Curious as to how to use the login screens you see on this site? While I've included it in the help files, I figured more people would look to the tutorials section for help in this area so here it is. The how-to for applying your login screen.
There are three basic ways:
1. The simplest is to use a third party piece of software. StyleXP, which many people use to change their system's visual style, supports the swapping of login screens as well as randomization. It's shareware though---free for 30 days and then $19.95 USD registration.
Logon Loader is a freeware login-swapping screen that is reliable, stable, and supports screenshots if you provide a jpg (it will resize it for you though if necessary).
2. The way that most people who only change their logins occasionally prefer is to not use any third-party software. You can do this by following these directions:
--> Go to C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32 and find "logonui.exe".
--> Rename "logonui.exe" to "logonui.exe.bak". This way if anything messes up...you have a backup.
--> Place your new login in C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32 and rename it to logonui.exe.
That's it' Now when you log off your new login screen will be there.
3. You can change your login screen by editing a registry key. Generally we do not advise editing the registry if you don't have to, but if this is your best alternative, here's how to do it:
-->Click on start-->run-->and type in regedit32 to open up the registry editor.
-->Find:
CODE
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
and look for UIHost
-->Point UIHost to your new login screen (you don't have to change the login screen's title to logonui.exe in this method) and your new login will be applied!
Well, those are the 3 main ways to apply a login. Use, them, enjoy them, and if you get anxious, you can even read some of the other tutorials here and make them!
Bfarber