[Vishal Gupta]

@iceeeeman
U can use RKLauncher to get that clock on desktop. ;)
U can download it from here:

http://home.cogeco.ca/%7Erklauncher/

[iceeeeman]

iceman are you talking about the picture of VG's desktop in deviantart??

YES BRO!!!!!:o

[Tech Geek]

iwas thinking that he used object dock
he used something else

[iceeeeman]

@iceeeeman
U can use RKLauncher to get that clock on desktop. ;)
U can download it from here:

http://home.cogeco.ca/%7Erklauncher/

NO DUDE ITS NOT WORKIN . WHEN I CLICK ON THE CLOCK IT OPENS THE CONTROL PANEL OF CLOCK . I M TALIN ABOUT talking about the picture of VG's desktop in deviantart??

[Tech Geek]

he used object dock

[Vishal Gupta]

lol, is VG something else or is it me? :D
I used RKLauncher in that screenshot ;)

[Tech Geek]

how do we configure its settings??
is it like object dock

[iceeeeman]

lol, is VG something else or is it me? :D
I used RKLauncher in that screenshot ;)

DUDE CAN U PLZ GIVE A TUTORIAL HOW TO DO THAT PLZ MAN!!!!!!!

[Vishal Gupta]

@Tech Geek
Its the BEST dock software, which I ever used.
Its very easy to configure

DUDE CAN U PLZ GIVE A TUTORIAL HOW TO DO THAT PLZ MAN!!!!!!! What u exactly want to do?
Just download the RKLauncher and then run it. If u want any particular thing, then pls explain it.

[Tech Geek]

how do we add our own icons in it like we do it in object dock??

[Vishal Gupta]

Just drag-n-drop them to the dock. :)

[Tech Geek]

anyway to change the background??

[Vishal Gupta]

Yes! There r many themes available for it and u can also make ur own themes for it ;) Its very simple, u just need a background image and u can create the theme file very easily. :D
Just use it and u'll find it very easy to use & configure. ;)

[Tech Geek]

where can we get the themes??
which software do we need to create our own themes??

[Vishal Gupta]

For themes, google for them, thats what I did to get them. :D
and about creating themes, u don't need any special software, just make an image for use as a background and then copy default theme folder and replace existing bg.png file with ur created new one ;)
If u want to ask more about it, then feel free to PM me. :)

[iceeeeman]

For themes, google for them, thats what I did to get them. :D
and about creating themes, u don't need any special software, just make an image for use as a background and then copy default theme folder and replace existing bg.png file with ur created new one ;)
If u want to ask more about it, then feel free to PM me. :)

dude can u tel me how did u get the various icons ie.my comp,date,etc.
in one of your screenshots

[Vishal Gupta]

Just drag-n-drop the desired shortcuts to RKLauncher and then u can change their icons by going in "Dock Items Properties" menu.
Regarding to Calendar, Clock, etc. these r Docklets, which can be downloaded from various sites and then we can add them in RKLauncher. :)

[iceeeeman]

Just drag-n-drop the desired shortcuts to RKLauncher and then u can change their icons by going in "Dock Items Properties" menu.
Regarding to Calendar, Clock, etc. these r Docklets, which can be downloaded from various sites and then we can add them in RKLauncher. :)

dude when i drag them it gets deleted!!!

[Vishal Gupta]

Are, I meant drag the items from desktop/start menu/folders/etc. to RKLauncher :) I think u r dragging them from RKLauncher itself :D

[iceeeeman]

Are, I meant drag the items from desktop/start menu/folders/etc. to RKLauncher :) I think u r dragging them from RKLauncher itself :D

k dude n can u tel me how to change the Rk launcher position..
right now it comes on the Taskbar n can u tel me some sites
from where i can download docklets

[Vishal Gupta]

Just enter into RKLauncher Settings and u'll get the option to change its position in a tab. ;)
Regarding to the docklets, google for them coz I forgot from where I downloaded them. :)

[iceeeeman]

Just enter into RKLauncher Settings and u'll get the option to change its position in a tab. ;)
Regarding to the docklets, google for them coz I forgot from where I downloaded them. :)

Thnx dude !!!!!!!!!!
__________
Can Anyone Tel Me How To Display The Transfer Rate While Copying,etc Files From One Folder To Anoter!!!!!!as In Windows Vista
__________
Can Anyone Tel Me How To Display The Transfer Rate While Copying,etc Files From One Folder To Anoter!!!!!!as In Windows Vista

[Vishal Gupta]

Can Anyone Tel Me How To Display The Transfer Rate While Copying,etc Files From One Folder To Anoter!!!!!!as In Windows Vista
NO! You can't. :D

[iceeeeman]

