Put your own image in Start Screen Background

kapilarya

kapilarya

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I wanted to know is there any possibility to put my own image in background of metro start screen???

Apologies if same thread exists, link me if so. Many thanks :)

243354656.png
 

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System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 RP, Windows 7
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    HP / Compaq 610
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    Intel Core 2 Duo
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As of yet, no. Before in the Developer Preview and I think the Consumer Preview, you were able to change the image in the very top and very bottom of the screen. The middle part can't be an image. For some strange reason, Microsoft designed the Start Screen's tile ribbon to a be the moving element, and not the tiles themselves. But then again, if you had an image, about 60 percent of it will be covered up.
 

My Computer

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    Windows 8.1 Pro
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    PC/Desktop
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    ASUS
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Coke Robot said:
As of yet, no. Before in the Developer Preview and I think the Consumer Preview, you were able to change the image in the very top and very bottom of the screen. The middle part can't be an image. For some strange reason, Microsoft designed the Start Screen's tile ribbon to a be the moving element, and not the tiles themselves. But then again, if you had an image, about 60 percent of it will be covered up.
Click to expand...

Thanks for reply...

Lolz I thought that there must some location in Windows where these predefined Start Screen backgrounds are stored and we can tweak them... may be they are in registry editor or anything like that which normal users can't point out.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 RP, Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP / Compaq 610
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Duo
    Screen Resolution
    1300x768

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy DV6 7250
    CPU
    Intel i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP, Intel HM77 Express Chipset
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000 + Nvidia Geforce 630M
    Sound Card
    IDT HD Audio
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    15.6' built-in + Samsung S22D300 + 17.3' LG Phillips
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    That's basically it.
Hopachi said:
There was this program:
http://www.eightforums.com/customization/5291-software-my-wcp-start-screen-customizer.html

And I used it in CP but it had a few bugs. Explorer was crashing because of it, but the background changed.
It's safer to test it in a VM first to see if it works in RP or not (judging by the differences between CP and RP of Win8)

EDIT: the colors worked but it broke some Metro apps.
Not really worth it.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link, it worked :dinesh:, no crashes so far :D. But only problem is that it is not changing the center background, as in screenshot:

87878978978978.png
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 RP, Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP / Compaq 610
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Duo
    Screen Resolution
    1300x768
Glad to here the good news. I'll give it a spin later if it's working that well.

You're right about the central portion: it remains unchanged here also.
Maybe try with a 3500x800 resolution picture as they recommend in the program (don't know what the program likes the most: JPEG/PNG/BMP). But still no good results yet.

Anyway thanks for the good news :). I thought it will not work only in CP.

Hopachi
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy DV6 7250
    CPU
    Intel i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP, Intel HM77 Express Chipset
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000 + Nvidia Geforce 630M
    Sound Card
    IDT HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6' built-in + Samsung S22D300 + 17.3' LG Phillips
    Screen Resolution
    multiple resolutions
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 250GB + Hitachi HDD 750GB
    PSU
    120W adapter
    Case
    small
    Cooling
    laptop cooling pad
    Keyboard
    Backlit built-in + big one in USB
    Mouse
    SteelSeries Sensei
    Internet Speed
    slow and steady
    Browser
    Chromium, Pale Moon, Firefox Developer Edition
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's basically it.
kapilarya said:
...no crashes so far :D.
Click to expand...
Good news:
There are no crashes to be expected only when you run this buggy customizer.
After the customization is finished and the colors are applied, all is well.
ince I don't use Metro that much, I'm not sure if it's still runs the way it should.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy DV6 7250
    CPU
    Intel i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP, Intel HM77 Express Chipset
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000 + Nvidia Geforce 630M
    Sound Card
    IDT HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6' built-in + Samsung S22D300 + 17.3' LG Phillips
    Screen Resolution
    multiple resolutions
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 250GB + Hitachi HDD 750GB
    PSU
    120W adapter
    Case
    small
    Cooling
    laptop cooling pad
    Keyboard
    Backlit built-in + big one in USB
    Mouse
    SteelSeries Sensei
    Internet Speed
    slow and steady
    Browser
    Chromium, Pale Moon, Firefox Developer Edition
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's basically it.
Hopachi said:
Glad to here the good news. I'll give it a spin later if it's working that well.

