How to Change the Windows XP Start Button

[eSkRo]

01. Copy "explorer.exe" (located in your "c:\Windows" directory) and paste it on your desktop

02. Now launch "Resource Hacker"

03. Go to -> File -> Open -> and open "explorer.exe" (located on your desktop)

04. Expand the "Bitmap" folder

05. If you use the default "Windows XP" theme, expand folder "143" 
    If you use the "Windows Classic" theme, expand folder "176"

06. Click on resource "1036" (now you should see that familiar "Windows icon" to your right)

07. Go to -> Action -> Replace Bitmap -> Open file with new bitmap

08. Locate the new Bitmap image you want as your "start button icon" and hit "Open"
    If you use the default "Windows XP" theme, bitmap size must be 25x20 pixels
    If you use the "Windows Classic" theme, bitmap size must be 16x16 pixels
   
09. Now click the "Replace" button

10. If you have "Windows XP Home Edition", expand folder "166"
    If you have "Windows XP Pro", expand folder "167" 

11. Click on resource "1036" (now you should see that familiar "start menu bar" to your right)

12. Go to -> Action -> Replace Bitmap -> Open file with new bitmap

13. Locate the new Bitmap image you want as your "start menu bar" and hit "Open"
    Bitmap size must be 21x233 pixels
   
14. Now click the "Replace" button   
   
15. Expand the "String Table" folder

16. Expand folder "34" (the windows theme your using here doesn't matter at all)

17. Click on resource "1036"

18. At your right you'll see this phrase -> "Click here to Start"
    Change it to whatever you want as hovering text for your Start button (you must keep the quotes!)
   
19. Hit "Compile Script" at the top

20. If you use the default "Windows XP" theme expand folder "37"
    If you use the "Windows Classic" theme, expand folder "38"

21. Click on resource "1036"

22. At your right you should see this word -> "Start"
    Change it to whatever you want as text for your Start button (you must keep the quotes!)

23. Hit "Compile Script" at the top

24. Save the file on your desktop as "explorer1.exe" (without the quotes)

25. Put "explorer1.exe" in your "c:\Windows" directory

26. Restart your PC in "Safe Mode With Command Prompt"

27. Login as "Administrator" (It'll may as ask you for a "Windows Password" if your using one)

28. When the command prompt come's up
    type:
    "cd c:\windows" (without the quotes) 
   
29. Press "Enter"
   
30. Now type:
    "ren explorer.exe explorer2.exe" (without the quotes)
   
31. Press "Enter" again

32. Type:
    "ren explorer1.exe explorer.exe" (without the quotes)

33. Press "Enter" once more

34. Reboot your PC by typing
    "shutdown -r" (without the quotes)

35. EnJoY!!!



P/S: I suggest you print this tutorial or write step "27 to 33" to a piece of paper!
     Since you'll reboot your PC in "Safe Mode With Command Prompt",
     it'll be easier for you to remember these last steps!
     
     
     
P/S: In "Safe Mode With Command Prompt",
     keyboard keys are messed up!
     Here's a little reminder regarding the one's you'll need:
     
     : = ALT + .
     \ = ALT GR + 8
     W = Z
     . = SHIFT + ,
     - = ALT + 6