NO! You can't. :D

VISHAL CAN U TEL ME HOW TO MAKE A MODIFIED WIN XP SETUP CD WITH SOME OF MY SOFTWARES N SOME SYSTEM FILES ???????????????
I.E WHEN I INSTALL WIN XP ALL THE SOFTWARES THT I NEED WIL B LOADED
WITH WINDOWS XP SETUP

[Vishal Gupta]

Pls start separate topics for such queries and then u'll get lots of solutions ;)
neway, for this job u can go thru following page:

http://unattended.msfn.org/unattended.xp/

[iceeeeman]

Pls start separate topics for such queries and then u'll get lots of solutions ;)
neway, for this job u can go thru following page:

http://unattended.msfn.org/unattended.xp/

THNX DUDE!!!!!:D

[wizrulz]

Hey vish...what abt PDf/ book of ur tuts..is it done...or i mISSED it :(.....

[iceeeeman]

vishal i have changed the progress dialog when i copy,cut or delete files from one drive to another but when i copy files files from my comp to my mp3 player or when i download files from internet tht old dialog appears can u plz tel me how to change those tht dialogs too?????:)

[Vishal Gupta]

@wizrulz
I don't know about its progress as I sent the book to FatBeing. So only he knows when will it be published? ;)

@iceeeeman
The "Shell32.dll" hack only changes the Windows default progress dialog box. For changing other progress dialog boxes, like ur MP3 player box, u'll hv to edit their own dll files, which u can find in their respective folders. I can't help much in this matter coz I don't hv that software installed, otherwise I would do some R&D in it. :D

[iceeeeman]

[quote=Vishal Gupta
@iceeeeman
The "Shell32.dll" hack only changes the Windows default progress dialog box. For changing other progress dialog boxes, like ur MP3 player box, u'll hv to edit their own dll files, which u can find in their respective folders. I can't help much in this matter coz I don't hv that software installed, otherwise I would do some R&D in it. :D[/quote]

dude can u tel me how to change the box while downloadin files frm internet, n i dont hv any mp3 software its the win one only:confused:

[SoFtEcH]

Vishal I need a help in UIFILE, can you pls contact me on WLM whenever you're ON, BTW. I need to know whats the format for AVI to use in UIFILE, like rcbmp/resbmp(200,6,255,0,0,0,0) ...
&
icon(24,widht,height,library) ... so now i needs to know about the one for AVI files.. its urgent ... :)

[n2casey]

hi man THNX

Welcome :)

[thewisecrab]

hi vishal no resources are shown in my resource hacker...wht do i do
thanx in advance

[n2casey]

hi vishal no resources are shown in my resource hacker...wht do i do
thanx in advance
For which file r u asking?

[iceeeeman]

can anyone tel me how to change the toolbar icons using resurce hacker.:confused:

[thewisecrab]

For which file r u asking? as vishal said,all the resources are shown immediately as u access hacker..but nothing is seen in resources wht do i do?

[Tech Geek]

as vishal said,all the resources are shown immediately as u access hacker..but nothing is seen in resources wht do i do?
You will see the resorcues only if you open a file through resource hacker
__________
can anyone tel me how to change the toolbar icons using resurce hacker.:confused:
you will have to edit the icons urself and replace them through resource hacker

[Vishal Gupta]

@thewisecrab
Open a file in resource hacker and u'll get various resources.

@iceeeeman
If u r talking about My computer toolbar icons, then u'll hv to edit "Shell32.dll" file.

[iceeeeman]

@iceeeeman
If u r talking about My computer toolbar icons, then u'll hv to edit "Shell32.dll" file.
THNX BUDDY

[Ron]

Hey buddy.....
how can i change the dial up connection dialog box.......
just like urs .............. in deviantart????

[Vishal Gupta]

^^
Its RConnect Dialer, which is used in Reliance RConnect. ;)

[Amlan.blacklord]

Hello Vishal! I appriciate a lot of hard job for us.thanks! Anywayz i try to follow the steps u said n changed the logon, bootscreen, icons, theme n cursors...but when i cum to change the logon/off dialog box..nothing happens.wen i save it in res hacker, it gets saved but wen after sometime i enter again, it goes back to the previous commands! Please help!

[Kiran_tech_mania]

Hello Vishal! I appriciate a lot of hard job for us.thanks! Anywayz i try to follow the steps u said n changed the logon, bootscreen, icons, theme n cursors...but when i cum to change the logon/off dialog box..nothing happens.wen i save it in res hacker, it gets saved but wen after sometime i enter again, it goes back to the previous commands! Please help!

That's because of Windows File Protection service. It prevents tampering of Windows critical system files.
To do such modifications, you need to use Replacer (http://www3.telus.net/_/replacer/). Edit the file and use replacer to replace the edited one with the old one. Replacer will do it automatically after reboot.

