All About Resource Hacker in a Brief Tutorial

Resource Hacker is a small but excellent tool to modify system files like DLL, EXE, CPL, etc. You can even change Windows look by editing various Windows files and replacing their resources using Resource Hacker. You can download it using following links:

Download Link | Mirror | New 3.5.2 Beta Version

Its a portable application, so you don't need to install it. Simply extract the ZIP file and run the extracted EXE file.
This tutorial will help you in understanding this tool and will teach you how to use it. For your convenience, we have divided this tutorial in 2 parts:

• PART 1: BASIC INFORMATION
• PART 2: ADVANCED INFORMATION

Part 1 provides basic details like viewing or replacing existing resources in a file, etc. Part 2 covers some advance information for geeks, like adding new resources, using scripts, etc.

PART1 : BASIC INFORMATION

[Using Resource Hacker]
When you open a file in Resource Hacker, it shows various directories in left-side pane, like:

• AVI - Contains AVI files
• Cursor - Contains Cursor files
• Bitmap - Contains BMP files
• Icon - Contains Icons
• Menu - Contains Menus
• Dialog - Contains Dialog boxes
• String Table - Contains Strings
• Accelerators - Contains Shortcut keys
• Version Info - Contains Version information of the file

[Viewing Resources]
You can view resource present in the file by expanding the directory given in left-side pane and clicking on the name of the resource. Each resource contains 3 important attributes:

• Resource Type
• Resource Name
• Resource Language

[Changing Resources]
For Icons / Cursors / Bitmaps:
1. First select the resource ( e.g. Bitmap -> 131 -> 1033 ).
2. Now click on Action -> Replace Icon or Cursor or Bitmap....

3. It'll open a new window, click on Open file with new Icon or Cursor or Bitmap button.
4. Select the desired resource using OPEN dialog box, click on Open button and then click on Replace button.
For Other Resources like AVI:
1. Click on Action -> Replace Other Resource....
2. It'll open a new window, click on Open file with new resource button.
3. Select the file and click on Open button.
4. Now you'll need to provide following required information for the resource, which we mentioned earlier:

• Resource Type
• Resource Name
• Resource Language

Resource Type: Mention type of the resource, e.g. if you are replacing AVI file, mention the type as AVI
Resource Name: Provide the same name of the existing resource which you want to replace
Resource Language: Provide language code for the resource, e.g. 1033 for English. You can check existing resource's language code.
5. At last click on Replace button.
[For Menus / Strings / Dialogs]
To change any String, Menu or Dialog box, Select the desired resource, e.g. String Table -> 4 -> 1033, make your changes and at last click on Compile Script button.

It'll immediately compile the script. If you made any mistake while modifying the resource, it'll generate error message so that you can fix it.

PART2 : ADVANCED INFORMATION

[Adding New Resources]
Adding New Bitmaps / Icons / Cursors / AVIs:
1. Click on Action -> Add a new Resource....
2. Now click on Open file with new resource button.

3. Select the desired resource and click on Open button.
4. Give Resource Type, Name and Language as mentioned earlier. But keep in mind that Resource Name should not match with any existing resources name.
5. At last click on Add Resource button.
Adding New Menus:
Go to desired menu, e.g. Menu -> 215 -> 1033. Now add a new line anywhere inside POPUP "" using following format:

MENUITEM "Custom_String", 12345, MFT_STRING, MFS_GRAYED | MFS_DEFAULT

Where:

• "Custom_String" is the actual text which you want to show in menu.
• 12345 is the identifier. It must be different from existing menuitems.
• MFS_GRAYED disables the menuitem. You can change it to MFS_ENABLED if you want to show your menuitem enabled.
• MFS_DEFAULT shows your menuitem in BOLD. You can omit it.
• You can also add a new attribute in the code MFS_HILITE which automatically selects your menuitem.

In fact you can only add following new line in code:

MENUITEM "Custom_String", 12345

And Resource Hacker will automatically insert other remaining values as mentioned above.
[Inserting Newly Added Resources in Dialog Boxes]
Once you finish adding new Icons / Bitmaps / AVIs, you can insert them in any dialog box so that you can show in various Windows dialog boxes like RUN, Progress Dialog box, etc.
1. Go to the desired dialog box, e.g. Dialog -> 1020 -> 1033
2. Right-click in the dialog box and select Insert Control option.

3. It'll open a new window. You'll see many controls in the new window, like BITMAP, LABEL, ICON, BUTTON, SysAnimate32 (for AVIs), etc.
4. Click on any desired control, e.g. to insert a Bitmap, click on the BITMAP control or to insert an AVI, click on SysAnimate32 control.

PS: You can also insert Date/Time in dialog box using SysDateTimePick32 control.
5. Don't forget to fill the Caption entry. You need to enter the Resource Name in Caption textbox, e.g. if you have added a Bitmap and set its Resource Name as 401, then give the same 401 in Caption textbox.

