31 replies to this topic 3 votes

[+Echilon]

Ever thought it would look better if you had a custom image displayed when you turn on your laptop instead of the Dell logo? I found a utility from Dell which seems to work on most models, and replaces the default logo with a BMP of your choice. I've bundled the utility with a few splash screens, all you need to do is either follow the instructions to create a bootable USB key or burn the included ISO image and type 'spl2 imagename' at the prompt.

So far the utility is confirmed as working on the following models, although it probably works on a lot more:

• Inspiron 6000
  
• Inspiron 8100
  
• Inspiron 8600
  
• Inspiron 9300
  
• Inspiron 9400
  
• Dimension 800
  
• Dimension 820
  
• XPS Gen2 (M170)
  
• XPS M1330

If it works for you and your model isn't listed here, please post to let others know. There are three splash screens included in the package, but if anyone wants any other included, please post them here and I'll zip them up with the next release.

Preview


Download

07/09/2007: USB instructions added.
15/09/2006: Archive updated, see post below.

Be warned messing with your rom is risky... do so at your own risk.

Edited by Echilon, 01 February 2010 - 15:09.

[Brian M]

erm... can i just ask - what happens if it goes wrong - maybe that should be in the guide

[+Echilon]

In what way could it go wrong? It will either replace your current image or it won't.

[Unholy Moley!]

Wow! That's cool!

[SamuelDr]

Hey, that's awesome!
It works well...

Here is a quick tutorial on how to add your pictures.

1) Extract "BOOTIMG.BIN" from the iso, use the way you like the best. We won't need the iso anymore.
2) Use something to edit the bin, it's a floppy disk image.
I used : http://chitchat.at.i...vmware/vfd.html
It's really good, installs/uninstalls easilly without touching the registry (surprising), it should be easy to use, start "vfdwin.exe)
3) Now that you see the contents of the disk, you're going to be able to add the image you will create, that image MUST be 640x480 AND 16 colors, in .BMP. I won't tell you how to do it, there should be plenty of good tuts on google (maybe even here too)

4) Use your favorite cd burner (I use CDBurnerXP Pro, it's free, really, even if the name shouts "LOOK AT ME, I'M SHAREWARE". http://www.cdburnerxp.se/ ) to make a new project.
5) Use your (now hopefully modified) BOOTIMG.BIN and set it as the bootable part of the cd. (Disc -> Boot Options on CDBurnerXP Pro)
6) Burn.
7) Reboot your computer and boot on the CD
8) do spl2.exe YOURIMAGENAME.BMP

Hope that worked

And, it was made on an inspiron 9300, add it to your compatibility list!

[+Echilon]

Small update: Seems like Dell were trying to confuse people. To add your own images, you just need to add them to the bootsector, then burn a blank CD using the bootsector. The CD can be empty. Full instructions are included in the archive.

[Zxian]

Works on Inspiron 6000.

Although it seems like now the fan spins faster on the initial boot than it used to. Like a quick 1/4 second WHIRR!!, and then back to normal...

Attached Files

•  mine4bit.bmp   150.12K   374 downloads

[Shof]

Stupid question, and i know it is but it is just something in my head:
Does this make the computer alitte faster in going thru the post?

[+Echilon]

Zxian, on Sep 19 2006, 10:54, said:

Works on Inspiron 6000.

Although it seems like now the fan spins faster on the initial boot than it used to. Like a quick 1/4 second WHIRR!!, and then back to normal...

Your imagination...

Shof, on Sep 19 2006, 11:46, said:

Stupid question, and i know it is but it is just something in my head:
Does this make the computer alitte faster in going thru the post?

No, it just changes the image displays from the dell logo to one of your choice.

[matty13]

Echilon, on Oct 8 2006, 21:12, said:

Your imagination...

No, it just changes the image displays from the dell logo to one of your choice.

How would you put this back though?
Someone provide default image.

[+Echilon]

matty13, on Oct 16 2006, 18:33, said:

How would you put this back though?
Someone provide default image.

Type 'spl2 off' at the prompt.

[MrKuro]

I realize this is a couple months old, but .
I gave this a try on my e1705/9400, works just as expected

edit: so there is definitely no way to get the animated progress bar, probably not (not a huge deal)

edit: also is there a way to change the Dell Media Direct boot bitmap screen to something else. (the one you get by starting using the mediadirect power button) (this would be really nice) Please someone this splash screen must be editable somehow !?!

I realize neowin isn't a dedicated dell laptop forum (posted at a few already), but maybe someone has a dell notebook and has figured out how to change it.

[Nicholas-c]

does it really have to be a dell?

[+Echilon]

cooljerk_dv, on Mar 11 2007, 16:00, said:

edit: also is there a way to change the Dell Media Direct boot bitmap screen to something else. (the one you get by starting using the mediadirect power button) (this would be really nice) Please someone this splash screen must be editable somehow !?!

MediaDirect is a stripped down version of XP, so you should be able to drop any custom version of ntoskrnl.exe into your /system32 directory to change the boot screen.

nicholas-c, on Mar 11 2007, 18:47, said:

does it really have to be a dell?

It's a Dell utility for Dell laptops, I can't think of any reason it would work on anything other than a Dell, but if you want to try it, give it a go.

[CY:G]

Sweet, i have a Dell Inspiron 6400, i will try it as soon as i get home back from work and i will let you know