Question

How to change the logon image on Windows XP, as well as on Windows 7?

Answer 1

It is possible to change the login image on both versions of Windows by making some changes in Windows Registry:

In order to do so on Windowx Xp, follow these steps:

1. Run the Registry Editor. (Start > Run > Type 'regedit').
2. Go to the root key HKEYUSERS and navigate to HKEYUSERS\DEFAULT\CONTROL PANEL\DESKTOP subkey.
3. You will find a list of registry entries that are alphabetically sorted. Double-click on the "wallpaper" string and paste the full path and file name of your desired image. (Note that your image should be in Bitmap format, otherwise it won't work).
4. Click OK and restart your computer. You will be able to see your image while Windows is loading.

The login image of Windows 7 can be changed in a similar way:

1. Open the Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to: HKEYLOCALMACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI\Background
3. You should find there an entry that is named OEMBackground. Double-click on it and change its value to 1. If the entry doesn't exist, you should create it. (Right-click > New > DWORD Value). Change its name to OEMBackground and set its value to 1.
4. Now go to your Windows directory (usually C:\Windows) and browse to C:\Windows\System32\oobe.
5. Create a new folder and rename it 'info' (within 'oobe' folder).
6. Inside the 'info' folder, create a new folder and rename it 'backgrounds'.
7. Copy your desired image to the 'backgrounds' folder, which you have previously created. (The image should be a JPG file and its size should be less than 256 kb.)
8. Rename the image as follows: backgroundDefault.jpg
9. Restart your computer and see the changes.

Of course, this is just a method of changing the login screen on Windows. Software Informer database contains various applications that can help you do that. Some examples are: Tuneup Utilities, Windows 7 Logon Background Changer, Logon Changer and many other.

Answer 2

Although I am unsure of Win7, but XP, there is a better & very easy way to change the wallpaper, which can be accessed without even navigating to the Registry, since the default path is:
C:\Documents and Settings\DIGIT\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Wallpaper1.bmp

Here you would see the file Wallpaper1.bmp, just replace this file with the one which you want everytime you want to change.

This is the easiest way I can conjure.

There is a neat trick. Always check the target location, which can help you overcome this long procedure.

Hope this helps.

Cheers!
:)