List of a few Locations in Windows XP to be Hacked Using Resource Hacker

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NOTE: If you are facing problems while saving a 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 same file in past and there is a backup file which need to be deleted before saving this file again. Go to the folder containing this file and you’ll see a similar file having “_original” in its name. Delete it and try to save the file in resource hacker.

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Here are a few COMMON changes/hacks, which most of the ppl want to make. In this tutorial, I’ll tell you the exact location of the things, you want to change.

Changing the look of RUN Dialog Box

For it, u hv to edit %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1003 -> 1033.

Changing the Progress Dialog Box (The box which appears while Copying/pasting/deleting stuffs)

Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1020 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Open With box

Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1063 -> 1033 & Dialog -> 1070 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Classic Logoff dialog box

Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1071 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Drive Properties box

Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1080 -> 1033 & Dialog -> 1081 -> 1033.

Changing the look of New Logoff dialog box

Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1089 -> 1033.

Changing the look of the box, which appears when Windows ask to select application/search with web service to open the UNKNOWN filetype

Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1091 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Autoplay box

Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1119 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Folder Customize box

Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1124 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Windows Default CD Writing Wizard

Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1125 to 1138 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Classic Shutdown dialog box

Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 8226 -> 1033.

Changing the look of About Windows dialog box

Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 14352 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Format Drive dialog box

Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 28672 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Scandisk dialog box

Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 28800 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Desktop tab in Desktop Properties box

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

Changing the look of Folder Options box

Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 29959 & 29960 -> 1033.

Changing the look of DOS Properties box

Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 32768 - 32885 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Taskbar & Start Menu Properties box

Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: Dialog -> 6 to 1135 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Windows Security box, which appears when we press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del> keys while Welcome Screen is Disabled

Open %windir%\System32\Msgina.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1800 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Shutdonw Reason UI box

Open %windir%\System32\Msgina.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 2200 -> 1033.

Changing the look of New Shutdown dialog box

Open %windir%\System32\Msgina.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 20100 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Shutdown Timer box

Open %windir%\System32\WinLogon.exe file, and goto: Dialog -> 1300 -> 1033.

Changing the look of System Properties box

Open %windir%\System32\Sysdm.cpl file, and goto: Dialog -> 41 to 4103 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Choose Color box

Open %windir%\System32\Comdlg32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> CHOOSECOLOR -> 1033.

Changing the look of Choose Font box

Open %windir%\System32\Comdlg32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 401 & 1543 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Printer Properties box

Open %windir%\System32\Comdlg32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1538 & 1539 & 1546 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Open/Save Dialog box

Open %windir%\System32\Comdlg32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1547 * 1552 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Many tabs in Desktop Properties box

Open %windir%\System32\ThemeUI.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1000 to 1017 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Classic Programs Menu

Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: Menu -> 204 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Taskbar Context Menu

Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: Menu -> 205 -> 1033.

Changing the Start button Text

Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: String Table -> 37 -> 1033 -> 578 (For New Theme) & String Table -> 38 -> 1033 -> 595 (For Classic Theme).

Changing the Start Button Tool-Tip Text

Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: String Table -> 51 -> 1033 -> 800.

Changing the Log off, Shutdown, Search, Help & Support, Run, etc. Text entries in New Start Menu

Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: String Table -> 439 -> 1033.

Changing the Internet & E-Mail text in New Start Menu

Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: String Table -> 440 -> 1033.

Changing the All Programs text in New Start Menu

Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: String Table -> 515 -> 1033 -> 8226.

Changing the Connect to, Control Panel, Favorites, My Recent Documents text entries in New Start Menu

Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: String Table -> 515 -> 1033.

Changing the Start Button Icon

Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: Bitmap -> 143 -> 1033.

Changing the Side Image in Classic Start Menu

Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: Bitmap -> 167 -> 1033.

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50 Replies:

comrade said:

nice
VG said:

thnx buddy.
Ramesh said:

Cool !!!
VG said:

^^ Thank you.
vaibhav said:

cool one….
VG said:

Thanks.
BabyStar said:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff225/ThanhHoa1981/123.jpg

can u help me with changing the look of system property .,

i couldnt find a way to change the String “service pack 2″ .,

i tried to find it in sysdm.cpl ., but it wasnt there .,

thanks a lot
VG said:

^^ Yep. Just select the string and delete it. Now if you want, you can insert another Label using “Insert Control” and can set its text to anything you want.
akash said:

how do i rename windows start button
Shitij said:

hi again.. i was wondering whether its possible to apply a background to my computer and control panel screens… i did it successfully with the drive windows.. i.e. c:\ or d:\.. but can’t find anything for my computer and control panel…
thanks…
VG said:

^^ Not possible.
m4rtincornelis said:

how to make change picture icon in start menu, but the bacground is transparent like the original (windows -> the background is transparent ->pink color..)
Thank You.
XANTER said:

thank you vishal!!!!

keep on rock and rollin!!
Entermediate said:

HI Vishal..s ir possble to hide the menu bar in IE?

tnx..
VG said:

^^ In IE7 you can hide menubar. There is an option but if you are using IE6, then you can follow my tutorial for “Hiding Menubar, etc.” which can be find in “Windows XP” section.
BeeeeexD said:

Sir in which entry do we modify urgent notifications? (The small icons on the lower right bottom on side with the clock)
VG said:

I didnt understand What do you mean by “Urgent Notification”?
ritesh said:

hey i wanna know how shell32.dll & other files are compressed in windows installation cd
VG said:

^^ Pls visit following link:

Link
Brad said:

Do you know of a way to change the default location of the “workstation Locked” dialogue box. Is there a way to have it appear by default someplace other than the center of the screen?

