BootSkin 1.05
Sunday, April 25, 2004 by Frogboy | Discussion: WinCustomize News
BootSkin is a freeware program that safely changes your Windows 2000 and Windows XP boot screens. Rather than patching your XP kernel, BootSkin does it via a boot screen driver. That way, if some boot screen isn't compatible with your computer, you can boot up in safe mode and turn it off (rather than trying to figure out how to restore your Windows kernel back to normal).
There are hundreds of boot screens available. Version 1.05 associates the .bootskin file with BootSkin the program so that you can just double click on one and have it installed. IF you have any problems with BootSkin, please respond here with your system info (video card, CPU, OS, video driver version) so that it can be resolved. The goal is to have a program that works universally on any configuration (it works on all of Stardock's test lab machines fine as well as with our external beta group).
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Essencay
Reply #22 Sunday, April 25, 2004 7:44 PM
Reply #22 Sunday, April 25, 2004 7:44 PM
Okay I need to revise what I said above. I went through some of the library and downloaded a bunch of different bootskins. Still no problem with the Bootskin program itself, but bootskins that don't work, also don't show up at all when you try to apply them. I found seven that had issues where the author has not used a 640x480 4-bit bmp.
Mac OS X Atomic by FRXFRX https://www.wincustomize.com/skins.asp?library=32&SkinID=161 - Atom.bmp is 8-bit 256 colors
Mac OS Cube by FRXFRX https://www.wincustomize.com/skins.asp?library=32&SkinID=162 - Cube.bmp is 8-bit 256 colors
Mac OS Jaguar 2 by FRXFRX https://www.wincustomize.com/skins.asp?library=32&SkinID=165 - JaguarFur.bmp is 8-bit 256 colors
Mac OS Old by FRXFRX https://www.wincustomize.com/skins.asp?library=32&SkinID=167 - Old.bmp is 8-bit 256 colors
Blue Planet by latin4567 https://www.wincustomize.com/skins.asp?library=32&SkinID=1030 - BLUE PLANET copy.bmp is 1024x768 24-bit true color Untitled-1.bmp is 24-bit true color
Original Zelda by Jason Peist https://www.wincustomize.com/skins.asp?library=32&SkinID=615 - OriginalZelda.bmp is 24-bit true color
Pyro Edition by kona0197 https://www.wincustomize.com/skins.asp?library=32&SkinID=1132 - Pyro.bmp is 24-bit true color
Prior to this, I was only trying bootskins that I had already downloaded when I was using version 1.0 of Bootskin. So now I wonder how an author can create and package a bootskin without ever knowing what it looks like
I thought that they were using the preview. I was wrong.
Mac OS X Atomic by FRXFRX https://www.wincustomize.com/skins.asp?library=32&SkinID=161 - Atom.bmp is 8-bit 256 colors
Mac OS Cube by FRXFRX https://www.wincustomize.com/skins.asp?library=32&SkinID=162 - Cube.bmp is 8-bit 256 colors
Mac OS Jaguar 2 by FRXFRX https://www.wincustomize.com/skins.asp?library=32&SkinID=165 - JaguarFur.bmp is 8-bit 256 colors
Mac OS Old by FRXFRX https://www.wincustomize.com/skins.asp?library=32&SkinID=167 - Old.bmp is 8-bit 256 colors
Blue Planet by latin4567 https://www.wincustomize.com/skins.asp?library=32&SkinID=1030 - BLUE PLANET copy.bmp is 1024x768 24-bit true color Untitled-1.bmp is 24-bit true color
Original Zelda by Jason Peist https://www.wincustomize.com/skins.asp?library=32&SkinID=615 - OriginalZelda.bmp is 24-bit true color
Pyro Edition by kona0197 https://www.wincustomize.com/skins.asp?library=32&SkinID=1132 - Pyro.bmp is 24-bit true color
Prior to this, I was only trying bootskins that I had already downloaded when I was using version 1.0 of Bootskin. So now I wonder how an author can create and package a bootskin without ever knowing what it looks like
I thought that they were using the preview. I was wrong.
st_nick
Reply #23 Sunday, April 25, 2004 8:07 PM
Reply #23 Sunday, April 25, 2004 8:07 PM
Worked fine on my machine the last time I rebooted, but I usually standby it when I'm away so it's been weeks.
Chris TH
Reply #24 Sunday, April 25, 2004 8:21 PM
Reply #24 Sunday, April 25, 2004 8:21 PM
Been using 1.04 on a Win2k machine and an XP machine for weeks now with no probs (both laptops - but I disable hibernate). Apart from the Win2k progress bar bug (it jumps about randomly instead of nice scrolling) they've been fine.
Looking at the links provided by Brad - I only see 3 negative reviews at Download.com and about a dozen at DeviantART. I would think that compared to the total No of users it has to be a vanishingly small proportion of complainers, right? I guess Brad is seeing a lot more unsatisfied users that just those on these links.
As well, reading through the comments above, I can't believe the No of bootskins submitted where the bitmap format isn't even as specified(i.e. 4 bit colour !!) - if people aren't even reading the directions on creating bootskins how can you be sure they're installing it right?
