Boot Editor 1.0.1

Overview

Boot Editor is an application especially designed to help people modify the image displayed on the boot screen. More exactly, this small and intelligent program can help you change that dull and tedious color palette and switch the position of the progress bars from horizontal to vertical. However, if your aim is to create a new boot screen from a picture that you enjoy, you have all the features you need at your disposal to help you with the process.

Installation

The Boot Editor does not require any installation, since the application is available as an archive. Therefore, in order to start using it, you will need to download and unpack it. It is important to note that this program is only able to help you apply modifications to the boot screen of Windows XP and hence, it will not work with other operating systems. The program is quite small, does not consume a lot of your machine’s resources and it does not come bundled with other software you do not need. This is quite impressive, considering that Boot Editor is free of charge.

After you have finished installing it, the developer recommends that you place the files with the .dll and .ocx extensions in your Windows’ system32 folder. Take notice that you will need to copy the Axlmage.ocx file in the system32 folder each time you decide to unpack the Boot Editor in another location. This step is necessary to avoid conflicts between the Windows XP and the software. However, in general, the file will remain in the designated folder and you will not have any issues with operating the program.

Interface

Before you start applying modifications to the standard Windows XP screen boot file, it is imperative that you save it in a separate folder. Even though you will be making and using a new boot screen, this file is important for the system to operate properly. At the same time, before you can access any of the functions and features of the program, you will first get a warning from the developer that he is not responsible for the irreparable damage you might suffer to your system.

The interface of the Boot Editor is clear, but not very simple to operate. Keep in mind that the program does address users that know a thing or two about coding. However, once you understand that this application only works with temp BITMAPS and ascertain where you can find the files that you want to modify you will able to use this program at its full potential. As the developer recommends, make backup files before you apply any modifications and become familiar with the program. Once you get the hang of the basic elements of the applications, it is quite simple to operate.

Pros

The main benefits of modifying your boot screen with the Boot Editor application resides in the fact that you truly have a plethora of adjustments and tweaks at your disposal. In addition, this software allows you to test your new boot screen and verify if you need to make any further adjustments. If you enjoy the modifications you applied to the picture, then all you need to do is press “Make boot exe.” and you are done.

Cons

What almost every user complained about regarding the Boot Editor application is the fact that you cannot really tell how the program or the process works. In addition, it is a bit uncomfortable to open the application and be greeted by a warning that the developer does not assume responsibility for any damage you are doing to your operating system or machine.

Alternatives

LogonStudio (XP only) is very similar to Boot Editor, while Logon Changer Pro can be used on Vista and Windows 7, no XP support though.

Conclusion

Boot Editor is a complex application, which can aid you in applying numerous modifications to your boot screen. Even though people with less technical skills and knowledge will look at the application confused and intrigued, the process of creating an utterly new boot screen is not that difficult once they understand which files they should be working with. Overall, this is a useful software application to have and it is free of charge, therefore, you are not losing anything by testing it out. We recommend you use it conjunction with LogonUI Boot Randomizer.