Thanks
VG said:

^^ Nope. Afaik its not possible.
Deyaa Addeen Fahmy Shedeed said:

Please, I beg you more and more and more.
Deyaa Addeen Fahmy Shedeed said:

How to edit,please ?
Yasar Naseer said:

please tell me the name of softwaer i wana make a 3d pic and icon and butten and many more.pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls……………………………..
H.P. Gautam said:

Thanx buddy! it’s cooling tips for me yar………….
H.P. Gautam said:

Thanx buddy! it’s cooling tips for me yar………….
Moanis said:

hey VG

nice work

just tell me is it possible to make a usable Vista Search bar in the XP start menu in Resource Hacker??
VG said:

^^ Not possible using resource Hacker!
Iuli said:

Hi !
One fast question
There is a string in shell32.dll, the About Box dialod. Actually, i think it is a variable represented with “%s”. How can i modify this ? I mean where can i modify the string/variable, so it will be applied everywhere. Thnx !
VG said:

^^ You can’t. Its defined in internal coding. You can manually remove that “%s” string in dialog box and can provide any desired string there.
Dom said:

Hi
When i experimented by changing the title in the print dialogue box (dialog 1538 in comdlg32.dll) nothing changes in the print dialogue box. It looks like an older style of print dialogue box, not the xp one. What am i doing wrong? I want to add some text to the top of the XP print dialogue box. Love your site!!
VG said:

^^ atm I’m on Vista, so can’t check it. If I come across any information, I’ll let you know.

btw are your changes permanent. I mean have you disable WFP using WFP Patcher?
Dom said:

Hi VG - yes, i used your WFP patcher to disable WFP. When i open up the print dialogue in resource hacker, my changes are there, they just don’t appear when i open the print dialogue box in a program like MS word. The dialogue boxes inside recource hacker look like older versions to me (windows 98 or 2000), so another system file/dll must alter their look in XP. Thanks again for your help.
Rahul said:

Man You have done an interesting work and which is easy to understand.But still I am having a problem is saving the .dll files compiled by RH.Whenever I try to edit “Run Dialog Box” and save it,it says “Cannot create: C:\Windows\system32\shell32.dll”.Some people told me that it is because of “Windows File Protection” I tried to disable it in REGEDIT ,but was unsuccessful.I will very greatful if tell me a way out.
Rahul said:

Man You have done an interesting work and which is easy to understand.But still I am having a problem is saving the .dll files compiled by RH.Whenever I try to edit “Run Dialog Box” and save it,it says “Cannot create: C:\Windows\system32\shell32.dll”.Some people told me that it is because of “Windows File Protection” I tried to disable it in REGEDIT ,but was unsuccessful.I will very greatful if tell me a way out.
Rahul said:

Man You have done an interesting work and which is easy to understand.But still I am having a problem is saving the .dll files compiled by RH.Whenever I try to edit “Run Dialog Box” and save it,it says “Cannot create: C:\Windows\system32\shell32.dll”.Some people told me that it is because of “Windows File Protection” I tried to disable it in REGEDIT ,but was unsuccessful.I will very greatful if tell me a way out.
Rahul said:

Can we delete or add buttons in dialog boxes of programs like calc.exe
Uvindhu said:

Hey Vishal,
I want to know how to change the other tabs in the system properties dialog box & if you have the links of the tutorials of changing other dialogboxes with resources like bitmaps and other things,pls then publish the link

Thank you
VG said:

^^ Other tabs are also situated in the same “sysdm.cpl” file. Browse through other resources under “Dialog”.
Uvindhu said:

Hey Vishal I want to change the size and view of my xp start menu.
What is the dialog i have to change in explorer.exe
VG said:

^^ The Startmenu resources are stored in the Windows theme, so you’ll have to create a new theme to make your desired changes.
Uvindhu said:

how to make a theme
is there any softwares to make *.theme file
give me any links
oidicle said:

Hi V.

Uvindhu Said:

Hey Vishal,
I want to know how to change the other tabs in the system properties dialog box & if you have the links of the tutorials of changing other dialogboxes with resources like bitmaps and other things,pls then publish the link

Thank you

You Said:

^^ Other tabs are also situated in the same “sysdm.cpl” file. Browse through other resources under “Dialog”.
———–

Could you please elaborate, I have found the other tabs and their dialog boxes, but there is no place to put a picture and they are not as spacious as the general tab…

I would apreciate it if you could elaborate in depth with an example, but if not possible than please tell me what I have to do…..
VG said:

^^ You can manually add image, stretch dialog box size, etc. Pls go through following tutorial:

http://www.askvg.com/tutorial-all-about-resource-hacker-in-a-brief-tutorial/
Deek said:

VG, thnx A LOT for ur work! U realy r a genius

Do u know how to change the picture in the start menu?
I went on another website and tried their tutorial but ended up messing up my comp and it took 1 day to fix it.
VG said:

^^ Its very simple. Click on the user picture and it’ll open the wizard to change it.
Deek said:

No VG, i mean the 1 next to the word “start”
how do u change that picture

sry i should have used the term “on the start menu” instead of “in”
Deek said:

or, in my case, next to the word “stop”
yeah thats wat i did with ur tutorial
Xanter said:

Hello visha,
can you help me how to access my buddy’s cam without him knowing that im sneaking him in his cam. is there any software that i can use to sneak around please help me

Thank you in advance and more power

Keep on rockin visha
VG said:

^^ Sorry mate but I have no idea about it.
@Deek
That small windows flag is an image which is placed in “Explorer.exe” file.