Just as there are a couple ways to apply XP Login Screens, there are a couple different methods of applying bootscreens on Windows XP. I'll try to include as many as I can collect (and add more as time goes on), but please choose wisely. If you apply an incorrect version bootscreen, a file that isn't a bootscreen AS a bootscreen, or a corrupted bootscreen, you will likely render your system unbootable....at that point you will have a lot of work in-store if you plan on getting the system running again.

With that said, let's begin...


Use a Program

As always, the easiest method of doing something like this (and usually the safest) is to use a program designed for this. While there are reports that StyleXP 2.0 supports Bootscreens, until it is released, you will have to use a separate program to manage these customizations.

BootXP is one that has been around for a while and is relatively stable. The author also has a large collection of bootscreens floating around the internet (and available on cd) for usage.

InnoCustomize, provided by an affilliate of bfarber.com, supports bootscreen and login screen replacement. Not only that, but it's one of the safest methods possible to do so...let me explain.

Typically when you apply a bootscreen, you are taking an executable file you have downloaded on the internet (usually when you have had no contact with the creator ever before) and you are replacing your system's kernel with this file. That is very, very dangerous and risky, to say the least.

InnoCustomize helps you out by taking the risk out of this. Instead of applying this executable file, it simply takes the image out of the file, and applies that...instead of the entire file. On top of this, it can pull the image from exe and zip files AND you can even use bmp, gif, jpg, pcd, psd, psp and png formats (whereas typically the exe files only support bmp images). InnoCustomize also will automatically detect your version of XP and apply the correct bootscreen for you, AND it includes a booteditor...a program you can use to further customize the bootscreens you download. It really is a great program if you are into changing out your bootscreens...you may want to check it out.



Edit Your Boot.ini

If you decide you don't want/need all the bloated materials included with bootscreen management programs, the next best way to apply a bootscreen is to edit your boot.ini. This is a 2 stage process to be complete (though you can safely skip the last step) but if you apply a corrupted bootscreen, all you have to do is hit reboot and choose your working one. Let me show you what I mean...

First you will want to find and open boot.ini (usually it's a hidden system file in the root C:\ drive). A typical boot.ini when opened in notepad will look like this:


What you want to do is add a new "Operating System". What you will have is something like this...



It's identical to the first example (a default boot.ini) except that you have a new operating system line with the switch /KERNEL=newKRNL.exe. What this does is, when you first boot up Windows, you will have a black screen listing these two operating systems. You can choose which one you want to boot up. Both will boot up to your XP installation, the only difference is which file will be used.

Your next step would be to place your new bootscreen (in this example it should be named NewKRNL.exe) into your C:\Windows\System32 folder. Now, when you reboot, choose the first option you are presented with...as Windows boots up, you should see your new bootscreen. If you cannot boot up for some reason, then all you need to do is reboot the computer, and choose the second option when you are presented with the list of options. If you can boot up ok, and are happy with your bootscreen, just open boot.ini again, and either

• Remove the last line in this file
• Set the timeout at the top to 0 seconds

This way XP will choose your first option right away and you won't be presented with the list anymore.

With this method, you could effectively add ALL your bootscreens by placing them in the System32 folder, and adding a new line with /KERNEL=filename.exe for each bootscreen, however your list will get quite long if you collect a lot. This method is primarly recommended to protect yourself in case the file is corrupted, or not a bootscreen at all.


The Risky Way

Lastly....now, this is the most risky method, and I highly suggest that you ONLY use this method if you are positive the bootscreen is the correct version and works on your computer.

To completely change your bootscreen to the one you have downloaded, do the following...

• Reboot your computer and enter Windows in safe mode (usually you have to hit F8 as your system is booting up)
• Open My Computer and browse to C:\Windows\System32
• Take your new bootscreen, rename it to ntoskrnl.exe and place it in this folder (overwriting the existing one)

When you reboot again, you should see your new bootscreen. If you need to revert to the original bootscreen, simply follow the same steps, but placing the original ntoskrnl.exe in System32 folder, or simply delete the existing one, and when you reboot, the default XP bootscreen should be restored from your dllcache folder.



Here you have been presented with 3 methods to apply a bootscreen, in (what I consider) to be safest to most risky order. Take your pick, but remember, bfarber.com will not be held responsible for any mistakes, corrupted files, or any other issues related to bootscreens. We WILL attempt to assist you with any questions or problems you have via our forums. Feel free to jump in and ask away. Otherwise, enjoy your new bootscreens!

Is there any pros / cons to using InnoCustomize vs Style XP?

Also, any tips or whatever if I do use Style XP?

It's not that I don't know what I'm doing, it's just I am REALLY paranoid when it comes to messing with something that says "You screw up and your system is garbage!"