PS: For AVI Control ( SysAnimate32 ), you'll need to append # in Caption value, e.g if the AVI name is 144, then put #144 in Caption textbox.
6. At last click on OK button & then Compile the script.
7. If you want to change the position of the new control in dialog box, simply click on the control and drag it to your desired location or you can also use arrow keys to move it.

Using Scripts in Resource Hacker

We can also run Resource Hacker using Command Prompt and can use scripts to automate lots of repeatative tasks to save our time.
You can use scripts in 2 ways:

• Single Command
• Multiple Commands

[Single Command]
You can use following commands in Command Prompt to perform actions using Resource Hacker:

-add ExeFileName, ResultingFileName, ResourceAddress, ResourceType, ResourceName,
-addskip ExeFileName, ResultingFileName, ResourceAddress, ResourceType, ResourceName,
-addoverwrite ExeFileName, ResultingFileName, ResourceAddress, ResourceType, ResourceName,
-modify ExeFileName, ResultingFileName, ResourceAddress, ResourceType, ResourceName,
-extract ExeFileName, ResourceAddress, ResourceType, ResourceName,
-delete ExeFileName, ResultingFileName, ResourceType, ResourceName,

Where:

• ExeFileName - Source file name
• ResultingFileName - Output file name
• ResourceAddress - Resource location (e.g. Bitmap path stored in your hard disk)
• ResourceType - Resource type (e.g. Bitmap, AVI, etc.)
• ResourceName - Resource name (e.g. 131, 1020, etc.)

Example:

ResHacker.exe -addoverwrite explorer.exe, explorer1.exe, MyImage.bmp , bitmap, 143,

[Multiple Commands]
You can also run a series of commands using script. First you'll need to create the script file using Notepad and then you can run it using following command:

ResHacker.exe -script ScriptFileName

Where, ScriptFileName is the name of the script file which you created in Notepad.
Following is the required format of the script file:

[FILENAMES]
Exe=
SaveAs=
Log=
[COMMANDS]
-addoverwrite ResourceAddress, ResourceType, ResourceName

Where:
EXE= contains source file name
SaveAs= contains output file name
Log= contains LOG file name which will store a detailed log of the operation
[COMMANDS] section contains the command-set which we want to perform on the source file.
PS: You can omit the LOG= entry in script file. In this case, Resource Hacker will automatically create a LOG file with the name "ResHacker.log".
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" or use "Replacer" to replace the file. Both utilities 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.
That's all for now. If you have any query, please feel free to ask us.
More Resource Hacker Tutorials

Read More

Hacking System Properties Dialog Box (Sysdm.cpl) in Windows XP

In this tutorial, we'll tell you how to change the first tab "General" in System Properties dialog box of Windows XP. Following is a screenshot of the dialog box which you'll get after following this tutorial:
1. Here are some images, which will be required to add in dialog box. Download the ZIP file, extract it and you'll get the BMP files:
Download BITMAPs
2. Open %windir%\System32\sysdm.cpl file in Resource hacker.
3. Now we'll need to replace existing 1.BMP file with the downloaded one. To do this:

• Goto Bitmap -> 1 -> 1033.
• Click on Action -> Replace Bitmap....
• Click on Open file with new bitmap... button.
• Select the new downloaded 1.BMP file and click on Open button.
• Finally click on Replace button.

4. Now we'll need to add remaining downloaded BMPs in the file. To do this:

• Click on Action -> Add a new Resource ....
• Click on Open file with a new resource... button.
• Select 4.BMP and click on Open button.
• Give 4 in Resource Name and 1033 in Resource Language text boxes.
• 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 go to Dialog -> 101 -> 1033 and replace existing code with the following code:

101 DIALOGEX 32, 10, 376, 215
STYLE DS_FIXEDSYS | DS_MODALFRAME | WS_POPUP | WS_VISIBLE | WS_CAPTION
CAPTION "General"
LANGUAGE LANG_ENGLISH, SUBLANG_ENGLISH_US
FONT 8, "MS SHELL DLG"
{
CONTROL 6, 0, STATIC, SS_BITMAP | SS_CENTERIMAGE | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_GROUP, 1, 4, 106, 207
CONTROL "Windows Edition", 304, BUTTON, BS_GROUPBOX | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE, 110, 5, 265, 73
CONTROL "", 52, STATIC, SS_LEFT | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_GROUP, 130, 20, 162, 8
CONTROL "", 54, STATIC, SS_LEFT | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_GROUP, 130, 36, 100, 8
CONTROL "", 58, EDIT, ES_LEFT | ES_AUTOHSCROLL | ES_READONLY | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE, 147, 192, 107, 8
CONTROL "System", 304, BUTTON, BS_GROUPBOX | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE, 110, 80, 265, 65
CONTROL "", 62, STATIC, SS_BITMAP | SS_CENTERIMAGE | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE, 272, 152, 89, 54
CONTROL 4, 0, STATIC, SS_BITMAP | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_GROUP, 326, 90, 41, 47
CONTROL 5, 0, STATIC, SS_BITMAP | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_GROUP, 235, 98, 80, 15
CONTROL "", 63, "Link Window", 0x50000000, 130, 101, 100, 8
CONTROL "", 64, "Link Window", 0x50000000, 130, 91, 100, 8
CONTROL "", 65, "Link Window", 0x50000000, 130, 111, 100, 8
CONTROL "", 66, "Link Window", 0x50000000, 130, 121, 100, 8
CONTROL "", 67, "Link Window", 0x50000000, 130, 131, 100, 8
CONTROL "&More Information", 69, BUTTON, BS_PUSHBUTTON | WS_CHILD | WS_DISABLED | WS_TABSTOP, 235, 123, 80, 14
CONTROL "Windows Activation", 304, BUTTON, BS_GROUPBOX | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE, 110, 147, 265, 60
CONTROL "PID :", 0, STATIC, SS_LEFT | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_GROUP, 131, 192, 17, 9
CONTROL 1, 0, STATIC, SS_BITMAP | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_GROUP, 309, 13, 64, 59
CONTROL "This version of Windows is Genuine.", 0, STATIC, SS_LEFT | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_GROUP, 131, 180, 115, 10
CONTROL "Copyright (c) 2006 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.", 0, STATIC, SS_LEFT | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_GROUP, 115, 54, 195, 9
CONTROL "", 56, EDIT, ES_LEFT | ES_AUTOHSCROLL | ES_READONLY | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE, 130, 160, 100, 8
CONTROL "", 57, EDIT, ES_LEFT | ES_AUTOHSCROLL | ES_READONLY | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE, 130, 170, 100, 8
}

7. Click on Compile Script button.
8. Now to change the text "Microsoft Windows XP" & "Version 2002" (or similar):

• Go to: String Table -> 12 -> 1033.
• Change the String in 180 to "Windows VISTA™ Ultimate Edition" & click on Compile Script button.
• Similarly go to: String Table -> 13 -> 1033.
• Change the String in 195 to "Hacked by : VISHAL GUPTA" and click on Compile Script button.

9. At last Save the file and close Resource Hacker.
10. You can also see an image in the screenshot having "ask for Genuine Microsoft software" text. If you want to show it as well, then copy "OEMLogo.BMP" and "OEMInfo.INI" files present in downloaded ZIP file to "%windir\System32\" folder.
11. That's it. We have done. Now you'll get the same look as shown in the screenshot.
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.

Read More

List of Resource Locations in Windows XP, Vista and 7 to be Hacked Using Resource Hacker

Here are a few COMMON changes/hacks, which most of the people want to make in Windows. In this tutorial, we'll tell you the exact location of the things, you want to change: Changing look of RUN Dialog Box
Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1003 -> 1033.
Changing Progress Dialog Box (The box which appears while Copying/pasting/deleting stuffs)
Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1020 -> 1033.
Changing look of Open With box
Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1063 -> 1033 & Dialog -> 1070 -> 1033.
Changing look of Classic Logoff dialog box
Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1071 -> 1033.
Changing look of Drive Properties box
Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1080 -> 1033 & Dialog -> 1081 -> 1033.
Changing look of New Logoff dialog box
Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1089 -> 1033.
Changing look of the box, which appears when Windows asks to select application/search with web service to open the UNKNOWN file type
Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1091 -> 1033.
Changing look of Autoplay box
Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1119 -> 1033.
Changing look of Folder Customize box
Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1124 -> 1033.
Changing look of Windows Default CD Writing Wizard
Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1125 to 1138 -> 1033.
Changing look of Classic Shutdown dialog box
Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 8226 -> 1033.
Changing look of About Windows dialog box
Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 14352 -> 1033.
Changing look of Format Drive dialog box
Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 28672 -> 1033.
Changing look of Scandisk dialog box
Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 28800 -> 1033.
Changing look of Desktop tab in Desktop Properties box
Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 29952 to 29956 -> 1033.
Changing look of Folder Options box
Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 29959 & 29960 -> 1033.
Changing look of DOS Properties box
Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 32768 - 32885 -> 1033.
Changing look of Taskbar & Start Menu Properties box
Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: Dialog -> 6 to 1135 -> 1033.
Changing 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 look of Shutdown Reason UI box
Open %windir%\System32\Msgina.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 2200 -> 1033.
Changing look of New Shutdown dialog box
Open %windir%\System32\Msgina.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 20100 -> 1033.
Changing look of Shutdown Timer box
Open %windir%\System32\WinLogon.exe file, and goto: Dialog -> 1300 -> 1033.
Changing look of System Properties box
Open %windir%\System32\Sysdm.cpl file, and goto: Dialog -> 41 to 4103 -> 1033.
Changing look of Choose Color box
Open %windir%\System32\Comdlg32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> CHOOSECOLOR -> 1033.
Changing look of Choose Font box
Open %windir%\System32\Comdlg32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 401 & 1543 -> 1033.
Changing look of Printer Properties box
Open %windir%\System32\Comdlg32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1538 & 1539 & 1546 -> 1033.
Changing look of Open/Save Dialog box
Open %windir%\System32\Comdlg32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1547 * 1552 -> 1033.
Changing look of Many tabs in Desktop Properties box
Open %windir%\System32\ThemeUI.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1000 to 1017 -> 1033.
Changing look of Classic Programs Menu
Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: Menu -> 204 -> 1033.
Changing 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 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 Start Button Icon
Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: Bitmap -> 143 -> 1033.
Changing Left-Side Image in Classic Start Menu
Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: Bitmap -> 167 -> 1033.

