TUTORIAL: All About Resource Hacker in a Brief Tutorial

**Vishal Gupta**

Hi Guys!
I hv posted this tut in some other forums too. This all is my own compilation and not ripped from ne other place!

So here we go.....

NOTE: I hv divided this tutorial in 2 parts:

PART1 : BASIC INFORMATION
PART2 : ADVANCED INFORMATION

Basic part contains Basic details, like viewing/replacing resources, etc.
Advanced part covers some advance information which is described for geeks. Like Adding ur own resources, using scripts with resource hacker, etc.

PART1 : BASIC INFORMATION

What is Resource Hacker:

Viewing Resources:

U can view any resource embedded in the file. Simply expand the directory and click on the name of the resource.
Actually each resource contains 3 parts:

**Strider** · 17-01-2007, 11:55 PM

Excellent guide Vishal.. Keep it up..

So welcome to the world of reverse engineering.

Can i write a tutorial on Ring3 debuggers.

Dark Star · 18-01-2007, 03:48 PM

Excellent guide so what we can except from an MCA'in

reped

Keep up the good work going

**Vishal Gupta** · 18-01-2007, 11:44 PM

thnx guys for ur comments!

Here is a small list of the files, which can be edited using Resource Hacker to change the look-n-feel of Windows!

Windows XP

Quote:

%windir%\System32\NToskrnl.exe : To change Windows Boot screen

%windir%\System32\Logonui.exe : To change Windows Login Screen

%windir%\System32\MSgina.dll : To change the text & background of Shutdown dialog box

%windir%\System32\Shell32.dll : To change a lot of things, like Progress dialog box (copying, deleting, etc.), Run dialog box, Context menu items, and many other things (As much as you'll go through the items, you'll know what I'm talking about)

%windir%\System32\Netshell.dll : To change flashing internet icon in system tray

%windir%\System32\Stobject.dll : To change volume icon & some other icons in system tray

%windir%\System32\mydocs.dll : To change My Documents icon

%windir%\System32\shimgvw.dll : To change image file icons, i.e., BMP, JPG, JPEG, GIF, etc

%windir%\System32\Sysdm.cpl : To change the System Properties window look

%windir%\System32\Winlogon.exe : To change the text, which you see in Login Screen, like applying user settings, logging off, shutting down, etc.

%windir%\Explorer.exe : To change Start button text, Programs Menu text (like Programs, Favorites, Documents, etc.)

%windir%\System32\browselc.dll : To change the Menu names in Windows Explorer as well as Internet Explorer

Windows XP Setup folder\I386\Winntbbu.dll : To change XP Setup look and text entries

Windows 98

Windows 98 users replace “System32” folder with “System” folder, e.g., in Windows 98 “Shell32.dll” file will be in %windir%\System\ folder.

**Vishal Gupta** · 02-02-2007, 09:06 PM

Now I'm posting a small list of some COMMON changes/hacks, which most of the ppl want to make!
Here I'll tell U the exact location of the thing, U want to change.

Changing the look of RUN Dialog Box

For it, u hv to edit %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1003 -> 1033.

Changing the Progress Dialog Box (The box which appears while Copying/pasting/deleting stuffs)

Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1020 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Open With box

Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1063 -> 1033 & Dialog -> 1070 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Classic Logoff dialog box

Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1071 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Drive Properties box

Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1080 -> 1033 & Dialog -> 1081 -> 1033.

Changing the look of New Logoff dialog box

Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1089 -> 1033.

Changing the look of the box, which appears when Windows ask to select application/search with web service to open the UNKNOWN filetype

Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1091 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Autoplay box

Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1119 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Folder Customize box

Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1124 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Windows Default CD Writing Wizard

Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1125 to 1138 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Classic Shutdown dialog box

Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 8226 -> 1033.

Changing the look of About Windows dialog box

Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 14352 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Format Drive dialog box

Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 28672 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Scandisk dialog box

Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 28800 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Desktop tab in Desktop Properties box

Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 29952 to 29956 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Folder Options box

Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 29959 & 29960 -> 1033.

Changing the look of DOS Properties box

Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 32768 - 32885 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Taskbar & Start Menu Properties box

Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: Dialog -> 6 to 1135 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Windows Security box, which appears when we press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del> keys while Welcome Screen is Disabled

Open %windir%\System32\Msgina.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1800 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Shutdonw Reason UI box

Open %windir%\System32\Msgina.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 2200 -> 1033.

Changing the look of New Shutdown dialog box

Open %windir%\System32\Msgina.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 20100 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Shutdown Timer box

Open %windir%\System32\WinLogon.exe file, and goto: Dialog -> 1300 -> 1033.

Changing the look of System Properties box

Open %windir%\System32\Sysdm.cpl file, and goto: Dialog -> 41 to 4103 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Choose Color box

Open %windir%\System32\Comdlg32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> CHOOSECOLOR -> 1033.

