In the latest Windows 7 build (7057), recently leaked to the public, Rafael Rivera over at Within Windows has found that users can customize the UI logon background images to include custom images. Rafael reports that the functionality was probably designed for OEM manufactures to include custom images for Windows 7 in pre-configured computers, but users can now include their own images without the need to use a simple third-party program. After enabling a registry setting, users can use any image of their choice, as long as they are less than 256kb in size.
First users need to enable the customization functionality by editing their registry:
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI\Background
Look for the DWORD value "OEMBackground" should be set the Boolean value to 1 for enabled, 0 for disabled. Depending on users systems, this value may not exist by default.
Images are taken from an OEM folder located at "%windir%\system32\oobe\info\backgrounds" and may not exist by default.
The default background image "backgroundDefault.jpg" is is stretched-to-fit when loaded. Custom sized images can be included with the following file names:
- backgroundDefault.jpg
- background900×1440.jpg (0.625)
- background960×1280.jpg (0.75)
- background1024×1280.jpg (0.8)
- background1280×1024.jpg (1.25)
- background1024×768.jpg (1.33-)
- background1280×960.jpg (1.33-)
- background1600×1200.jpg (1.33-)
- background1440×900.jpg (1.6)
- background1920×1200.jpg (1.6)
- background1280×768.jpg (1.66-)
- background1360×768.jpg (1.770833-)
Yes, it's nice to have this built-in.
Andrew, you should still add the note from the WithinWindows page that the images need to be smaller than 256kB.
This will actually be a nice little feature since it'll let me customize my HTPC even more during startup after I install Windows 7 when it his RTM.
Because we needed more crap installed by default in OEM PCs.
(Note: I mention average users. Average users don't reformat to remove crapware from OEMs, and won't hunt around in System to remove the backgrounds. The quality of the majority of PCs will just degrade.)
Oh wait a minute, that made no sense! You must have been bored or something
Because we needed more crap installed by default in OEM PCs.
(Note: I mention average users. Average users don't reformat to remove crapware from OEMs, and won't hunt around in System to remove the backgrounds. The quality of the majority of PCs will just degrade.)
Solution: don't buy from OEM's like dell hp acer whoever and buy retail copy of Windows 7 and you'll be fine.
Oh wait a minute, that made no sense! You must have been bored or something
Have you ever used the computer of someone who hasn't a clue what they're doing (i.e. the average user)? It's not a nice experience.
Because we needed more crap installed by default in OEM PCs.
(Note: I mention average users. Average users don't reformat to remove crapware from OEMs, and won't hunt around in System to remove the backgrounds. The quality of the majority of PCs will just degrade.)
Solution: don't buy from OEM's like dell hp acer whoever and buy retail copy of Windows 7 and you'll be fine.
Tell that to all average users then.
While this is true, and I while still would not call this implementation easy, at least it's easier than removing the downright hacks God damned OEMs implement have their logos displayed currently.
If this start branding using this feature instead, I might even be able to guide someone on how to change it, rather than having to go out and take control of the system myself.
No, it really isn't. They pile in so much crap and their Windows install is so buggy the explorer is more than likely going to lock-up and crash when you open it. It is absolutely horrendous. They dig their own hole and think that computers are super hard to use then blame Microsoft and think having a Mac is going to make it all better.
$dir=$dirs[(New-Object Random).Next($dirs.get_Length())]
$back=$env:windir+"/system32/oobe/info/backgrounds"
rmdir $back
mklink /d $back $dir
Depends on the resolution and the JPEG compression level.
why torturing users all the time with registry settings since win95 ?!!!!
why torturing users all the time with registry settings since win95 ?!!!!
You think the control panel would be usable if every configurable setting in Windows was exposed?
It wouldn't, and it would be near impossible for Microsoft to maintain.
why torturing users all the time with registry settings since win95 ?!!!!
You think the control panel would be usable if every configurable setting in Windows was exposed?
It wouldn't, and it would be near impossible for Microsoft to maintain.
well, at least the logon UI should be there, also there any many "tweaking" programs which enable users to customize windows in really easy way, so MS should make their own
If it is a new feature, Microsoft should have an option under personalize or under user account settings
@ thepitt, images have to be under 256kb to make them work
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mzXNTE38hY
Sorry for trolling guys but with the replies found in the cut and paste news about the iPhone i just could not resist.
It's JUST a picture, and the average user will never touch it, they wouldn't even know where to start
just the normal current user, local user etc....
i cant find this registry key.
its beautiful.
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