BootSkin Snafu

from WinCustomize Forums

Having a slight difficulty getting my custom (XP) bootskins to display correctly when designed to incorporate a progress bar. My process for creating the skins is thus (all work done in Photoshop):

1) Skin image chosen/designed and sized (640 x 480).

2) Image manipulated into custom design, including progress bar and its location. (X-Y location for progress bar determined for .ini file.)

3) Progress bar image is copied from custom skin design and made into its own image file (bar "slot" on skin image filled with custom background color). I now have two custom images: the skin and its relative progress bar.

4) Both the skin image and progress bar files are decreased to 4-bit color setting -- in Photoshop this is done via Image > Mode > Indexed Color... and setting the "colors" option to 15 (not 16, as 15 is the only way to save the BMP as a 4-bit image). Choose the best "Palette" (Local) option which makes the image look best, then apply and save as 4-bit BMP. I first perform this function for the main skin image in order to get the setting which gives the image its best look, then use the exact same settings on the progress bar image. I now have a skin and progress bar image in 4-bit BMP format.

5) Necessary specs are written into bootskin .ini file, including location of progress bar.

6) Necesary files (skin, bar and .ini) are placed in appropriate skin folder.

HERE'S THE PROBLEM:

Custom skins made via the above process are displayed in the BootSkin app preview mode looking exactly as designed, colors and functionality and all. But after setting the custom skin to boot with the computer, during the boot process when the skin is displayed the colors are washed out and vastly distorted -- nothing like the image is supposed to look. However, if I use the exact same skin image for booting but WITHOUT the assigned progress bar (i.e., remove the progress bar info completely from the .ini file), the skin boots perfectly (just without a progress bar) and looks fine. Keep in mind, both the skin and progress bar images are 4-bit, came from the same master image originally, and were formatted via the same method. 

Umm -- what gives?

Suggestions are appreciated.

Thanx....

skinning
1,549 views 8 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top

for starters....have you tested it with bootskin buddy..

http://hypknotic.deviantart.com/art/BootSkin-Buddy-30733603

 

setting the "colors" option to 15 (not 16, as 15 is the only way to save the BMP as a 4-bit image)
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I always have it set at 16 in ps....and saves to 4-bit image fine... :-|   think you may have a prob with the 15...

 

using this tutorial should see you right.....you are loading the colour table to the progress bar 22x9 image?

http://cyberworld.wincustomize.com/articles.aspx?SID=5937&AID=97764&c=1

 

I tend to get the progress bar position worked out in bootskin buddy....saves a bit of time...and easier to do a full screen test in the program....and make adjustments on the spot...

 

3) Progress bar image is copied from custom skin design and made into its own image file
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needs to be made separately....see tutorial....just create your progress surround design on the the original wall...

 

Keep in mind, both the skin and progress bar images are 4-bit, came from the same master image originally, and were formatted via the same method.
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I would suggest completely going through this tutorial step by step and start afresh....you are not making the progress bar image correctly by the sound of it... you need to start with a fresh 22x9 image...index it....load the colour table saved from your main wall....colour pick colours from the original wall to design your image....and save it at 4-bit....

let us know how you go....

Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top

3) Progress bar image is copied from custom skin design and made into its own image file (bar "slot" on skin image filled with custom background color).

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is that 'custom background color' from the same 4bit palette as the main?

Offworld Trading Company
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Definitely a palette issue.

Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top

for starters....have you tested it with bootskin buddy..
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Boy, it's amazing what you can find out what you take the time to read...  :)  Many thanks for the tip SS!!!  :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Boy, it's amazing what you can find out what you take the time to read... Many thanks for the tip SS!!!
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pleasure hallv5....bootskin buddy is worth it's weight in gold.... :thumbsup:

Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Thanks for all the replies -- after doing some more reading/experimenting, I'm sure the problem has to do with the progress bar palette. I'll make some attempts to recitfy via the suggestions and see how everything turns out.

Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Issue resolved -- a pallette problem, as it turns out. Thanks to some tutorials and the insights provided here, everything seems good.

I appreciate the responses. |-)

Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top

:congrat: goodonya....hope to see some in the gallery from you.... :)