It’s been a short while since I’ve updated this blog. I spent almost a week camping in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. I go every year in the autumn to take in the spectacular colors—definately a place you want to visit at least once in your lifetime. I’ve also been knee-deep in several time-consuming projects. So, I’d like to take a little break and offer up a HOWTO of a different stripe…
There are handful of tutorials on the ‘net that explain how to change Window XP’s boot screen. Some are convoluted, manual methods that are potentially hazardous to your mental health if you make a typo. Others are easy-to-use GUI’s, but generally cost at least a few bucks. However, StarDock, a little ISV in my neck of the woods, makes a great freeware ulility called BootSkin. (They also make an amazing game called Galactic Civilizations 2.) As a goof, I’ve used BootSkin to change the boot screen on my notebook to look like Windows 3.1. It always brightens my day when I see look on a clients’ face when I power up to begin a presentation. 😉
One of the cool features of BootSkin is the ability to package up all of the files needed for a customized bootskin into a single .bootskin archive, which then can be easily imported back into the program.
To make this an easy, two-minute project, I’ve made the Windows 3.1 bootskin I created available for download: Download the Win3.1 Bootskin.
That should leave you with more than enough time to mess with the boss’s computer on his smoke break.
Edit: Pictures of my trip to Michigan’s Upper Pennisula this year, since it was requested.