[Vishal Gupta]

@Amlan
Kiran has already posted the solution. :)

It happens bcoz of WFP serive, which automatically replaces changed system files with the original files present in "%windir%\System32\DLLcache" folder. So u can either disable WFP service using WFP patcher or can use "Replacer" to replace the file in both locations. U can get both things here:

http://www.thinkdigit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30897

[Amlan.blacklord]

Hi! thankx, i downloaded wsps 10 n disable that whatever..but now, when I click save , it says cannot create file C:\WINDOWS\system32\shell32.dll!!!!Help me out guyz!....infact i cannot modify any shell32.dll !!

aah! can u tee me how to make a program run wen windos starts?? I use madotate 4 the 3d flip effect but i hav to switch it on manually every time i start which spoils the charm..any suggestions??

[Vishal Gupta]

1. Make sure that there is no "shell32_original.dll" file in "System32" directory. Is its there, delete the file and u'll be able to save the file. Otherwise u can edit the file and save it at some other location and then using replacer, u can replace original file with ur edited one.
2. To add an application in startup, just create a shortcut of the EXE file and then right-click on Start button and select “Open”. It’ll open “Programs” folder, open it and then u’ll get “Startup” folder. Again open it and then paste the EXE shortcut. Otherwise u can also use registry to do the same thing.

[Amlan.blacklord]

llo Vishal...followed ur path n got the right way...but ..eh...another prob..( u must be getting irritated with my non-stop questions).when i go to change the progress dialog box: i downloaded the avi file..there only 1 avi file isint it?? anyways i am to replace thta avi file with
AVI -> 160 ->1033
AVI -> 161 ->1033
AVI -> 162 ->1033
AVI -> 163 ->1033
AVI -> 164 ->1033
isint it...in resource hacker, i click replace other resources..n replace avi-160 n it gets done...but when i try to repeat that step 4 the other avis....nothing happens!

[Vishal Gupta]

No buddy. U can ask without any problem. :)
yes, there is only 1 AVI file and u hv to replace all mentioned AVI files with this single AVI file.

[Amlan.blacklord]

thanks 4 the support! u didnt understand my doubt....i wanned to ask that when i go to change the progress dialog box: i downloaded the avi file..there only 1 avi file isint it?? anyways i am to replace thta avi file with
AVI -> 160 ->1033
AVI -> 161 ->1033
AVI -> 162 ->1033
AVI -> 163 ->1033
AVI -> 164 ->1033
isint it...in resource hacker, i click replace other resources..n replace avi-160 n it gets done...but when i try to repeat that step 4 the other avis....nothing happens!

[REY619]

Hey Vishal i followed your tutorial for changing the look of Run dialog box. It works fine and looks great now. :D
But i miss the dropdown list of previous entered locations, and when u type a part of the previous entered locations it used to complete it automatically.... Is it possible to make it work again?
Thanx.

[Vishal Gupta]

^^ Yes, I changed it to simple text box from a drop-down box. ;)
To change it, right-click on the textbox control and select "Edit Control". Then select "CBS_DROPDOWNLIST" in the given options. :)

[REY619]

OK thanx! :)

[Vishal Gupta]

^^ u r welcome sir. :D

[-={ SEASER }=-]

I've looked all over the place in my system for this dialog and I'm not having any luck finding it. The closest I can find is dialog 2450 inside msgina.dll, but I have no earthly idea where it is getting the background image from. I have already modified BMP's 20140 & 20142 thinking that it was coming from there, but it's not. I've successfully moded *most* of my system and whittled away at it so that it takes up as little space as possible. This one screen is all I have left. Does anybody know where I can find the image resources for this:

http://imcoveredinbees.com/BillyStuff/pleasewait.jpg


...many thanks in advance for your answer and many thanks to everyone for showing me how to do this in the first place.

[Vishal Gupta]

^^ Open "%windir%\System32\Shell32.dll" and change "14351" and "14354" BITMAPs. ;)

[-={ SEASER }=-]

^^ Open "%windir%\System32\Shell32.dll" and change "14351" and "14354" BITMAPs. ;)

Excellent!! I had changed 14351 already, but somehow missed the other. Thank you kind sir.

[Vishal Gupta]

^^ u r welcome. ;)

[Pratik Roy]

Thanks Vishal, you only made me learn about Resource Hacking....

[Vishal Gupta]

^^ My pleasure buddy. I'm glad that my tut helped u. :D

[cooldip10]

Vry good and LONG tute Sir

[Vishal Gupta]

^^ thnx. :)

[ashok_wise]

!!! WARNING !!!

Playing with system files using resource hacker can be Dangerous for your system and it can make your system not working.