Changing the look of Choose Font box

Open %windir%\System32\Comdlg32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 401 & 1543 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Printer Properties box

Open %windir%\System32\Comdlg32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1538 & 1539 & 1546 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Open/Save Dialog box

Open %windir%\System32\Comdlg32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1547 * 1552 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Many tabs in Desktop Properties box

Open %windir%\System32\ThemeUI.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1000 to 1017 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Classic Programs Menu

Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: Menu -> 204 -> 1033.

Changing the look of Taskbar Context Menu

Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: Menu -> 205 -> 1033.

Changing the Start button Text

Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: String Table -> 37 -> 1033 -> 578 (For New Theme) & String Table -> 38 -> 1033 -> 595 (For Classic Theme).

Changing the Start Button Tool-Tip Text

Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: String Table -> 51 -> 1033 -> 800.

Changing the Log off, Shutdown, Search, Help & Support, Run, etc. Text entries in New Start Menu

Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: String Table -> 439 -> 1033.

Changing the Internet & E-Mail text in New Start Menu

Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: String Table -> 440 -> 1033.

Changing the All Programs text in New Start Menu

Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: String Table -> 515 -> 1033 -> 8226.

Changing the Connect to, Control Panel, Favorites, My Recent Documents text entries in New Start Menu

Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: String Table -> 515 -> 1033.

Changing the Start Button Icon

Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: Bitmap -> 143 -> 1033.

Changing the Side Image in Classic Start Menu

Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: Bitmap -> 167 -> 1033.

PHEW!!!! Thats all for now guys.

Its not the complete list. There r lots of other things, which can be changed/hacked. But posting all the settings will require lots of time. So I request U guys, that if u want to change something else, which is not present in the list, pls ask here. I'll try my best to answer the query!

psons2007 · 27-03-2007, 02:45 PM

Thanks for this exellent Guide.

I made changes in shell32.dll or explorer.exe files as explained by you but when i am going to save it it says "Cannot Create file explorer.exe" and same is the thing with shell32.dll file .
So pls.help me about this problem

burt · 19-04-2007, 08:52 PM

do you have any idea what is the equivalent file to "%windir%\System32\Logonui.exe : To change Windows Login Screen" is for Windows 2000, im looking to replace the bitmap that is displayed at the top of the classic windows login screen?

**Vishal Gupta** · 20-04-2007, 03:17 AM

^^ That file is either in "Shell32.dll" file or in "msgina.dll" file, which are present in "%windir%\System32" folder.

greg0303 · 16-06-2007, 01:58 AM

How do you alter text in the dialog boxes which pull variable data. I would like to modify dialog 1800 and add the computer name between the username and the Date.

nucleusfermi · 05-09-2007, 06:11 PM

Congratulations on this nice tutorial.

17-01-2007, 11:55 PM	#1
Strider Founder Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: The Last City Zion! Posts: 3,539 Thanks: 287 Thanked 345 Times in 298 Posts Rep Power: 62 OS:	Re: TUTORIAL: All About Resource Hacker in a Brief Tutorial Excellent guide Vishal.. Keep it up.. So welcome to the world of reverse engineering. Can i write a tutorial on Ring3 debuggers. __________________ Want to ask a question? Try This! A guide on how to post a question, reply to a post etc.

18-01-2007, 03:48 PM	#2
Dark Star Banned Join Date: May 2006 Location: /dev/had0 Age: 20 Posts: 1,627 Thanks: 98 Thanked 172 Times in 146 Posts Rep Power: 0 OS:	Re: TUTORIAL: All About Resource Hacker in a Brief Tutorial Excellent guide so what we can except from an MCA'in reped Keep up the good work going

