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

VG

^^ Please follow step 4. Only "OEMLogo.bmp" file needs to be placed in System32 folder. Other Bitmap files should be included in the sysdm.cpl file.
thehitman

Great trick! Fantastic. But my System Properties in Control panel became two. Can you tell me how to delete the original?
mudasir

hay bro this not working after replec plzz tell me wat can i do
baLaJi

about: thehitman - system properties...became two

hi there. i'm facing the same problem. i checked this out. but to my surprise i could find only one sysdm.cpl in c:\windows\system32, i.e. my own customized sysdm.cpl. the control panel shows this too in addition to the original one inspite of only one sysdm.cpl. i guess this is the way xp has a built-in feature of protecting its system. though i'm not sure about this. vg, you might be able to shed more light on this.
mudasir

hay bro plz make a video and uplod here this too long and i confeus
VG

^^ Please spend a little time with Resource hacker and go thru "All about Resource hacker" tutorial and you'll understand all the things.

Regarding 2 System Properties in Control panel, Make sure there is no "sysdm_original.cpl" file present in "System32" folder. If its there, delete it.
baLaJi

even after deleting the “sysdm_original.cpl” file, the control panel continues to show the windows xp original system in addition to the customized sysdm.cpl. vg, i've sent you a mail including the snaps of the control panel and checks in the folder c:\windows\system32 using cmd. hope this would be of some help in finding out what's wrong or otherwise.
VG

Yep. Its happening because Windows is detecting that "sysdm.cpl" file has been modified and thats why its showing the edited one as well as the original one in Control Panel.

There is no problem if its happening. One thing can be done. Goto "%windir%\System32\DLLCache" folder and replace "sysdm.cpl" file with your edited one. It might solve it.
thehitman777

Problem solved! The original system properties vanished at the control panel after deleting the “sysdm_original.cpl” at system 32. Thanks Vishal. You're a PC genius! Keep up teh Good work and keep sharing.
syawal

sir.im new here.i would like to ask about hacking the sys. properties,the oem logo does not appear,why?others is just nice.on the other hand,i also try to hack run box,but i do not understand your briefing,could you tell me where to replace 404.bmp n 405.bmp?i could not find it.tq