Frogboy Frogboy

An alternative way of doing Boot Screens

▼

An alternative way of doing Boot Screens

http://ian.joeuser.com/index.asp?AID=409
from WinCustomize Forums

So people obviously want boot screens. But there's a big problem with the way boot screens are currently being (ahem) "skinned":


Everyone of them we've seen so far does it one of two ways:


Either:


A) They actually distribute the Windows XP kernel. In fact, this is what most of those boot screens being distributed are. Inside the ZIP they contain the actual kernel for both XP release and SP1. Not only is this pretty flagrantly in violation of who knows what but it also causes the file to be much bigger. Here's a hint, if the boot screen is roughly 2.2 megs, or higher in a ZIP file it's probably got the XP kernel in it.


or


B) They contain just the images (good) but then patch the kernel on your computer (bad). What happens when SP2 comes out and the machine fails a kernel CRC? The better boot patchers save a copy of the kernel (good). But that's still a bit much for the average joe.


But if boot screen replacing is as popular as the polls seem to indicate, there needs to be a safer, more robust system.


So we talked to people we know at Microsoft about an idea we had. What if we could do it without touching the kernel? In fact, what if we could do it without touching the kernel and then add support for animated boot screens? High color boot screens? All without having to hack the system?


We've figured out a way and hopefully will have a freeware version available (beta at first) that will take us down the path as early as next week possibly.


Stardock's "Furan" is working on this now. Check out his blog here: http://ian.joeuser.com/index.asp?AID=409

33,614 views 54 replies
Reply #27 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Yes but the boot screens at ThemeXP are NT kernels. Open them up and what do you see? Two kernel files in there. It never ceases to amaze me that people who would never click on an email attachment will literally go and download a replacement kernel and apply it.
CursorFX - Customize your Windows cursor
Reply #28 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I do wonder why boot screens are so popular since they are rarely ever seen and look so ugly, but if Stardock can actually make them have higher resolutions and color, then maybe I'll restart a bit more.
Reply #29 from WinCustomize Forums Top
i use boot screens, just replacement kernels (applied myself with boot.ini, not some crappy program), but i have no worries of getting a virus or anything. first, i don't think there's been one case of a virus being put in a bootscreen on one of those sites, and second any file you download could be a virus... someone could just as easily make a virus screensaver or anything else you may have used.


but anyways, this sounds cool. i was just thinking 5 minutes ago when i turned on my comp how it sucks that the xp boot screens can't have any animation other than the progress bar-thingy. so this'll be nice.
Reply #30 from WinCustomize Forums Top
you have the same chance of getting a virus from any other download on this site, frogboy..........use www.themexp.org
Reply #31 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Hum... So in which of these two situations do I get more chances of getting a virus or a corrupt file that would screw up my system:1) If I just download an image with an INI file.2) If I download somebody else's Windows kernel, or any other core system file?
Reply #32 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Cool thing that. Looking forward to that app, although I prolly won't use it much (as someone already said - I don't see my boot screen too often, maybe once a week or so)
Reply #33 from WinCustomize Forums Top
As paxx notes, there's a difference in potential threat/problems between an executable file and a graphic file. That's why WC doesn't want .exes in uploaded skins (the issue has been discussed before) and it also "certifies" DX scripts that are available for download. So it's not really true that one has the same chance of getting a virus or some other problem from any download on this site compared to executable files from other sources.

I wonder how many people will be saying "just use themexp.org" if SD puts out a free bootscreen app that provides far more functionality and better looking bootscreens than the current hacked .exes?
Reply #34 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Cool, I'll definately try it our when it's availablle
Reply #35 from WinCustomize Forums Top
It sounds great, can't wait. High resolution too. Wow, Wincustomize will rock. That is, if it works and is stable. Good Luck. Look forward to seeing it.
Reply #36 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Banjo...The competitor's programs hack system files. Not good. Boot Screens can (and WILL) corrupt your system. Read the fine print concerning the popular bootscreen changer they have themes for. Those themes distribute a modified NTOSKRNL.exe. There is nothing (NOTHING) to prevent a malicious individualfrom inserting ANYTHING from a trojan, keylogger, and on up to MSBlaster.W32 and having it run at boot time...with NOTHING to stop it. Antivirus programs don't kick in until after the boot.ini is loaded. So running a hacked NTOSKRNL is BAD. This new way, the kernel is still protected, and your system is still pretty much safe. And stardock's new SmartStartup program is also what makes this new way of doing bootscreens possible. It can load the new hooks almost immediately upon startup.