Read More

[Version 1] Customizing RUN Dialog Box in Windows XP Using Resource Hacker

Following is a screenshot of RUN dialog box which you'll get after applying this tutorial:
1. Download the Mickey Mouse BMP file and progress AVI file using following link:
Download BMP and AVI files
2. Open shell32.dll file in Resource Hacker.
3. Add the BITMAP and give it name 405 (You can give any name but this is what I gave in my Shell32.dll file, You have to give it same if you want to copy the same code as I'm posting here).
4. Add the AVI and give it name 111.
5. Now go to Dialog -> 1003 -> 1033 and replace existing code with the following code:

1003 DIALOGEX 0, 0, 432, 245
STYLE DS_FIXEDSYS | DS_MODALFRAME | DS_NOIDLEMSG | DS_CONTEXTHELP | WS_POPUP | WS_CAPTION | WS_SYSMENU
CAPTION "Run Dialog Box Hacked by Vishal Gupta"
LANGUAGE LANG_ENGLISH, SUBLANG_ENGLISH_US
FONT 8, "MS SHELL DLG"
{
CONTROL "", 12298, COMBOBOX, CBS_SIMPLE | CBS_AUTOHSCROLL | CBS_DISABLENOSCROLL | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_VSCROLL | WS_TABSTOP, 218, 95, 182, 13
CONTROL "&Go", 1, BUTTON, BS_PUSHBUTTON | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_TABSTOP, 247, 117, 50, 14
CONTROL "&Locate...", 12288, BUTTON, BS_PUSHBUTTON | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_TABSTOP, 309, 117, 50, 14
CONTROL 405, 0, STATIC, SS_BITMAP | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_CLIPSIBLINGS | WS_GROUP, 0, 0, 208, 122
CONTROL "#111", 0, "SysAnimate32", ACS_CENTER | ACS_TRANSPARENT | ACS_AUTOPLAY | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE, 200, 35, 133, 9
CONTROL "", 0, "SysDateTimePick32", DTS_LONGDATEFORMAT | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE, 170, 206, 130, 14
CONTROL "", 0, "SysDateTimePick32", DTS_SHORTDATEFORMAT | DTS_UPDOWN | DTS_TIMEFORMAT | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE, 330, 206, 60, 14
}

6. Now compile the script and save the file.
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 "shell32_original.dll". Delete it and try to save the file in resource hacker.

Read More

[Version 2] Customizing RUN Dialog Box in Windows XP Using Resource Hacker

Following is a screenshot of RUN dialog box which you’ll get after applying this tutorial:
Here is a step-by-step tutorial for making your RUN dialog box look-a-like the above:
1. Download following ZIP file and extract it:
Download Images
2. Now open %windir%\System32\Shell32.dll file in Resource Hacker.
3. Add 404.bmp at 404 location.
4. Add 405.bmp at 405 location.
5. Now go to Dialog -> 1003 -> 1033 and replace existing code with the following code:

1003 DIALOGEX 0, 0, 275, 160
STYLE DS_FIXEDSYS | DS_MODALFRAME | DS_NOIDLEMSG | DS_CONTEXTHELP | WS_POPUP | WS_CAPTION | WS_SYSMENU
CAPTION "Windows Vista Registered to - Vishal Gupta"
LANGUAGE LANG_ENGLISH, SUBLANG_ENGLISH_US
FONT 8, "MS SHELL DLG"
{
CONTROL "Windows Edition", 304, BUTTON, BS_GROUPBOX | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE, 5, 50, 265, 83
CONTROL "Windows Vista Ultimate", 52, STATIC, SS_LEFT | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_GROUP, 25, 65, 162, 8
CONTROL "Hacked By : VISHAL GUPTA", 54, STATIC, SS_LEFT | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_GROUP, 25, 81, 100, 8
CONTROL "Copyright (c) 2006 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.", 0, STATIC, SS_LEFT | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_GROUP, 10, 99, 195, 9
CONTROL 405, 0, STATIC, SS_BITMAP | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_GROUP, 204, 58, 64, 59
CONTROL "", 12298, COMBOBOX, CBS_SIMPLE | CBS_AUTOHSCROLL | CBS_DISABLENOSCROLL | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_VSCROLL | WS_TABSTOP, 10, 115, 195, 13
CONTROL "&Locate...", 12288, BUTTON, BS_PUSHBUTTON | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_TABSTOP, 210, 140, 50, 14
CONTROL "&Go!", 1, BUTTON, BS_DEFPUSHBUTTON | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_TABSTOP, 155, 140, 50, 14
CONTROL "", 0, "SysDateTimePick32", DTS_LONGDATEFORMAT | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE, 15, 140, 135, 14
CONTROL 404, 0, STATIC, SS_BITMAP | WS_CHILD | WS_VISIBLE | WS_GROUP, 0, 0, 274, 44
}

You can change the strings according to your needs.
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 "shell32_original.dll". Delete it and try to save the file in resource hacker.

