Hacking System Properties Dialog Box (Sysdm.cpl) in Windows XP

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NOTE: If you are facing problems while saving the file after editing in resource hacker, then make sure you have disabled WFP (Windows File Protection) service using WFP Patcher, it can be found in our "Download" section.

Also if you are getting error "Can't create file...", that means you have edited and saved the file in past and there is a backup file which need to be deleted before saving this file again. Go to "System32" folder and you'll see a file having "sysdm_original.cpl". Delete it and try to save the file in resource hacker.

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In this tutorial, 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 you get after following this hack:

1. I'm uploading some images, which will be required to add in dialog box. Download the ZIP file, extract it and you'll get 4 BMP files:

Download BITMAPs

2. Open %windir%\System32\sysdm.cpl file in Resource hacker.

3. Now we have to replace existing 1.BMP file with the downloaded one. To do this:

a. Goto Bitmap -> 1 -> 1033.
b. Click on Action -> Replace Bitmap....
c. Click on Open file with new bitmap... button.
d. Select the new downloaded 1.BMP file and click on Open button.
e. finally click on Replace button.

4. Now we have to add remaining downloaded BMPs in the file. To do this:

a. Click on Action -> Add a new Resource ....
b. Click on Open file with a new resource... button.
c. select 4.BMP and click on Open button.
d. Give 4 in Resource Name and 1033 in Resource Language text boxes.
e. Finally click on Add Resource button.

5. Repeat 4th Step for other BMPs (5.BMP & 6.BMP) also. (Resource Name for 5.BMP & 6.BMP will be 5 & 6 respectively and Resource Language will be 1033 for both).

6. Now download following text file, open it and copy the contents, then goto Dialog -> 101 -> 1033 and replace existing code with the copied code:

sysdm_code.txt

7. Click on Compile Script button.

8. Now to change the text "Microsoft Windows XP" & "Version 2002" (or similar):

a. Goto: String Table -> 12 -> 1033.
b. Change the String in 180 to "Windows VISTA™ Ultimate Edition" & click on Compile Script button.
c. Similarly goto: String Table -> 13 -> 1033.
d. And change the String in 195 to "Hacked by : VISHAL GUPTA" (you can change "VISHAL GUPTA" with your name ) & click on Compile Script button.

9. At last Save the file and close Resource Hacker.

10. You can see an image in screenshot having "ask for Genuine Microsoft software" text. If you want to show it as well, then download following ZIP file, extract it and you'll get 2 files "OEMLogo.BMP" and "OEMInfo.INI". Copy both files to "%windir\System32\" folder:

Download Files

11. That's it. We have done. Now you'll get the same look as shown in the screenshot. Enjoy...

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This article was posted in Resource Hacker, Windows XP.

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272 Comments

Picassa243

This tutorial is good for a person who is reading it for a customzation purpose but the script that has to be induced in the resource hacker has to be a bit more descriptive for those wishing to modify or edit their dialogue boxes. Therefore plz try explaining the functions of various commands written in the scripts to make the tutorial a much more useful one. Thankyou.
VG

Hi

Actually all part in this script represent the various controls which you see in a dialog box, like textbox, Bitmaps, buttons, etc.

This script is created automatically and you don't have to write in manually.

You can just move controls using mouse, delete them or can add new controls and Resource hacker will automatically change the script.
earl

Hi Vishal! your hacking tutorials are great.Just want to ask about "Resource Hacker" is it a program or something like a script?coz I was looking in the download area but I couldn't find one...without knowing this I don't know where to begin..thanks..
VG

Thanks earl.
Resource Hacker is a software which can be used to edit windows files.
You can download and read about it here:

http://www.askvg.com/category/resource-hacker-tutorials/
earl

thanks..my bad..i didn't know you made a brief tutorial about resource hacker..sorry about it but anyway thanks!you're the best..
VG

You are welcome. I'm doing my best to put everything I know on this site. I just need support of others to make this site popular in this world.
BeeeeexD

Sir. i did place the OEMLOGO.BMP at the said folder. Nothing appeared? Thanks.
VG

^^ Thats strange. Did you put "OEMLogo.bmp" file in "%windir%\system32" folder? i.e. if your windows is installed in C: drive, then you have to put the BMP file in "C:\Windows\System32" folder.
MajinPower

Your tutorial is great and all but I've tried it and everytime I replace Dialog -> 101 -> 1033 to the code you have listed it gives me this exact message
"Compiler Error in line 3 at offset 9
Invalid statement: Text expected"

So if you can help me with this problem I will be thankful!

Supporting you VG

-MP
VG

^^ Thanks for pointing out the issue. I have put the code in a text file and have given the link in tutorial. So please try it again.