You're right about the central portion: it remains unchanged here also.
Maybe try with a 3500x800 resolution picture as they recommend in the program (don't know what the program likes the most: JPEG/PNG/BMP). But still no good results yet.

Anyway thanks for the good news :). I thought it will not work only in CP.

Hopachi
Click to expand...

I'm running CP and it works good on that as well:thumbsup:

Tried with 3500x800 but nothing works here also.. May be I have contact program's forum :think:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 RP, Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP / Compaq 610
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Duo
    Screen Resolution
    1300x768
You can make it work, it just takes a fair bit of work.

The images for the backgrounds are stored in the imageres.dll file. You can edit the values (I use resource hacker) and place your own .png files in there.

Since it does split the image you just work around it. For example, when I do it it is a 2000x400 image that I split at 244 and 145 (since that it where the gap shows).
Here is one of the ones that I was using.
Untitled2.jpg
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win 8
tanders04 said:
You can make it work, it just takes a fair bit of work.

The images for the backgrounds are stored in the imageres.dll file. You can edit the values (I use resource hacker) and place your own .png files in there.

Since it does split the image you just work around it. For example, when I do it it is a 2000x400 image that I split at 244 and 145 (since that it where the gap shows).
Here is one of the ones that I was using.
Click to expand...

Hi and welcome to the forums,

A well known (not really recommended) fix. I was using something like this some time ago in Win7.

It's good you got that fixed with editing that system file.:) It looks good. Anyone is free to test this out. BUT...
Unfortunately I'm not editing those files anymore due to problems and possible security issues.:(

Anyway:
After running a sfc /scannow command, the original file (here imageres.dll) gets restored and you lose your customization again. Make a backup.

An ideal solution would be by applying some keys in the registry but I don't know those (if they exist or not) yet.
An example of this is changing the folder icon: Folder Icon - Change Windows 7 Default Folder Icon - Windows 7 Forums (works in win8 I guess)
and the login screen: Log On Screen - Change - Windows 7 Forums (don't know if this one works in Win8)

Thanks to Brink's fantastic tutorials, you change some icons and wallpapers and don't mess/alter system files.

We'll have to wait for some registry settings like this for Win8 Start Screen too.

Regards
Hopachi
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy DV6 7250
    CPU
    Intel i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP, Intel HM77 Express Chipset
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000 + Nvidia Geforce 630M
    Sound Card
    IDT HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6' built-in + Samsung S22D300 + 17.3' LG Phillips
    Screen Resolution
    multiple resolutions
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 250GB + Hitachi HDD 750GB
    PSU
    120W adapter
    Case
    small
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    laptop cooling pad
    Keyboard
    Backlit built-in + big one in USB
    Mouse
    SteelSeries Sensei
    Internet Speed
    slow and steady
    Browser
    Chromium, Pale Moon, Firefox Developer Edition
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's basically it.
tanders04 said:
You can make it work, it just takes a fair bit of work.

The images for the backgrounds are stored in the imageres.dll file. You can edit the values (I use resource hacker) and place your own .png files in there.

Since it does split the image you just work around it. For example, when I do it it is a 2000x400 image that I split at 244 and 145 (since that it where the gap shows).
Here is one of the ones that I was using.
View attachment 7343
Click to expand...

Hi, welcome to forums :)

That's exactly what I'm looking for.

Can u plz. tell us what strings do u have modified. I am bit familiar with resource editor or resedit tools.

Please explain the steps so that me and others can be able to do that. Thank you :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 RP, Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP / Compaq 610
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Duo
    Screen Resolution
    1300x768
Oh no...I messed up I messed up bad.....I used that "My WCP Start Screen Customizer"
And didn't know it wasn't gonna work in Release Preview....so it screwed up my startscreen permanently I think...I attempted to reset the seetings on the program, I restarted twice, NOTHING. My startscreen is STUCK on all the apps are LENGTH wise now for good I think, I cant move them up and down anymore. Do you think a system restore may help it get back to normal??? I haven't set a restore point I think in over a week....but I guess I can try that? So far I cant see anything else thats different...I do know that it takes FOREVER now to start the computer up now that I did this.....