My vote: don't discontinue it just because of a few complainers.
Looking at the links provided by Brad - I only see 3 negative reviews at Download.com and about a dozen at DeviantART. I would think that compared to the total No of users it has to be a vanishingly small proportion of complainers, right? I guess Brad is seeing a lot more unsatisfied users that just those on these links.
As well, reading through the comments above, I can't believe the No of bootskins submitted where the bitmap format isn't even as specified(i.e. 4 bit colour !!) - if people aren't even reading the directions on creating bootskins how can you be sure they're installing it right?
My vote: don't discontinue it just because of a few complainers.
SelfExiled
Reply #25 Sunday, April 25, 2004 8:25 PM
Reply #25 Sunday, April 25, 2004 8:25 PM
I noticed a program that I am using which boots prior to the operating system loading. It seems to have more colors available. The program is System Commander. How do they do it? Is it possible to integrate the idea in boot screens? Personally, I'm still waiting for the full color or at least a 256 color version. 
Picsman
Reply #26 Sunday, April 25, 2004 8:39 PM
Reply #26 Sunday, April 25, 2004 8:39 PM
v1.03, Nvidia, Via chips... no problem.
Haven't grabbed 1.05 yet
Haven't grabbed 1.05 yet
ducky
Reply #27 Sunday, April 25, 2004 9:16 PM
Reply #27 Sunday, April 25, 2004 9:16 PM
Just installed 1.05 and had the same problem as guildmaster above.
Rocky Nimda
Reply #28 Sunday, April 25, 2004 10:42 PM
Reply #28 Sunday, April 25, 2004 10:42 PM
I never have had a problem with BootSkin. I just downloaded 1.05 to make sure I still don't have problems with it, and all is well. 
Shakey (the Original)
Reply #29 Monday, April 26, 2004 12:01 AM
Reply #29 Monday, April 26, 2004 12:01 AM
I have been using it since its initial iteration and have had no problems whatsoever.
neophil78
Reply #30 Monday, April 26, 2004 4:18 AM
Reply #30 Monday, April 26, 2004 4:18 AM
Never had problems with previous versions but a little one with V 1.05 : after installed it, on the rebbot the bootscreen i choose was not the one showed 
Well, i uninstalled Bootskin reboot, then re-installed and everything's went back in the right way
Well, i uninstalled Bootskin reboot, then re-installed and everything's went back in the right way
piaf
Reply #31 Monday, April 26, 2004 9:12 AM
Reply #31 Monday, April 26, 2004 9:12 AM
Problems here 
Using XP Pro with 1Go Ram, ATi Radeon 9600 Pro with the last Catalyst drivers.
The problem is simple : Since I use the 1.05 each time I boot, the PC restart after the boot menu. I met this problem randomly since the 1.03
As I prefer let my PC running a long time I only restart "twice" since the 1.05
I changed my bootskin (bartsimpson from the bootskin section) and it use a progress bar that start from the top left to the top right of the screen.So I will try with Toon boot 1.5 (installed with Bootskin) and report what happends later.
Using XP Pro with 1Go Ram, ATi Radeon 9600 Pro with the last Catalyst drivers.
The problem is simple : Since I use the 1.05 each time I boot, the PC restart after the boot menu. I met this problem randomly since the 1.03
As I prefer let my PC running a long time I only restart "twice" since the 1.05
I changed my bootskin (bartsimpson from the bootskin section) and it use a progress bar that start from the top left to the top right of the screen.So I will try with Toon boot 1.5 (installed with Bootskin) and report what happends later.
danioc
Reply #32 Monday, April 26, 2004 9:24 AM
Reply #32 Monday, April 26, 2004 9:24 AM
I have problems in some skins, sometimes when i reboot i get a white screen or 3 colors (red, blue and white) so i decided to use some BootSkins but will wait for a 24 bits color support to start to build BootSkinn too
System Information as follows:
Windows XP Pro (SP1)
Processor: AMD Athlon XP 2400
Memory: 512MB DDR
Mainboard: Soyo Dragon Plus
Video Card: ATI Radeon 9.200 - 128 MB
Driver: 7.991-040224m-013831c
Mode: 1280x1024 with 32bit colour depth
System Information as follows:
Windows XP Pro (SP1)
Processor: AMD Athlon XP 2400
Memory: 512MB DDR
Mainboard: Soyo Dragon Plus
Video Card: ATI Radeon 9.200 - 128 MB
Driver: 7.991-040224m-013831c
Mode: 1280x1024 with 32bit colour depth
piaf
Reply #33 Monday, April 26, 2004 9:43 AM
Reply #33 Monday, April 26, 2004 9:43 AM
Here again.
Works fine with the Toon Boot 1.5
Here are the parameters used by the skin.
ProgressBarX =0
ProgressBarY =0
ProgressBarWidth = 640
Link to the bootskin : https://www.wincustomize.com/skins.asp?library=32&SkinID=516
Works fine with the Toon Boot 1.5
Here are the parameters used by the skin.