Good work fellas. Keep 'em coming.
Reply #37 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Sounds great news, any chance that this technique can be applied to the shutdown screen as well? Fingers crossed
Reply #39 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Even though I have been against this addition, I am willing to give it a look. I like Stardocks approach to it. Even though I hardly see the bootscreen, if a change to it can be made without affecting how the computer runs, well I'm all for it. Plus who says you have to use it.
Reply #40 from WinCustomize Forums Top
nice but what is with composite desktop godess ??? D:
is this composite desktop godess? please please news news
Reply #41 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I admit being mystified at the desire for boot screens. BUT there is no denying the demand of them.


Regarding viruses and such -- I think the danger of replacing your NT kernel is nominal.  For me, the issue is 1) It's basically piracy. You're distributing not just any old Windows file but the KERNEL! And 2) There's something fundamentally...disturbing about patching the actual kernel of the OS.


Then there's the basic oddity of downloading a 2.2+ MEGABYTE file to replace a 60K image.

Reply #42 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I'm with everyone else who's mystified by the desire for something you only see briefly if at all (my desktop only gets shut off in event of thunderstorms or travel).

BUT I do have to say that I am VERY impressed that the gang at Stardock found a way to do this without causing additional problems by hacking the kernel OR by violating copyrights. The skill and knowledge you have - dang.

I don't even want this and I'm going to have to give it a try.
Reply #43 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Yeah, I've been sort of intrigued by bootscreens but not enough to try anything that's out there. But if SD can pull it off, I'd certainly be tempted to give it a try.

Mainly, like Dagwud, I'm just knocked out by the SD gang's technical skills and ingenuity. That's what's so cool about this, whether one changes bootscreens or not.
Reply #44 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Now I want to change my vote!
Reply #45 from WinCustomize Forums Top

What worries me most about applying a 'third party' modified Kernel is not so much the inclusion of a virus but just the plain simple and VERY REAL issue of a CRC corruption issue...that your DL of a modded Kernel can and very likely WILL eventually be that of a corrupted one, requiring some clever back-stepping to recover your OS.


To use a quite colourful analogy....sliding down a razor blade using your genitals as brakes 'may' work...but it's gonna hurt...

Reply #46 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I don't know why all you people are saying you HAVE TO PATCH YOUR KERNEL!!! I didn't patch my kernel, but I added the .exe file as a separate OS... if the boot I dled doesnt work, I simply restart and choose the original boot file to start, and fix the problem...

That said, I will still try this little program that SD is putting out, but I hope it will be freeware when the testing is all done... I'm sick of all the fine programs that SD makes, then charges for them... so I simply don't use them.
Reply #47 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Damn Jafo....that hurt just readin' it
Reply #48 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Joeymad: What do you mean?


ObjectDock: Free


CursorXP: Free


PocketBlinds: Free


LogonStudio: Free


 

Reply #49 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Ah...but at least they are all 'fine programs'.....[could actually justify the required fee, or am I just weird?]...
Reply #50 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I don't know why all you people are saying you HAVE TO PATCH YOUR KERNEL!!! I didn't patch my kernel, but I added the .exe file as a separate OS... if the boot I dled doesnt work, I simply restart and choose the original boot file to start, and fix the problem...


Yup, that'll definitely protect from viruses and is also very convenient as well! I could see my grandmother going through the trouble of doing that just to have a cute boot screen that doesn't even have high resolution or animation.

That said, I will still try this little program that SD is putting out, but I hope it will be freeware when the testing is all done... I'm sick of all the fine programs that SD makes, then charges for them... so I simply don't use them.


I hope they charge for it, simply to ensure that all the cheap people don't use it.