Change the Windows 7 login screen! No third party programs needed!

Tired of seeing the same old login screen?  Sure it looks nice, but wouldn't it be cool to customize the image?  

Finally Microsoft has incorporated a new feature in Windows 7 which supports the end user to change the logon screen background without using any third-party tools.

In previous version of Windows, user had to use third-parry tools like Tune-Up-Utilities to change the logon screen background easily. Windows 7 now supports customization of Windows 7 logon screen officially. Replacing the old logon screen is just another task like changing wallpaper.

WARNING: This change requires a modification of the registry, and modification of the System 32 folder, both of which are essential to Windows running correctly.  Be very careful while doing this hack.  BACK UP YOUR DATA AND SENSTIVE FILES BEFORE PROCEEDING.  I am not responsible for any data loss caused by any mishaps that may occur while performing this hack.

Step 1: Modifying the registry.

First of all, we need to modify the registry to enable this feature.  To make it easier for you, I have provided the modified registry file for you below.  Just unzip the file and open it.  

NOTE: Requires winrar to open the file.  Get the program here: http://www.rarlab.com/

However, if you don't want to download anything, here is how you do it manually:

1. Press win+r (the win key is the Windows logo) and Type "Regedit" at the Run prompt.
2. Locate following registry key:
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI\Background
3. Now in right-side pane, change value of "OEMBackground" to 1.

Comments

[Sypran]

awesome I knew Id find this on instructables! mmk Windows key... great... model M doesnt have one of those...- all kidding aside thanks man! the default login never fit in with my wallpaper and such.

[the_burrito_master]

Thanks, worked great not a problem.

[The nerdling]

do you know what the defult administrator pass word/user name is>

[DJ Radio]

I really don't know, it's whatever you put in the initial computer setup when you first boot your PC.

[Guardians38]

What would happen if you really did delete the System32 folder..?

[DJ Radio]

You get faster internet:

[Ghost Coding]

what if i wanted to change the image when my computer boots up? how would i do that?

[DJ Radio]

Uhhh This is changing the image you see when your computer starts up. Unless you're talking about that stuff you see when you press the power button that shows your computer logo, then I would have no clue.

[Ghost Coding]

That's actually what I mean. I can't seem to locate the image file for it. Any help would be great.

[DJ Radio]

I can't really help you there. It's hard-coded into your computer's BIOS. It's not an actual image file either.

[Ghost Coding]

Ah but that was helpful... now I know where to look. Lol.

[AndyGadget]

Works a treat - Thanks.
Looks great with this image - Taken on holiday this year.

[Cheezpaper]

Nice pic.

[DJ Radio]

Glad I could help.

[plasmaspy]

why has it got to be no more than 256 kb?

[DJ Radio]

I don't know why, but that is the set limitation. If you put a bigger image in there, then the change won't take effect. I've tried.

[prodo123]

Wanna customize it even more? Try replacing "Logonui.exe" with custom ones found in deviantART. Use Replacer, the 1st result on a Google search.

[DJ Radio]

Now you're just poking around with 3rd party programs at that point.

[prodo123]

OK, Reshacker. Use that to replace images pre-built into the Logonui.exe. Not 3rd Party, but still customizable to the full extent.

[DJ Radio]

If it was made by anyone other than Microsoft, it's 3rd party.

[prodo123]

But it's safer. One letter wrong in the registry and your whole computer could go haywire. Reshacker, it creates a backup copy of the edited file so you can revert back whenever you feel like it.

[DJ Radio]

That is why I have provided the modified registry file for you.

[prodo123]

Then you would be using WinRAR, a 3rd party program for opening RAR files...

[DJ Radio]

Opening RAR files has nothing to do with modifying the registry... If you want I can upload the raw file so you don't need it.

[MegaMetal8]

Nice, i have a mac though.

[DJ Radio]

Faaaaaaaail. Lol jk I'm considering getting a MacBook for college in a few years.

[MegaMetal8]

They are legend

[DJ Radio]

The new Macbook air sucks though...

[MegaMetal8]

Yeh, my neighbour has the MacBook Pro, they're awesome

[Kwitmeh3]

so i have to delete System32 and make my computer fasster?

[DJ Radio]

Yes.

[Kwitmeh3]

whoa cool blue screen background!

[DJ Radio]

Glad I could help.

[ac1D]

. Press win+r and Type "Regedit" at the Run prompt.


this step, you could just do: Start menu>type regedit.
Some person may not know what is the WIN key on they keyboard,

[DJ Radio]

Fixed.

[ac1D]

Also, this link is defective:
Enable Logon In Windows 7.rar

[DJ Radio]

No it's not, for me it shows the "Save file" prompt. It must be your browser.

[ac1D]

Must be, in firefox it try to save it as a .tmp file.

[DJ Radio]

I'm using google chrome.

[ac1D]

Also, you should point out that "HKLM" stand for Hkey_local_machine!
Ahh sorry for all my comment, just wanting to help you out :-)