BootSkin 1.0 RC2 Released

http://www.bootskin.com
from WinCustomize Forums

Stardock has released release candidate 2 of its freeware boot screen changer.  RC2 displays the progress animation more smoothly and includes a full screen preview of what a boot screen looks like before applying (complete with animated progress animation).

BootSkin supports Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP, and even Longhorn. It is the only boot screen changer that doesn't patch the Windows kernel to change the boot screen (making it much safer to use).

Windows boot screens are 640x480 with 16 colors but with tools such as SkinStudio you can optimize those images so that they look pretty good.

11,168 views 19 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I have a question about the "progress animation". Is this animation just like how it is in the normal boot for XP, where the blocks scroll across the screen, left to right, over and over? Or does the animation actually display the progress of the loading of Windows? Thanks.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Love the Preview. Makes Life much simpler.
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Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I have a suggestion for the preview feature.

i noticed that when my screen switched to 640x480 my monitor made this screaming load screech. wich it doesnt do at bootup under the same resolution. i think its because of how highend graphics cards, Large view (18-25 inch)CRT Monitors and thier manfacturer suggested drivers operate under fully loaded windows control they dont like the unltra small resolutions.

would it be possible to have the preview viewed in a 640x480 GDI window like **coughEHEMcough** other bootscreen programs.

OR have it displayed full screen but at the current resolution of the monitor but stretch the image to the actual screen limits so it would look similar to when it is in use by bootskin at load up?

this is all suggested to help stop monitor or graphic card damage under full windows controll wich isnt necessary during bootup with native windows drivers or System BIOS/Graphics Card BIOS.
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Another Candidate Release and still no sign of full colour/large res boot screen. Do I assume that we won't be seeing this in Version 1 if/when it goes Gold?
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
i just downloaded the older version yesterday and when i restarted with my atomic mac osx bootskin it didnt work and the colors to the normal boot screen were messed up, do u think ill will be fixed if i get the new one?
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
[edit]
murassmeblade: Changed as requested. A preview window is now created and centered onscreen.

harrison1701: The vesa prototype has been implemented and now works, but the technology will not be in version 1.

Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top

harssion:


Unfortunately after months of intense effort I must report that we won't be able to have high color boot screens or animations in a freeware version of BootSkin.


The amount of work to do it is immense. IMMENSE.


After BootSkin goes 1.0, we will look at doing a BootSkin Plus which will add the high color support (assuming we can do it) for $10 to help us recoup the costs of doing that. 

Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
About Bootskin Plus. Will it be part of OD or will it be like CursorXP (price wise as a separate purchase)?
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
WOW

Thanks Ian, im so suprised lol, i didnt expect to hear something on that so soon, your the coolest programmer!!!

I assume we will have to wait till RC3 for that to be included?
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I'd quite like to see it made part of ODNT, as i wouldn't be fussed enough to pay another sum for it on it's own, but I do feel it would add to the appeal of ODNT as being the all encompassing skinning solution to transform Windows XP (as suvch I have always fealt that CursorXP should have been in ODNT rather than charged seperately).

Cheers!

P.s. Picking up on Tibor's comment, sell seperately AND be part of ODNT would be the best of both worlds!
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Looking good, guys..
Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Its kind of a combonation, it scrolls across at the speed windows is loading which means each pass is a different speed. Sort of like that anyways. You should get it and see for yourself.
Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Excellent update - love the previes feature
Reply #19 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I use the boot skinner and have two tips.

1. The instructions need to be made clearer. It it forever to understand them. I have mastered it now and would be willing to give advise to members who need some help. Currently there are only 260 available boot skins, looking at other skins this is an area for development...Keep up the good work.

2. My second tipe is, when skinning make up a template do all the neccessary art work in a bit map 16 mb(some thing basic) like paint and then you will see a true image of the boot. When happy dont send throught countless software options go directly to skin file as changing Jpg, bit from 24 to 16 causes a major loss of quality..

Good software, needs better instructions = more skinners will use.

Byeeeeeeeeeeeee