Read More

List of Windows XP System Files to be Hacked Using Resource Hacker

Here is a list of Windows XP system 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
%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\Comctl32.dll : To change the icons appearing in upper-right side of Open/Save dialog box.
%windir%\System32\Stobject.dll : To change volume icon & some other icons in system tray
%windir%\System32\hotplug.dll : To change safe to remove hardware icon
%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

Read More

How to Change or Create Boot Screen in Windows using TuneUp Utilities

TuneUp Utilities is one of the best system optimization suite for Windows. It provides various options to tweak your system. It also provides options to change Windows theme, boot screen, login screen and icons. Here is a step-by-step procedure to change or create new boot screen in Windows XP and Vista using TuneUp Utilities:
1. First download and install TuneUp Utilities from the following link:
Download TuneUp Utilities
You can either purchase the full version or download 30 days trial version. After installation, run it from desktop or from Programs menu or by right-clicking on My computer icon and select "TuneUp Utilities".
2. Now click on Customize Windows ->  TuneUp Styler

3. It'll open a new window. Click on "Boot Screen" link in left-side pane.
4. Now click on "Add -> Load Boot Screen From File..." option.
5. Select your boot screen file and click on "Install Boot Screen" button.
6. You can also create your own boot screens. To create new boot screen, click on "New Screen" button. It'll open a new window. Now click on "Search Local Drives" link and select the image.
You can also set the image alignment, borders, background color and progress bar position.
7. Once you finish, click on "Save boot screen" link and provide a name to your boot screen.
8. You can even see the preview of the boot screen by clicking on "Show large preview" link or by clicking on the image in Preview pane:
9. That's it, your new boot screen is ready. You can apply it by clicking on "Install Boot Screen" button.

Read More

Windows XP Services Configuration: Turn Off / Disable Unnecessary Services to Optimize Performance

When we install Windows XP, there are many services running in background. Among them many services are not important and can be set manual to make your windows running faster. In this tutorial we'll tell you about the services which can be safely set to MANUAL to speed up Windows XP.
1. Right-click on My Computer icon on desktop and select Manage, it'll open a window, in which goto: Services & Application -> Services. To disable or Set a service to MANUAL, double-click on the service and select the desired option in Startup list box.

2. You can also open the same by going to Administrative Tools and open Computer Management.

NOTE: Always set the service to MANUAL, never disable it. So that whenever windows needs to start a service it can easily start and use it. If you set any service to DISABLED, then windows will not be able to start it and will give ERROR.

So here is the list of services that can be safely set to MANUAL (Many of them may be disabled automatically on some systems):

• Alerter
• Computer Browser
• Distributed Link Tracking Client (If you have NTFS partition, then don't disable it)
• Fast User Switching Capability (removes Switch Users option)
• Indexing service
• Internet Connection Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing
• Messenger
• Remote Registry (Always disable it for Security purposes)
• Secondary Logon
• Server
• System Restore (If you don't use System Restore)
• TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper Service
• Uninterruptible Power Supply
• Upload Manager
• Wireless Zero Configuration

PS: You can see the details of each service so that you can determine whether it should be disabled or not.

Read More

Speed Up Windows XP – Master Tutorial to Make Windows XP Super Fast

This tutorial is meant for increasing the performance of Windows XP, either it can be a fresh installation or an older one. 1. Following is a registry file containing a few registry modifications, which are completely safe and can increase the performance of Windows. Just download the attached ZIP file, extract it and then run the file:
Tweak Windows XP
Restore Default Settings (Use this file if you want to restore default Windows settings)
2. Right-click on Desktop and select Properties, Now in the new window goto Appearance tab and click on Effects button. Now in the new opened window uncheck the following options:

• Use the following transition effect for menus & tooltips.
• Show shadows under menus.

3. Right-click on My Computer icon on Desktop and select Properties (or press <WIN> key + <Pause/Break> key), now goto Advanced tab in new window and click on Settings button in Performance section.
Now disable all unnecessary options in Visual Effects tab, you can remain following options enabled according to your requirements:

• Show window contents while dragging.
• Smooth edges of screen fonts.
• Use common tasks in folders (If you use the left side pane in My computer)
• Use drop shadows on icon labels on the desktop. (to make the desktop icons label transparent.)
• Use visual styles on windows and buttons. (If you use XP themes.)

4. Open Tools -> Folder Options and click on View tab:

Now uncheck following options:

• Automatically search for network folders & printers.
• Display file size information in folder tips.
• Display simple folder view in Explorer's Folders list.
• Show encrypted or compressed NTFS files in color.
• Show pop-up description for folder and desktop icons.
• Use simple file sharing.