02-02-2007, 09:06 PM	#4
Vishal Gupta Contributor Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: My Gallery : vishal-gupta.deviantART.com Age: 27 Posts: 149 Thanks: 0 Thanked 28 Times in 17 Posts Rep Power: 18	Re: TUTORIAL: All About Resource Hacker in a Brief Tutorial Now I'm posting a small list of some COMMON changes/hacks, which most of the ppl want to make! Here I'll tell U the exact location of the thing, U want to change. Changing the look of RUN Dialog Box For it, u hv to edit %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1003 -> 1033. Changing the Progress Dialog Box (The box which appears while Copying/pasting/deleting stuffs) Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1020 -> 1033. Changing the look of Open With box Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1063 -> 1033 & Dialog -> 1070 -> 1033. Changing the look of Classic Logoff dialog box Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1071 -> 1033. Changing the look of Drive Properties box Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1080 -> 1033 & Dialog -> 1081 -> 1033. Changing the look of New Logoff dialog box Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1089 -> 1033. Changing the look of the box, which appears when Windows ask to select application/search with web service to open the UNKNOWN filetype Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1091 -> 1033. Changing the look of Autoplay box Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1119 -> 1033. Changing the look of Folder Customize box Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1124 -> 1033. Changing the look of Windows Default CD Writing Wizard Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1125 to 1138 -> 1033. Changing the look of Classic Shutdown dialog box Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 8226 -> 1033. Changing the look of About Windows dialog box Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 14352 -> 1033. Changing the look of Format Drive dialog box Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 28672 -> 1033. Changing the look of Scandisk dialog box Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 28800 -> 1033. Changing the look of Desktop tab in Desktop Properties box Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 29952 to 29956 -> 1033. Changing the look of Folder Options box Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 29959 & 29960 -> 1033. Changing the look of DOS Properties box Open %windir%\System32\shell32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 32768 - 32885 -> 1033. Changing the look of Taskbar & Start Menu Properties box Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: Dialog -> 6 to 1135 -> 1033. Changing the look of Windows Security box, which appears when we press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del> keys while Welcome Screen is Disabled Open %windir%\System32\Msgina.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1800 -> 1033. Changing the look of Shutdonw Reason UI box Open %windir%\System32\Msgina.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 2200 -> 1033. Changing the look of New Shutdown dialog box Open %windir%\System32\Msgina.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 20100 -> 1033. Changing the look of Shutdown Timer box Open %windir%\System32\WinLogon.exe file, and goto: Dialog -> 1300 -> 1033. Changing the look of System Properties box Open %windir%\System32\Sysdm.cpl file, and goto: Dialog -> 41 to 4103 -> 1033. Changing the look of Choose Color box Open %windir%\System32\Comdlg32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> CHOOSECOLOR -> 1033. Changing the look of Choose Font box Open %windir%\System32\Comdlg32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 401 & 1543 -> 1033. Changing the look of Printer Properties box Open %windir%\System32\Comdlg32.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1538 & 1539 & 1546 -> 1033. Changing the look of Open/Save Dialog box Open %windir%\System32\Comdlg32.dll file, and goto: *Dialog -> 1547 1552 -> 1033. Changing the look of Many tabs in Desktop Properties box Open %windir%\System32\ThemeUI.dll file, and goto: Dialog -> 1000 to 1017 -> 1033. Changing the look of Classic Programs Menu Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: Menu -> 204 -> 1033. Changing the look of Taskbar Context Menu Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: Menu -> 205 -> 1033. Changing the Start button Text Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: String Table -> 37 -> 1033 -> 578 (For New Theme) & String Table -> 38 -> 1033 -> 595 (For Classic Theme). Changing the Start Button Tool-Tip Text Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: String Table -> 51 -> 1033 -> 800. Changing the Log off, Shutdown, Search, Help & Support, Run, etc. Text entries in New Start Menu Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: String Table -> 439 -> 1033. Changing the Internet & E-Mail text in New Start Menu Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: String Table -> 440 -> 1033. Changing the All Programs text in New Start Menu Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: String Table -> 515 -> 1033 -> 8226. Changing the Connect to, Control Panel, Favorites, My Recent Documents text entries in New Start Menu Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: String Table -> 515 -> 1033. Changing the Start Button Icon Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: Bitmap -> 143 -> 1033. Changing the Side Image in Classic Start Menu Open %windir%\Explorer.exe file, and goto: Bitmap -> 167 -> 1033**. PHEW!!!! Thats all for now guys. Its not the complete list. There r lots of other things, which can be changed/hacked. But posting all the settings will require lots of time. So I request U guys, that if u want to change something else, which is not present in the list, pls ask here. I'll try my best to answer the query!

27-03-2007, 02:45 PM	#5
psons2007 Newbie Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nanded Maharashtra Posts: 1 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Rep Power: 0	Re: TUTORIAL: All About Resource Hacker in a Brief Tutorial Thanks for this exellent Guide. I made changes in shell32.dll or explorer.exe files as explained by you but when i am going to save it it says "Cannot Create file explorer.exe" and same is the thing with shell32.dll file . So pls.help me about this problem

19-04-2007, 08:52 PM	#6
burt Newbie Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 1 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Rep Power: 0	Re: TUTORIAL: All About Resource Hacker in a Brief Tutorial do you have any idea what is the equivalent file to "%windir%\System32\Logonui.exe : To change Windows Login Screen" is for Windows 2000, im looking to replace the bitmap that is displayed at the top of the classic windows login screen?

20-04-2007, 03:17 AM	#7
Vishal Gupta Contributor Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: My Gallery : vishal-gupta.deviantART.com Age: 27 Posts: 149 Thanks: 0 Thanked 28 Times in 17 Posts Rep Power: 18	Re: TUTORIAL: All About Resource Hacker in a Brief Tutorial ^^ That file is either in "Shell32.dll" file or in "msgina.dll" file, which are present in "%windir%\System32" folder.

16-06-2007, 01:58 AM	#8
greg0303 Newbie Join Date: Jun 2007 Age: 33 Posts: 1 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Rep Power: 0	Re: TUTORIAL: All About Resource Hacker in a Brief Tutorial How do you alter text in the dialog boxes which pull variable data. I would like to modify dialog 1800 and add the computer name between the username and the Date.

05-09-2007, 06:11 PM	#9
nucleusfermi Regular Member (100+) Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 123 Thanks: 11 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Rep Power: 0	Re: TUTORIAL: All About Resource Hacker in a Brief Tutorial Congratulations on this nice tutorial.

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