OK back from restoring!....It worked like a charm. I kind of knew it would. Phew...lol ok I am gonna stay far away from any programs likle this lol xD
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8: RP
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    6gb
kapilarya said:
tanders04 said:
You can make it work, it just takes a fair bit of work.

The images for the backgrounds are stored in the imageres.dll file. You can edit the values (I use resource hacker) and place your own .png files in there.

Since it does split the image you just work around it. For example, when I do it it is a 2000x400 image that I split at 244 and 145 (since that it where the gap shows).
Here is one of the ones that I was using.
View attachment 7343
Click to expand...

Hi, welcome to forums :)

That's exactly what I'm looking for.

Can u plz. tell us what strings do u have modified. I am bit familiar with resource editor or resedit tools.

Please explain the steps so that me and others can be able to do that. Thank you :)
Click to expand...

Well as said previously, make backups etc.

As I said first you need to make the picture in Photoshop or your program of choice. The size is 2000x400 and you make a logical split in the picture at about 246.

For actually changing it you need to first take ownership of the imageres.dll. You can do this in an administrative level cmd prompt.

In resource hacker you can change any of the png files. There are 6 sets of 4 starting at 4510. Each corresponds to one of the background patterns. You'll see it in there. You technically only need to change one of the four since only one will corresponds to your screen resolution but I've forgotten which is which (last one of the four is the thumbnail) so I just change all four in resource hacker.

After that you restart in safe mode with a cmd prompt. (settings, more pc settings, general, advanced start up). Use the cmd prompt to copy the imageres.dll file back into the system32 folder and restart.

That should do it. I'll try and do a more detailed workup when I have more time.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win 8
... And now I see just why Metro is supposed to have a bland background *cringes at the screenshots*

You don't spend that much time in the Start Screen anyway, whether you use Metro apps or not, so the background doesn't even matter, really. If you use specific colors for your desktop wallpaper, just pick a similar color for Metro to give it the similar taste, and you're done.
 

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  • OS
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Eh different strokes...
A. I can't see anything "cringe worthy" about my screen. It is well balanced, minimal, and frankly took a lot of time. Looks are subjective but I don't see where your coming from.

B. YOU may not spend a lot of time on the start screen, but I do. Its the new desktop like it or not and its nice to have a personal look.

C. I thought this was a customization forum. Not a leave it like it is forum.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win 8
tanders04 said:
kapilarya said:
tanders04 said:
You can make it work, it just takes a fair bit of work.

The images for the backgrounds are stored in the imageres.dll file. You can edit the values (I use resource hacker) and place your own .png files in there.

Since it does split the image you just work around it. For example, when I do it it is a 2000x400 image that I split at 244 and 145 (since that it where the gap shows).
Here is one of the ones that I was using.
View attachment 7343
Click to expand...

Hi, welcome to forums :)

That's exactly what I'm looking for.

Can u plz. tell us what strings do u have modified. I am bit familiar with resource editor or resedit tools.

Please explain the steps so that me and others can be able to do that. Thank you :)
Click to expand...

Well as said previously, make backups etc.

As I said first you need to make the picture in Photoshop or your program of choice. The size is 2000x400 and you make a logical split in the picture at about 246.

For actually changing it you need to first take ownership of the imageres.dll. You can do this in an administrative level cmd prompt.

In resource hacker you can change any of the png files. There are 6 sets of 4 starting at 4510. Each corresponds to one of the background patterns. You'll see it in there. You technically only need to change one of the four since only one will corresponds to your screen resolution but I've forgotten which is which (last one of the four is the thumbnail) so I just change all four in resource hacker.

After that you restart in safe mode with a cmd prompt. (settings, more pc settings, general, advanced start up). Use the cmd prompt to copy the imageres.dll file back into the system32 folder and restart.

That should do it. I'll try and do a more detailed workup when I have more time.
Click to expand...

Thanks :thumbsup:

wrewtreytryu.png
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 RP, Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP / Compaq 610
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Duo
    Screen Resolution
    1300x768
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