Other options don't affect the system performance. You can enable/disable them according to your requirements.
5. Right-click on My Computer icon on Desktop and select Manage (You can also open it by typing services.msc in RUN and press Enter). Now goto Services & Applications -> Services. Here you can set a few unnecessary services to Manual, which will not start with windows and will decrease the boot time and will increase system performance. Please follow the following tutorial to know about which services can be safely set to MANUAL:
Windows XP Services Configuration: Turn Off / Disable Unnecessary Services to Optimize Performance
6. Type msconfig in RUN and press Enter. Now goto Startup tab and deselect the unnecessary entries, which you don't want to start automatically with Windows, e.g. you can disable VGA driver utility, Sound Card utility, etc to speed up the startup time and to increase system performance.
7. Open Sound & Audio Devices in Control Panel (or type mmsys.cpl in RUN), goto Sounds tab and select No Sounds in Sound Scheme section. Or you can remain some of your favorite sounds but set Exit Windows, Start Windows, Windows Logoff, Windows Logon to (None).
8. Also don't forget to:

• Defrag the hard disk regularly
• Install only necessary software
• Use the latest device drivers
• Keep your Windows up-to-date

After following all the above mentioned points, you'll definitely notice major improvements in your Windows XP performance.

Read More

Add Your Favorite Application or Shortcut Under RUN in Windows XP Start Menu

Did you ever notice the free space under Run in Windows XP Start Menu? Following tutorial will teach you how to use that free space for your own shortcuts, e.g., you can create a shortcut of Windows Media Player in that free space, as we have done in following screenshot:

Simply download following ZIP file:

Download Link

Extract it and run the extracted .REG file. It'll ask for confirmation, accept it. Now you'll see a new entry for Windows Media Player under RUN. (You might required to log off to make changes).
PS: In the above tutorial a few things can be changed for other shortcuts. You can change the entry name if you want.
The "Default Icon" is the path of the icon file, which is displayed for the shortcut. (NOTE: Double slashes are compulsory).
Similarly, the "Param1" in "Instance\InitPropertyBag" is the path of the executable file, which you want to create the shortcut for. (Double slashes are compulsory).
NOTE: This .REG file has been created assuming your Windows is installed in C: drive. If its installed in any other drive, then change the drive letter in "PARAM1" section of .REG file.

Read More

How to enable VIEW Menu on Desktop in Windows XP

This tutorial will help you in enabling "View" menu on Desktop which is now available by default.
1. Open %windir%\System32\Shell32.dll file in Resource Hacker.
2. Goto: Menu -> 215 -> 1033.
3. In right-side pane, replace the line saying:

POPUP "&View", 28674, MFT_STRING, MFS_ENABLED, 0

to:

POPUP "&View", 0, MFT_STRING, MFS_ENABLED, 0

i.e., you have to only change the ID 28674 to 0. It can also be done by deleting the text after "&View" and after compilation resource hacker will automatically add the remaining part.
4. Now click on Compile Script button and save the file.
Now after restarting the PC, you'll see the VIEW menu on desktop and it'll work without any problem.
NOTE 1: After applying this tweak the "View" button on Toolbar will stop working.
NOTE 2: 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 "shell32_original.dll". Delete it and try to save the file in resource hacker.

Read More

Download Windows Vista Theme “VistaVG Ultimate” for Windows XP

This theme has been made for Windows XP users who want to have "Windows Vista" look in their Windows. This theme can make your Windows XP look like Windows Vista. "VistaVG" is the first Windows Vista look-a-like theme for Windows XP and almost all other themes available on net are based on it.

DOWNLOAD LINK:

Normal Theme:
Download Link
Alternate Download Link
Theme with Searchbar:
Download Link

HOW TO USE:

1. Extract the contents and you'll get a folder.
2. In this folder, you'll get 4 more folders:
=> Bottom Common Tasks (This folder contains "shellstyle.dll" file for showing common tasks in explorer at bottom.)
=> Fonts (This folder contains Segoe UI fonts required for the theme. Copy them to "%windir%\Fonts" folder.)
=> Styler Toolbar (This folder contains Style toolbar for explorer. To know more about Styler and how to use it, visit following link:
How to Install and Apply Styler Toolbar Skin in Windows XP Explorer?
=> Theme (This folder contains the main theme.)
3. Copy all contents in "Theme" folder to "%windir%\Resources\Themes\" folder.
4. Now you can set the theme using Desktop Properties.
5. Also make sure you have patched the "uxtheme.dll" file to allow 3rd party visual styles, if its not patched, then download and run the UXtheme Patcher from here:
How to Install & Use?

Read More

Download VistaVG Black Theme for Windows XP

Its a black version of "VistaVG" theme and XP port of "Vista Black Theme for Vista".
Download Link
Alternate Download Link

HOW TO USE:

1. In the downloaded pack, you'll get 2 folders:
=> Fonts (This folder contains Segoe UI fonts required for the theme. Copy them to "%windir%\Fonts" folder.)
=> Theme (This folder contains the main theme.)
2. Copy all contents in "Theme" folder to "%windir%\Resources\Themes\" folder.
3. Now you can set the theme using Desktop Properties.
4. Also make sure you have patched the "uxtheme.dll" file to allow 3rd party visual styles, if its not patched, then download and run the UXtheme Patcher from here:
How to Install & Use?
NOTE: If you are facing menu cut-off problem in Start menu, then take a look at this link.

