Changing the start button bitmap in Windows 98

[Svenne]

Hello!

Recently I've gotten interested in changing bitmaps in system files to make Windows look better, just as a hobby. I started by changing the start menu banner, wich worked flawless. However, changing the start button bitmap seem to be much harder.

Apparently USER.EXE (where the image is located) is a 16-bit program, and I can't find any good programs to edit it with. I've tried Resource Hacker, XN Resource Editor and SiComponents Resource Builder. The only program that can open it is Borland Resource Workshop, and it doesn't allow you to easily replace resources like RH.

So, where can I please get a program that can open USER.EXE?

Thanks in advance.

[CharlesF]

Try Revolutions Pack 9.6.

All work is done already, ...& in the better way!

[Svenne]

RP 9 is a really nice program, but installing it just to change a single image? I'm going to do this on a 400 Mhz Pentium II, and later on a 133 MHz Pentium, so I don't want anything that uses too much system resources. Thank you anyway

[CharlesF]

I don't want anything that uses too much system resources. Thank you anyway

RP9 uses very low ressources and gives a real improvement in stability to Windows.

Instead, you could look at TClock: http://homepage1.nifty.com/kazubon/tclock/index.html

or TClock Light: http://homepage1.nifty.com/kazubon/tclocklight/index.html

HTH

Charles.

[whatever420]

Give eXeScope a try:

http://hp.vector.co.jp/authors/VA003525/emysoft.htm#6

It's shareware, but you have a 2 week evalution period.

It works with 16 bit and 32 bit programs.

You are going to replace one icon in USER.EXE, rather than a bitmap.

The icon needs to be:

Size: 16 x 16

Bit Depth: 16 color

If it's not, eXescope will not allow you to change it.

Be sure to BACK-UP USER.EXE before attempting any changes, as eXescope does not make BACK-UPS.

Edited September 13, 2010 by whatever420

[loblo]

Hook99 is what you want: http://lbrisar.htmlplanet.com/e_hook.html B)

[Svenne]

Thanks a lot!

I've replaced the icon with eXeScope, and it works.

[whatever420]

Glad it worked and glad I could help .