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BootSkin

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by GreenReaper (talk | contribs) at 18:38, 21 November 2005 (Sample bootskin image, note about the effect of restricted palette). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

BootSkins are often available for popular games, like this one based on Creatures

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 colour 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.


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