VISTA TUTORIAL: List of VISTA Files to be Hacked Using Resource Hacker

From AskVG.com

http://www.askvg.com/list-of-vista-system-files-to-be-hacked-using-resource-hacker/
from WinCustomize Forums
Hi guys

In this tutorial, I’ll tell about various system files in Windows Vista, which can be hacked using Resource Hacker / Resource Tuner to change the look of Windows dialog boxes, menus, login screen, boot screen and many other things. So here we start the tutorial:

================================

Approx. all Windows Vista system icons -> %windir%\System32\imageres.dll

Login Screen Background -> %windir%\System32\imageres.dll

Startup ORB animation images -> %windir%\System32\authui.dll

Startup ORB Sound -> %windir%\System32\imageres.dll

Shutdown/ lock, etc. buttons in Startmenu -> %windir%\Explorer.exe -> Bitmap -> 7051 - 7056

Windows Version Image in About Windows dialog box -> %windir%\Branding\Basebrd\basebrd.dll

Windows Version Image in Login Screen bottom -> %windir%\Branding\Basebrd\basebrd.dll

Classic Start button flag and Classic Start menu left side image -> %windir%\Branding\Shellbrd\shellbrd.dll

Control Panerl Left Sidebar Bottom Image -> %windir%\System32\Shell32.dll -> Bitmap -> 632

Back & Forward, Search, Stop, Refresh buttons in Windows Explorer -> %windir%\System32\browseui.dll

Back & Forward, Search, Stop, Refresh, Progress animation, tabs, tab close, etc. buttons in Internet Explorer -> %windir%\System32\ieframe.dll

Welcome Center Images -> %windir%\System32\oobefldr.dll

Boot Screen background image in “No GUI boot” condition -> %windir%\System32\en-US\Winload.exe.mui

Windows Media Player Resources -> %windir%\System32\wmploc.dll

================================


Above are the new system files/locations in Windows Vista which were not present in earlier versions, like XP. But if you want to change look of various dialog boxes like RUN, Progress, System Properies, Startmenu and Taskbar Properties, etc. Then you’ll have to edit the same system files which you used to edit in Windows XP. The difference is, now those files dont contain the resources but their .MUI files do.

So if you want to edit RUN dialog box which was present in “%windir%\System32\Shell32.dll” file in XP, is now present in “%windir%\System32\en-US\Shell32.dll.mui” file in Windows Vista.

So in following list, I’ll tell you where all those files are present in Windows Vista:

All those files are present in any of following 2 locations:
%windir%\en-US\
%windir%\System32\en-US\

To know about those various system files containing dialog boxes, menus, etc. resources, please visit following link:

TUTORIAL: List of Files to be hacked using Resource Hacker
TUTORIAL: List of a few Locations in Windows XP System Files to be Hacked using Resource Hacker

All those file names and resource locations are same in XP and Vista.
I hope you guys will like it.
15,244 views 16 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
The word Hacker just doesn't sit well with me!  
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Hacker is engines modifier, for example, when you modify a resource, as a CPL from the control panel, you are hacking;)

You don't scare for the word hacker Philly;)
DeskScapes - Bring your desktop background to life.
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
^^ Right. Its just name of the software. By hacking means you are modifying the files.
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top

The word Hacker just doesn't sit well with me!  


Do you prefer Reverse Engineer? Or maybe Tweaker?

"A Hacker is any person who derives joy from discovering ways to circumvent limitations." — Bob Bickford

Seriously, a Security Analyst (Hacker) specializes in the discovery of exploits in systems and in preventing unauthorized access to systems through skills, tactics and detailed knowledge. The ideas of Hacking do not always have to appear as fearsome or negative.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
The word Hacker just doesn't sit well with me!  


Not to upset anyone but technically windowblinds is a hack. If your wondering why I say that, well it modifies the original files of Microsoft Windows. So software engineering is a better term if you prefer.
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Stylexp is a hack not WB as far as I know.....
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
^^ Indeed. WindowBlinds doesnt modify any Windows system file. It installs its own files and use its own engine for the themes but StyleXP hacks "uxtheme.dll" file to allow its themes.
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Not to upset anyone but technically windowblinds is a hack. If your wondering why I say that, well it modifies the original files of Microsoft Windows.

I'm sure there's a bloke called Neil out there who would beg to differ....

Skinning generally started with the process of 'hacking' ... Fli7e first hacked Winamp to enable it to be skinned...

Anyone wanting to 'hack' his OS files, however....good luck.

Anyone new to the process of 'hacking'....caveat emptor ....

Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Very nice tutorial My friend

For those of you who like to try their hand at making a Windows Vista Visual Style, this could help. I have looked all over the internet and the best tutorials that I was able to come up with was made by UK Intel. So if you thought you would like to give it a shot, here is your chance. Below are all the necessary links that you need.. How to make a Visual Style for Windows Vista Keep On Skinning

How to make a Visual Style for Windows Vista http://www.joejoe.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=10445

Hex-Editing http://fc02.deviantart.com/fs17/f/2007/224/e/2/Vista_Hex_Editing_Tutorial_0_7_by_UkIntel.pdf

Font Change http://fc02.deviantart.com/fs16/f/2007/208/c/2/Change_Font_in_Vista__s_vs_0_1_by_UkIntel.pdf
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
For those of you who like to try their hand at making a Windows Vista Visual Style, this could help.
Why bother? Take a look at what can be done with Windowblinds: Playing with Magic
Try to do *that* with a hacked visual style. 
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Well Zubaz i think one should not be limited as for me i do both windowblinds and Visual Style

VistaGlass Final http://butch123.deviantart.com/art/VistaGlass-Final-60349566

Windowblind Midnight Made for windows vista with windowblinds 6

http://butch123.deviantart.com/art/Windowblind-Midnight-66968689

we are only limited when we limit ourselves..  
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Can visual styles do anything more than WB?
No?
Can WB do more than VS?
Yes?
Then there is no limit.
Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
True Zubaz in the past,But no longer. any windowblind made today can also be made as a vista GUI.  
Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I'd love to see the proof-of-concept Magic VS port.
Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top
The word Hacker just doesn't sit well with me!


Imagine that, all this started with my reply #1! Bow to the power of the pen!!!  
Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Im still havent been able to change the open folder icons in vista when displayed as large icon .... does anyone know how?