Here is a list of files, which can be edited using Resource Hacker to change the look-n-feel of Windows:
%windir%\System32\NToskrnl.exe : To change Windows Boot screen
%windir%\System32\Logonui.exe : To change Windows Login Screen
%windir%\System32\MSgina.dll : To change the text & background of Shutdown dialog box
%windir%\System32\Shell32.dll : To change a lot of things, like Progress dialog box (copying, deleting, etc.), Run dialog box, Context menu items, and many other things (As much as you’ll go through the items, you’ll know what I’m talking about)
%windir%\System32\Netshell.dll : To change flashing internet icon in system tray
%windir%\System32\Comdlg32.dll : To change the look of Open/Save dialog box, color box, print box, find & replace box, etc.
%windir%\System32\Stobject.dll : To change volume icon & some other icons in system tray
%windir%\System32\mydocs.dll : To change My Documents icon
%windir%\System32\shdocvw.dll : To change Internet Explorer 6 icons and graphics
%windir%\System32\IEFrame.dll : To change Internet Explorer 7 icons and graphics
%windir%\System32\shimgvw.dll : To change image file icons, i.e., BMP, JPG, JPEG, GIF, etc
%windir%\System32\Sysdm.cpl : To change the System Properties window look
%windir%\System32\Winlogon.exe : To change the text, which you see in Login Screen, like applying user settings, logging off, shutting down, etc.
%windir%\Explorer.exe : To change Start button text, Programs Menu text (like Programs, Favorites, Documents, etc.)
%windir%\System32\browselc.dll : To change the Menu names in Windows Explorer as well as Internet Explorer
Windows XP Setup folder\I386\Winntbbu.dll : To change XP Setup look and text entries
Windows 98 users replace “System32” folder with “System” folder, e.g., in Windows 98 “Shell32.dll” file will be in %windir%\System\ folder.
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dg said:
hi vishal how if you change your name “vista gupta
VG said:
^^ lol. Where?
rudal76 said:
oke
Ronak Agrawal said:
Thnks
fediafedia said:
Very usefull guide! I wanna ask Which menu do you edit to change properties to personalize (desktop rightclick)? I searched in shell32, but I’m not exactly sure which one.
VG said:
Thanks buddy. Its in “220″ menu.
fediafedia said:
wow! thanks! Just what I needed for the Vista personalization program. Can I post a mini tutorial how to change the 220 thingy? ( in audition to this http://fediafedia.deviantart.com/art/Vista-Personalization-for-XP-71790857 ) I’ll say it’s yours and link to your site ofcourse!
One more question, is it possible to add icon or bitmap to context menus?
Screenshot: http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa213/fediafedia/personalize.png
VG said:
^^ OK. You can post it with credits. I have no problem.
Regarding to adding icon in context menu, I have no idea.
fediafedia said:
Thanks! I guess I don’t need that icon, I’m not trying to build a vista clone here
Shahnawaz said:
everytime you right click on my computer you can see options such as map network drive,disconnect.One can remove these on a pc with no network connection specially on home(winXp PRO).
Just run gpedit.msc
>>user configuration
>>administrative templetes
>>windows component
>>windows explorer
now in the right side you will find option remove “map network…”
go to its properties and enable it.
Now refresh desktop you will now see no more map.. option
~Ex said:
Hi VG, 1st of all, awesome work! Perhaps one of the most comprehensive tweaking site out there. I have a question though, do you know where the location of the bg of the Windows Explorer Task Pane using ResHack? I would like to change the background to match my entire scheme.
VG said:
You can find the BITMAPs in “Shellstyle.dll” file in “Luna” theme folder under “%windir%\Resources\Themes” folder.
John Marshall said:
VG said:
^^ Its in “wuaucpl.cpl” file.
omid said:
hi.
I want To Change start menu name without open reshacker(with command line).
please help me friends.
VG said:
^^ Sorry but I don’t think its possible.
Moonshine said:
Great job VG!! Your tweeks are right on the money. Now I have one for ya. ……. I’m trying ta change the blue background on the “Welcome” (not the log-on) screen that you see on XP’s start, and on the shut-down screen to an image. I have used ResHacker to do some of the other mods you have mentioned and they’ve worked fine…….. Thanx. Any ideas on this one? Keep up the great work.
VG said:
^^ To change welcome screen blue background, you’ll have to edit “%windir%\System32\LogonUI.exe” file and to change Shutdown dialog box background image, you’ll have to edit “%windir%\System32\msgina.dll” file.
Torrente said:
Hi, my first post here and I already need help.
I use Favorites panel (band) in Windows explorer (XP) for folders, something like Finder on Mac.
When you open Favorites band you can see two buttons “Add Favorite” and “Organize Favorites”. I want to remove these huge “never use them buttons”.
So is this possible? Great site btw!
VG said:
^^ Are you talking about the Favorite menu and its submenus? A screenshot will definitely help in understanding your query.
Torrente said:
No, no menu items . You can see Favorites panel (or band, sidebar…) when you click on Favorites button which is on “Standard buttons” toolbar, or when you check View - Explorer bar - Favorites
or, the easiest way, when you press CTRL+I in every WE window.
Sorry for my bad explanation in the first post
VG said:
^^ Ok. I got it now but I’m sorry since I’m on Windows Vista now and it doesnt have the favorite band like XP, so can’t help you atm. If I come across any solution for it, then I’ll let you know.
Torrente said:
Thanks man!