DIGIT-ARC read-only archive · snapshot: July 23, 2026

TIP:Change the XP Boot screen

13 posts · originally from https://geek.digit.in/community/threads/tip-change-the-xp-boot-screen.51277/

G
gopi_vbboy Original post #1
Mar 3, 2007 at 7:56 PM
[Note :1)Before u proceed make backup of 'ntoskrnl.exe' in system32 folder]
[2)you need a freeware app called Resource Hacker ]

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Here is a way to change the XP Boot Screen.The secret is to edit the operating system file where the boot screen information resides. You need to be careful in doing this or you can end up with a computer that won't boot. The first part of the process is to create or find an image you want to use. If your computer simply has the all black Windows XP boot screen, with the XP logo like the one pictured below, you don't need a very large image.
*www.jakeludington.com/images/xp/xpbootimage.jpg

Simply create a 215x147 .bmp file with 16 colors (NOT 16-bit) in any image editor and you've got a working replacement. If your computer manufacturer overrides this default screen with something else, you may need to get creative to eliminate all the branding. In general, using a black background looks more consistent, but you can use any of the 16 colors in your palette.
With your new image created, you need a freeware app called Resource Hacker to make some changes.

Before proceeding, locate ntoskrnl.exe in your Windows > system32 folder. Make a copy of the file called newntoskrnl.exe or something equally easy to remember and leave the copy in the system32 folder.
Make a second copy of the ntoskrnl.exe on your desktop (this is the one you will edit).
Open ntoskrnl.exe in Resource Hacker. Expand Bitmap > 5 and highlight the 1033 folder. Right-click the 1033 icon and choose Replace Resource.

*www.jakeludington.com/images/xp/bootscreen/resourcehacker1.png

Click the Open file with new bitmap button and locate the image you created earlier. Click the Replace button. Save and exit Resource Hacker. You can optionally replace all elements of the boot screen by editing each portion of the Bitmap.

*www.jakeludington.com/images/xp/bootscreen/resourcehacker2.png

Reboot into SafeMode and copy your newly created ntoskrnl.exe file into the Windows > system32 folder.
Note: If you are using Windows 2000, you can simply replace the image in the Bitmap > 1 > 1033 location with a 640x480 16 color Bitmap to modify the Win2k boot screen in a similar fashion.

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this is a precise version of topic from *jakeludington.com/windows_xp/20060219_change_xp_boot_screen.html

refer to it for more info
rakeshishere
Mar 3, 2007 at 8:01 PM
See the Below Link for another way!

TUTORIAL: How 2 change XP Boot Screen using Tuneup Utilities!
unni
unni #3
Mar 3, 2007 at 9:45 PM
If you change this, won't you get BSOD?. I remember attempting to change through a third party software, only to get a BSOD the next time I booted into Windows. Microsoft is very particular about the boot screen. :D
Gaurav
Gaurav #4
Mar 3, 2007 at 10:16 PM
I use StyleXP to change boot screen(to be on safere side);)
B
Mar 4, 2007 at 9:15 AM
tune up utilities 2007 are also good for these type of works....
also they hav a good collection at their website...
G
Mar 4, 2007 at 5:48 PM
If you want to get really geeky, u try reshacker or better try 3rd party softwares for safety and easy change

Is TuneUp Utilities 2006 Freeware or trial is avalible in any previuos Digit CD
B
Mar 4, 2007 at 9:51 PM
its a trial.....
if u want it PM me... (Trial) :D :D
Shasanka_Gogoi
Mar 8, 2007 at 8:33 PM
Style XP does it without much hassles (or so to say without any)
nileshgr
Mar 10, 2007 at 6:29 PM
Good POST GOPI.
S
sakumar79 #11
Mar 11, 2007 at 11:05 AM
Logon Loader is a free software to change bootscreen - available at *logonloader.danielmilner.com/

Arun
rakeshishere
Mar 11, 2007 at 6:01 PM
sakumar79 said:
Logon Loader is a free software to change bootscreen - available at *logonloader.danielmilner.com/

Arun

U r talkin abt Logon screen but the thread is talkin abt changing Boot Screen
S
sakumar79 #13
Mar 11, 2007 at 7:52 PM
Sorry about that, missed it... Must have been a bit sleepy when I was reading this thread!!!

Arun