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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276 Comments

Vaibs

Hii vishal,
After i did as was in this tutorial, the following error occured, "An error occurred while Windows was working with the Control Panel file C:\WINDOWS\system32\SYSDM.CPL".

I then opened it through Resource Hacker, when i click on Dialog>101>1033, a dialog box opes with error "This file has a non-standard resource layout... it has probably been compressed with an "EXE compressor"
The same happens when i click on String Table>12>1033 and String Table>13>1033.

What should i do to correct this error, to display the Sys Prop dialog box as ur screenshot looks.

Thanks.
JEV

Visha:

I don´t understand this:

¨hen one needs to save the modded file as a file with the same name but in some other safe directory. and only then use wfp (it's called replacer.cmd and the messages are self-explanatory). if care is taken at every step, i'm sure everything would turn up fine for all.¨(baLaJi).

What does baLaJi means when he says: then use wfp (it's called replacer.cmd and the messages are self-explanatory)? what's replacer.cmd?? I've found the replace file utility but I don´t think that's baLaJi's point.

Also I have already patched my system but nothing happends after I modify the sysdm.cpl (I hace erased sysdm_original.cpl as you said above but still nothing happends). Going back to baLaJi he states that some steps are need the thing is I don't know what steps he is referring to...
VG

^^ Save the modified file at some other location and then use Replacer to replace original file in "System32" and "System32\Dllcache" folder with your modified one.

You can find Replacer in Downloads section and "Dllcache" folder will be hidden.
ALE

hello friend..
i just can't get action buttom amd 1033
{oto Bitmap -> 1 -> 1033.
cick on Action -> Replace Bitmap....}
i didn't found action buttom,,,
can u explain where it is or explain clearly??
thx
Carlos

Once again Excellent work!!
I don't know if this was answered but I wanted to know how to change
Angela G's pic?

Thanks once again in advanced!!
VG

^^ Simply edit or replace the BITMAP present in the downloaded ZIP file.
bangla.pc

Nice post, who's the girl on the system properties? lol
vinay godara

can u make multiboot cd of windows like 2in1,3in1,4in1 in only one cd of 700 mb?
Matt

Is there a way to get rid of the second, all white, blank (no file icon) system properties in control panel. It appeared after I customized it.
VG

^^ Delete "sysdm_original.cpl" file from "System32" folder.