ProgressBarX =0
ProgressBarY =0
ProgressBarWidth = 640
Link to the bootskin : https://www.wincustomize.com/skins.asp?library=32&SkinID=516
Lord Vimal
Reply #34 Tuesday, April 27, 2004 12:45 PM
Reply #34 Tuesday, April 27, 2004 12:45 PM
ATi Mobility Radeon 9000
Acer 1600 series, P4 2.8 Gigz
when i first installed BootSkin, i started my comp, a BLUE SCREEN (BSOD!!! in XP!!) came up. since mine was a quite fast laptop, the screen lasted for a millisecond then my comp restarted. and the same thing happened. i remember something it said:
Draw problem with ATIDVAG(blahblah).dll
after that i am too reluctant to try it out!
my mom wont allow me to...thats the problem!!
Acer 1600 series, P4 2.8 Gigz
when i first installed BootSkin, i started my comp, a BLUE SCREEN (BSOD!!! in XP!!) came up. since mine was a quite fast laptop, the screen lasted for a millisecond then my comp restarted. and the same thing happened. i remember something it said:
Draw problem with ATIDVAG(blahblah).dll
after that i am too reluctant to try it out!
my mom wont allow me to...thats the problem!!
BtEO
Reply #35 Tuesday, April 27, 2004 4:19 PM
Reply #35 Tuesday, April 27, 2004 4:19 PM
No version has worked since 1.01
1.02-1.04 died on a black screen
1.05 gives me a BSOD
nVidia Geforce 4 Ti 4200 - (PNY brand)
MSI KT3Ultra2(MS-6308E) - (VIA KT33 based)
Creative Audigy Player
Win XP Home
1.02-1.04 died on a black screen
1.05 gives me a BSOD
nVidia Geforce 4 Ti 4200 - (PNY brand)
MSI KT3Ultra2(MS-6308E) - (VIA KT33 based)
Creative Audigy Player
Win XP Home
DragonKid
Reply #36 Wednesday, May 5, 2004 10:20 PM
Reply #36 Wednesday, May 5, 2004 10:20 PM
I've got a strange problem after using 1.05... When I rebooted my comp, it started up the way it always does when I'm using it, but this time, instead of continuing to boot, my machine simply restarted then brought up a message that the load process was unsuccessful. Selected "Start Windows Normally" and it did the exact same thing. So then I went into Safe Mode to shut it off temporarily and rebooted, but alas, the same thing happened. I finally had to uninstall ver. 1.05 *sobs* just to try and log on to XP. This is also the first time I've had a problem with BootSkin.
System Info:
Win XP Home
P4 1.8 GHz
ATI Radeon 7500 All-In-Wonder 64 MB
256 MB Memory
(I have no idea what my motherboard manufacturer is. But it is a Dell if that helps any.)
System Info:
Win XP Home
P4 1.8 GHz
ATI Radeon 7500 All-In-Wonder 64 MB
256 MB Memory
(I have no idea what my motherboard manufacturer is. But it is a Dell if that helps any.)
AlienPoison51
Reply #37 Tuesday, July 4, 2006 4:59 PM
Reply #37 Tuesday, July 4, 2006 4:59 PM
I went through a complete wipe-out of my computer thinking I had a virus or something. After restarting/reinstalling everything, I was fine. Then, I once again downloaded Bootskin 1.05 and installed it. Thought nothing of it, until I turned on my computer later on. It loaded the boot screen I had chosen for a few moments, then flashed like it was going to go to the logon screen... but instead, the computer completely restarted with a message stating it had not been previously shut down correctly. Chose to start as normal and had the same thing happen. Three times in a row it happened, before I went into safe mode, knowing bootskin was the last thing I had installed, put it back to normal/turned it off, and restarted. Everything loaded fine and no problems. So I tried reloading the bootskin and went through the same issues after startup. So I have it now disabled and all has been fine for a few days. Any idea of what I may be doing wrong, or is it possible my computer just isn't compatible? I see a lot of people have no problems, and I do love the program. Any help would be appreciated.
What little I know about my computer:
Compaq Presario
AMD Athlon 2400
1024MB Memory
VisionTEK XTASY 9200 with a secondary RADEOn 9200
Motherboard is whatever was default for the S4020WM model.
What little I know about my computer:
Compaq Presario
AMD Athlon 2400
1024MB Memory
VisionTEK XTASY 9200 with a secondary RADEOn 9200
Motherboard is whatever was default for the S4020WM model.
Musical-Mayhem
Reply #38 Tuesday, July 4, 2006 5:35 PM
Reply #38 Tuesday, July 4, 2006 5:35 PM
I've been using Bootskin for a couple of years now with no prolems whatsoever,whichever computer I install it on, it works like a charm
SPARTAN196
Reply #39 Friday, July 14, 2006 9:18 AM
Reply #39 Friday, July 14, 2006 9:18 AM
somebody helps me to do my bootskins please somebody that can help myself the as and that I make my own bootskins
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Reply #21 Sunday, April 25, 2004 7:22 PM