Read More

Download VistaVG Blue Refresh Theme for Windows XP

Its a blue version of "VistaVG" theme.
Download Link
Alternate Download Link
There are 2 versions in this theme as usual:

• Blue32 (for 32x icon size)
• Blue48 (for 48x icon size)

HOW TO USE:

1. Download the file and extract its content. You'll get a folder "VistaVG Blue Refresh Theme by Vishal Gupta".
2. In this folder, you'll get 2 more folders:
=> Fonts (This folder contains Segoe UI fonts required for the theme. Copy them to "%windir%\Fonts" folder.)
=> Theme (This folder contains the main theme.)
3. Copy all contents in "Theme" folder to "%windir%\Resources\Themes\" folder.
4. Now you can apply the theme using Desktop Properties.
5. Also make sure you have patched the "uxtheme.dll" file to allow 3rd party visual styles, if its not patched, then download and run the UXtheme Patcher from here:
How to Install & Use?
NOTE: If you are facing menu cut-off problem in Start menu, then take a look at this link.

Read More

How to Add / Remove Entries in Context Menus in Windows

In this tutorial, I'll tell you how to add your own customized entries in context menus and how to remove unwanted entries from context menu: A. Open regedit and go to:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\* (for adding an option in All files context menu)
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory (for adding an option in folders context menu only)
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive (for adding an option in Drives context menu only)
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Unknown (for adding an option in unknown files context menu)

B. Now under the above mentioned keys, u'll find "Shell" and "Shellex" keys. Both keys contain various entries, which are displayed when you right-click on a file, folder or drive. We'll use "Shell" key in this tutorial:
1. Right-click on the "Shell" key and select "New -> Key".
2. Give it any name. suppose we gave it name "vishal".
3. Now in right-side pane, double-click on "Default" String value and set its value to the Label which you want to display in context menu. Like if you want to add "Winamp" in context menu, then you can give it name "Open with Winamp" or similar.
4. Now create another key under this newly created key "vishal" with the name "command" and in right-side pane set value of "Default" to the path of application. For ex, for winamp you can set its value "%programfiles%\Winamp\winamp.exe".
That's it. Now you'll get in the context menu.

A few Important points:
1. If you add just the path in "Command", then it'll open the application but if you append "%1" (without quotes) in the path, then it'll open the selected file with the application. So in case of setting the value to "%programfiles%\Winamp\winamp.exe", set it "%programfiles%\Winamp\winamp.exe %1" and now it'll open the file in winamp.
2. Step 3 can be omitted and you can assign the application name directly to the new key. i.e., either set "Default" String value to the name of application or directly set the key name to application name. e.g. instead of setting the key name to "vishal", you can directly set its name to "Winamp", in this case leave the "Default" as it is.
3. With the help of this tut, you can add application shortcuts in any filetype context menu. e.g., if you like to play with "*.txt" file context menu, then go to:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\txtfile

so you can follow this tutorial for any filetype.
C. Same methods applies for removing entries from context menu. Just goto "Shell" or "Shellex\ContextMenuHandlers" and delete the unwanted key under these keys.

Read More

How to Get Extra FREE Space in Windows?

Most of us face lower disk space problem in Windows. Many times Windows notifies us about the lower disk space and we are forced to delete some useless files or to resize the partition to get some free space. We are posting this tutorial to share some simple methods to get as mush FREE space as we can. Following are some ways to get free space in Windows:
1. First thing is to use windows built-in "Disk Cleanup" application. You can right-click on a drive in My Computer and select "Properties" now click on "Disk Cleanup" button. Now select all given options, like "Downloaded Program Files", "Temporary Internet Files", "Compress old files", etc. Sometimes you can get more than 1GB FREE space after using Disk Cleanup.
Alternatively you can run "Disk Cleanup" directly from RUN dialog box by giving "cleanmgr.exe" command.
2. Now open Windows Search and copy paste following code in Search box and perform a search:

*.tmp;*.log;*log.txt;*readme.txt;file_id.diz;*.bak;*.old;*.syd;*.prv;*.grp;*.gid;*.fts;*.cnt;*.~mp

You should check all files before deleting. You'll get 100's of files after searching, simply select all and press and delete them.

