BootSkin

BootSkin is a computer program for Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Vista that allows users to change the screen displayed while the operating system is booting. It is made by Stardock, and distributed for free under the WinCustomize brand.

BootSkin uses a boot-time device driver (vidstub.sys) to access the display directly using VESA BIOS Extensions (VBE), unlike other bootscreen changers which alter the image of the boot screen inside the kernel. This has the advantage of not modifying system files, and makes higher-resolution boot screens possible; standard boot screens are limited to 640x480 with 16 colors. Unfortunately, some graphics cards and chipsets do not have good support for VBE, preventing their use with BootSkin.

Due to the severe restrictions on color depth, many images are not suitable for use as boot skins. Successful skins tend to take advantage of the limitations through the use of a limited palette and dithering techniques.

Installing BootSkin unattended is simple matter of using the /silent switch, unfortunately there does not seem to be any way of applying a skin without actually clicking the apply button in the program

External links

* [http://www.stardock.com/products/bootskin/ BootSkin home page]