Instant Sheller question.

[bearzilla333]

I can get it to work no problem, however when I try to change the boot image from the default Gameex logo, I can get the main image I want but the loading motion that goes back and forth does not appear. Am I not putting these items in the right place? The other boot image I download has 3 items

1) background image .bmp, 2) a script ini., 3) Load image .bmp. I point the boot image to number one and it only shows that one? Can someone please explain the right way to do this? Please forgive my noobness.

thanx in advance,

[bearzilla333]

Nothing...?

[Draco1962]

I don't have an answer for you but I am sure someone with more knowledge will address your question shortly. Please exercise patience while waiting for a response. Thank you.

[DazzleHP]

Hi bearzilla,

InstantSheller will only use the boot screen (the 640x480 one) then boot straight into whichever application you select as shell. This is the intended behaviour and therefor does not use the "load" screen as it is part of Windows. The animation or "loading bar" (which is what the script file you downloaded is likely for) is not used either - most likely because it would obscure the view of your custom boot screen, and everyone's will be different, ruining the effect of disguising Windows in the first place

InstantSheller is intended to be exactly that - an instant shell with no bells 'n' whistles, to just get the job done. If you really want a loading animation and the second load/login screen then you will probably have to do things manually using guides around the net. Be warned though as InstantSheller is deceivingly simple to use, what it actually does under the hood can be dangerous if attempted manually without knowing exactly what you are doing. If you go this route, read, research and do it all again 3 more times before even contemplating it

Daz

[bearzilla333]

thanx for reply, yeah I hand it working great, but I was really hoping to change the default boot screen to a custom made one I found on the net, I will just have to use the default Gameex on.

[DazzleHP]

You can use any boot screen you like! It must be 640x480 and 4-bit (16 colors) it's important you make sure first! (if it is not just one of these requirements you could mess your system!) Once you are absolutely sure it is 640x480 and only 16 colors, then name it "boot.bmp" and overwrite the one in the IntsantSheller folder, then run InstantSheller again

[Draco1962]

That is a great idea, Daz - I might have to start creating them to go with my themes. Once I get a dedicated system for GameEx and retrogaming setup, I will be tricking out the Windows boot/logon screens and desktop to coordinate with the GameEx theme. I will not shell it as it will be an HTPC setup as opposed to a cab.

[DazzleHP]

That is a great idea, Daz - I might have to start creating them to go with my themes. Once I get a dedicated system for GameEx and retrogaming setup, I will be tricking out the Windows boot/logon screens and desktop to coordinate with the GameEx theme. I will not shell it as it will be an HTPC setup as opposed to a cab.

already ahead of you buddy i know i've yet to make my debut as an artist on these forums, partly coz i'm quite shy but mainly coz i'm a perfectionist lol but i've quite the experience trying to create good looking boot screens using only 16 colors you think something looks good until you reduce it to 4-bit depth lol i was even thinking about making another guide at somepoint involving InstantSheller and creating the "Boots" hehe we'll see huh.

[rockyrocket]

Assuming the OP is using XP then I find the easiest way to have a custom boot image/animation is to use TuneUp (you only need a trial).

With this you can pick an image and it just converts it itself - easy.

If on win 7 then you need Boot updater but be carefull with this.

Then when using instant sheller do not use it to change the boot logo.

Another usefull utility for shelled systems is THIS Ahk script that lets you restart explorer with a hot key, its also possible to change the cursor with a Ahk script too!.

Hope that helps.

[bearzilla333]

yea I got an older POS HP Compaq D350 small factor form, that has windows home edition XP on it. I got a few of these just lying around collecting dust. After I started this thread I tried the Bootskin program and just jot have the Instant Sheller direct at nothing, lol it pretty much FUBAR my machine got BSOD, apparently that program doesn't like certain BIOS, thank god for back ups ( i got like 3 backs ups of all my MAME and Emulations favs). I havent tried the Tuneup, got nothing to lose really, I did have the Instant Sheller running smoothly with the default skins it has, but I am always trying to learn , and thanks for all the replay it is appreciated.

[MNMax21]

I tried InstantSheller and really liked it. However, I use my cabinet as an entertainment hub too and I didn't like the way it switched back from Gameex to windows. A friend told me about the startup folder in the start menu of Windows 7. If you copy and paste the Gameex shortcut desktop icon into that file it'll just automatically load Gameex after starting windows. It works pretty well. Not sure if that's an option in XP.

[Draco1962]

I tried InstantSheller and really liked it. However, I use my cabinet as an entertainment hub too and I didn't like the way it switched back from Gameex to windows. A friend told me about the startup folder in the start menu of Windows 7. If you copy and paste the Gameex shortcut desktop icon into that file it'll just automatically load Gameex after starting windows. It works pretty well. Not sure if that's an option in XP.

XP has a Start folder as well - to access it just click on Start>Programs, then right-click on the Startup folder, selecting Current User if you want this to apply to just your profile or All Users for all users.