PS: Please check the files before deletion! It'll delete all Readme files, Backup files, Log files, etc. So deselect the files first, which you don't want to delete.
3. You can also disable WFP (Windows File Protection) service in Windows XP using WFP Switcher. This service runs in background and checks for system files status, and whenever it finds a system file has been changed/modified, it replaces the file with the original file stored in "DLLcache" folder. So we can disable this service and can get lots of FREE space.
After disabling the service, open "%windir%\System32\DLLCache" folder (it'll be HIDDEN & System Folder, so copy paste the path in address bar and press <ENTER>). Now you can safely delete all files present in this folder. It'll make aprrox. 1GB FREE space.
4. Open "System Properties" by right-click on "My Computer" icon on Desktop and select "Properties", now go to "System Restore" tab and select "Turn Off System Restore on all drives" option and apply it. Don’t use this trick if you use System Restore.
5. You can also delete several BMP files present in %windir% (Windows) folder, which are used as wallpapers in Desktop Properties. You can also delete all files in %windir%\Web\Wallpaper folder, all files in this folder are also used as wallpapers.
6. You can also empty TEMP (just type "TEMP" and "%TEMP%" one by one in RUN dialog box), Prefetch (in %windir% folder) folders to get free space.
7. Disable Hibernation from "Power Settings" (powercfg.cpl), if you don't use this feature.
8. Empty Temporary Internet files of your web browser to get some free space.
9. You can also delete all video files present in %windir%\system32\oobe\images folder, these files are used when windows runs for the first time after installation.
10. You can also delete all updates Uninstall Folders, which can be found in %windir% folder and all these folders' names will start from $NtUninstall (or something like that. Also all folders would be HIDDEN). But keep in mind that after deleting these folders you'll not be able to uninstall any windows update!
You can apply all above mention methods to get lots of FREE space without any problem.
You can also use 3rd party Utilities, like Tuneup Utility, System Mechanic, etc to FREE some space but these utilities also use most of the above mentioned techniques.

Read More

Get Windows Vista Icons in XP Using VistaVG Icon Pack

If you are still using Windows XP and want to have Windows Vista icons in your XP, then this new Icon Pack will definitely help you. "VistaVG Icon Pack" will make Windows XP icons look like Windows Vista.

You can download it using following link:
Download VistaVG Icon Pack
More Info
After downloading the file, extract it and you'll get a folder containing the Icon Pack. You'll need "Stardock Icon Packager" to apply this icon pack which you can find here.
Open "VistaVG.iconpackage" file in Icon Packager and Apply it.

Read More

Change Look-n-Feel of Windows XP Start Menu

This tutorial will assist you in customizing Windows XP startmenu appearance. After following this tutorial, you'll get the startmenu look like following screenshot:
STEP 1: You can change the text of various startmenu entries like Control Panel, Connect To, Help & Support, Run, Search, etc. To change them, you'll need to edit %windir%\Explorer.exe file in Resource Hacker and then edit String Table section. Following are a few locations, where you can find such interesting strings:

String Table -> 439 -> 1033
String Table -> 440 -> 1033
String Table -> 515 -> 1033

STEP 2: Other strings like My Documents, My Pictures, My Music, My Computer, etc. can be changed in String Table section of %windir%\System32\Shell32.dll file. Just search for them in the file. Most of them will be present in:

String Table -> 577 -> 1033
String Table -> 794 -> 1033
String Table -> 1900 -> 1033
String Table -> 1906 -> 1033

STEP 3: Sometimes you'll not be able to see the changes in Start menu. It happens because Windows registry maintains a cache for these entries. So you'll have to clear this cache to make the changes visible. Just open regedit and go to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\ ShellNoRoam\MUICache

In right-side pane, delete all existing values except Default & LangID.
STEP 4: If you want to add your own entry, like an application shortcut or a folder, you can follow this tutorial:
Add Your Favorite Application or Shortcut Under RUN in Windows XP Start Menu
STEP 5: This one is our favorite. You can use this trick to remove "All Programs" menu from Start menu and then change "Favorites" entry to point to the "Programs" folder. In this way, you can access all program using Favorites menu.
Simply follow these steps:
A. First disable "All Programs" menu from Start menu. Open regedit and goto:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Policies\Explorer

In right-side pane, create a DWORD value NoStartMenuMorePrograms and set its value to 1
B. Now change "Favorites" path to "Programs" folder. In regedit, goto:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Explorer\Shell Folders
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Explorer\User Shell Folders

and change value of Favorites to:

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs

NOTE: Change C: to your system drive letter where Windows is installed in your system.
WARNING: Above trick will replace "Favorites" menu with All Programs list in Internet Explorer as well. If you use Favorites in IE, you should not apply the above trick. Also note down the default values of above mentioned 2 registry keys before changing them, so that you can restore them if you don't like the change.
C. You can also change the text of "Favorites" to "Programs" or "All Programs" by editing %windir%\Explorer.exe file in Resource Hacker. Just goto:

String Table -> 515 -> 1033

and in right-side pane, change string in 8235 line with your desired one.
D. You can also drag-n-drop important program shortcuts into left-side pane of Start menu for easier access. Don't forget to disable "Internet" & "E-mail" shortcuts and "Recent Items" list from "Start menu & Taskbar Properties".
STEP 6: To change the color & style of Start menu, you can use "VistaVG Ultimate" theme. You can get it here:
Windows XP Themes
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.

Read More