So use it at your own risk!



UPDATE: Don't forget to visit following posts/threads:

TUTORIAL: List of Files to be hacked using Resource Hacker! (http://www.thinkdigit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21217)
TUTORIAL: List of some Interesting Hacks, which can be made using Resource Hacker! (http://www.thinkdigit.com/forum/showpost.php?p=288519&postcount=26)
TUTORIAL: Changing Windows XP Login Screen Text Entries ! (http://www.thinkdigit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=35013)
TUTORIAL: Change Look-n-Feel of Windows XP Start Menu (http://www.thinkdigit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=46668)
TUTORIAL: Enable HIBERNATE Button in Shutdown Dialog Box ! (http://www.thinkdigit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34566)
TUTORIAL: How to enable "VIEW" Menu on Desktop ! (http://www.thinkdigit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=32151)
TUTORIAL: Make Your Windows XP look-a-like Windows Vista (http://www.thinkdigit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=49141)


Guys!

So many members hv asked me a lot of questions about Resource Hacker, like:

=> How to replace existing Resources ( Bitmaps, AVI, Icons, etc.) in a file?
=> How to add ur own resources?
=> How to change Menus/ Strings?

and so on...

So here I'll try to cover all such questions and many other tips-n-tricks.:)
So here we go.....

NOTE: I hv divided this tutorial in 2 parts:

PART1 : BASIC INFORMATION
PART2 : ADVANCED INFORMATION

Basic part contains Basic details, like viewing/replacing resources, etc.
Advanced part covers some advance information which is described for geeks. Like Adding ur own resources, using scripts with resource hacker, etc.

PART1 : BASIC INFORMATION


What is Resource Hacker:

Resource Hacker is a Free s/w to edit 32-bit windows files (DLL, EXE, CPL, and many other). U can add/delete/view/rename/modify existing resources in a file using this gr8 piece of s/w.

Download Link:

U can d/l Resource Hacker from here (http://delphi.icm.edu.pl/ftp/tools/ResHack.zip).
U don't need to install it, simply extract the files and run the s/w. It also doesnt make any entry in Registry!:)

Using Resource Hacker:

When u open a file in Resource Hacker, it shows various directories in left-side pane, like:

AVI
Cursor
Bitmap
Icon
Menu
Dialog
String Table
Accelerators
Version Info

and so on...

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/2309/newpicturelr6.jpg

These directories vary from file to file!
Following is a small description of these directories:

AVI : This directory contains AVI files.
Cursor : This directory contains Cursor files.
Bitmap : This directory contains Bitmaps.
Icon : This directory contains Icons.
Menu : This directory contains various Menus.
Dialog : This directory contains various Dialog boxes.
String Table : This directory contains various Strings.
Accelerators : This directory contains Shortcut keys.
Version Info : This directory contains version information of the file.

Viewing Resources:

U can view any resource embedded in the file. Simply expand the directory and click on the name of the resource.
Actually each resource contains 3 parts:

Resource Type
Resource Name
Resource Language

Resource Type : Its indicate that the resource is an AVI/Bitmap/Menu/Cursor/Icon/String/etc.
Resource Name : It describes the name of a resource, no 2 resource can hv the same name.
Resource Language : Its the language used in the file. For ENGLISH its 1033.

Changing the Resources:

=> For Icon/Cursor/Bitmap:

1.) Select the resource ( e.g. Bitmap -> 131 -> 1033 ).
2.) Click on Action -> Replace Icon/Cursor/Bitmap....

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/8566/newpicture1om7.jpg

3.) It'll open a new window, click on Open file with new Icon/Cursor/Bitmap button.
4.) Select the desired resource in the OPEN dialog box and click on Open button and then Replace.

=> For other resources like AVI:

Its a little bit different.

1.) Click on Action -> Replace Other Resource....
2.) It'll open a new window, click on Open file with new resource button.
3.) Select the file and click on Open button.
4.) Now u hv to give the required information for this resource, which I mentioned earlier.

Resource Type
Resource Name
Resource Language

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/3418/newpicture2au3.jpg

In type give the type of resource, e.g. if u r replacing AVI file then give the type as AVI.
In name give the exact name of the existing resource which u want to replace with this new one.
In language give 1033 for English.

5.) And finally click on Replace button.

=> For Menus/Strings/Dialogs:

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/605/newpicture3rk8.jpg

To change String/Menu/Dialog boxes, Select the desired resource, e.g., String Table -> 4 -> 1033, and make ur changes and then click on Compile Script button. It'll compile the script and will give ERROR if something goes wrong so that u can correct the problem!

Continued...

Use full Information.

[Vishal Gupta]

^^ thnx. I'm glad u liked it. ;)