How to create your own custom Startup screens

Intro and Download Instructions

The Startup, Wait for Shutdown, and Shutdown screens that come with Windows are nice attempts, but they are very impersonal and generic. But what if your computer could show you pictures of your kids or the splash screen of your favorite game while it is loading Windows and shutting down? Creating your own custom set of screens isn't hard if you have the right tools and a little bit of creativity.

In this tutorial, we will discuss the steps used to create the included startup, wait, and shutdown screens from scratch. First, you will need the programs. I have chosen to use Adobe PhotoShop and IrfanView 32. But you can use any software that meets the following criteria:

• The image editor can be just about anything, but Adobe PhotoShop is the preferred choice among many graphic designers and is used for this tutorial. PaintShop Pro is a good alternative.
  
  
• Graphics Viewer: In my opinion, there IS no replacement for perfection, and IrfanView 32 has it. It is also freeware and supports the widest selection of media files imaginable. It will even play your CD's. Make sure you get version 3.07 or better, it includes a very informative helpfile.

Recommended downloadables:

All trademarks and brand names are acknowledged to belong to their respective owners.

Click here to go to Step 1

Please note: This tutorial assumes that you are familiar with the process of creating the original artwork. This is not a guide to using graphics programs.