How to change card backs?

[bug67]

I'm afraid this may be beyond the scope of my abilities. I thought I might have been able to figure it out but, it's not looking like it.

I want to add a customized card back to the set of standard ones available in the card games in Windows 7. I would like to make it an option when I select card backs from the game options. Or, at least be able to replace one of the lesser desirable ones.

I downloaded Resource Hacker in the hopes that it would be a simple process. However, when I open the file C/Windows/System32/CardGames.dll in ResHacker, I am at a complete loss as to what to do next.

I know this probably sounds like a silly endeavor but, this is something I have wanted to do for as long as I can remember.

Any direction would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Pusspa]

Customize the Backgrounds in Windows 7 Card Games [How To] | Windows 7 | Windows Tools, Help & Guides

 

[Dwarf]

I've had a look at this with Resource Hacker, Resource Hacker™ - Version 3.4.0. But something is puzzling me. Let me show you what I mean. This is from the 64-bit version of Windows 7:

The file, CardGames.dll, clearly exists in the System32 directory, as shown below:

When browsing that directory with Resource Hacker, the file apparently doesn't exist:

But it does exist, as proved in the first image and by the fact that the card games work. So, I then try typing CardGames.dll into the box, using the exact spelling format as found in the System32 directory. I then click Open and just receive an empty screen:

I then click on File and the entry CardGames.dll is clearly visible, as shown here:

However, clicking on this entry yields the following:

But it DOES exist, as proved in the first image above.

 

[bug67]

Customize the Backgrounds in Windows 7 Card Games [How To] | Windows 7 | Windows Tools, Help & Guides

Yes but, I want to change the backs of the cards NOT the table (background) they are played on.

 

[A Guy]

I've had a look at this with Resource Hacker, Resource Hacker™ - Version 3.4.0. But something is puzzling me. Let me show you what I mean. This is from the 64-bit version of Windows 7:

The file, CardGames.dll, clearly exists in the System32 directory, as shown below:
View attachment 94667
When browsing that directory with Resource Hacker, the file apparently doesn't exist:
View attachment 94670
But it does exist, as proved in the first image and by the fact that the card games work. So, I then try typing CardGames.dll into the box, using the exact spelling format as found in the System32 directory. I then click Open and just receive an empty screen:
View attachment 94671
I then click on File and the entry CardGames.dll is clearly visible, as shown here:
View attachment 94672
However, clicking on this entry yields the following:
View attachment 94673
But it DOES exist, as proved in the first image above.

Same for me with resource hacker Dwarf. Odd that as so many of the files we use it for are system files? Simply left click on the dll opens reshacker, but it is blank, and no options available. A Guy

 

[Dwarf]

I did further tests, and found that I could open the file from my 32-bit installs, but not my 64-bit ones. In addition, the file was listed in my 64-bit Vista installation (though not in the 64-bit Windows 7, as shown above), but it still wouldn't open. By listed, I am of course referring to the open file dialogue of Resource Hacker. All of this was done from my Windows 7 64-bit installation.

 

[bug67]

I did further tests, and found that I could open the file from my 32-bit installs, but not my 64-bit ones. In addition, the file was listed in my 64-bit Vista installation (though not in the 64-bit Windows 7, as shown above), but it still wouldn't open. By listed, I am of course referring to the open file dialogue of Resource Hacker. All of this was done from my Windows 7 64-bit installation.

Thanks guys for looking into this. I too noticed that when I navigated to the .dll from within ResHacker, I couldn't find it. What I did was made a copy of the CardGames.dll and put that on my desktop. I opened the copy with ResHacker. My plan was to make changes to the copy and then rename the original and replace it with the edited copy. Alas, I fear I am but a n00b.

 

[gladson1976]

Reshacker 3.4.0 does not support 64 bit files. You need the 3.5.2 Beta which has 64 bit support.

Link from Vishal Gupta's site
Download New Updated “Resource Hacker 3.5.2 Beta” with 64-bit and PNG File Support - Tweaking with Vishal

There doesn't seem to be any info on Angus Johnson's site about this, but Vishal's site links to the file in Angus' site :huh:

EDIT: There IS some info on Angus' site about this

One off update - 19 December 2009 (version 3.5.2 beta):

I needed to access resources in a 64bit Windows executable so I've just updated Resource HackerTM to open (ie decompile/recompile) these files too. This new version also displays PNG image resources. However, please understand that I have no intention of reviving this project so please DON'T ask for other features. Also, because this version has only had limited testing I'm releasing it as a beta version.
You can download this beta version here - reshack_setup.exe

 

[gladson1976]

Customize the Backgrounds in Windows 7 Card Games [How To] | Windows 7 | Windows Tools, Help & Guides

Yes but, I want to change the backs of the cards NOT the table (background) they are played on.

I guess you will have to change the card backs here

DATA\SHEETS\HIGHLIGHTSHEET1.JPG
DATA\SHEETS\HIGHLIGHTSHEET1X21.JPG
DATA\SHEETS\HIGHLIGHTSHEET1X22.JPG
DATA\SHEETS\HIGHLIGHTSHEET1X23.JPG
DATA\SHEETS\HIGHLIGHTSHEET1X24.JPG

I think this is where all the card and card back images are stored.

 

[bug67]

Reshacker 3.4.0 does not support 64 bit files. You need the 3.5.2 Beta which has 64 bit support.

That's the one I got.

I guess you will have to change the card backs here

DATA\SHEETS\HIGHLIGHTSHEET1.JPG
DATA\SHEETS\HIGHLIGHTSHEET1X21.JPG
DATA\SHEETS\HIGHLIGHTSHEET1X22.JPG
DATA\SHEETS\HIGHLIGHTSHEET1X23.JPG
DATA\SHEETS\HIGHLIGHTSHEET1X24.JPG

I think this is where all the card and card back images are stored.

Imma take another look...

 

[bug67]

OK, well, that is indeed where the card backs are stored:

DATA\SHEETS\HIGHLIGHTSHEET1.JPG
DATA\SHEETS\HIGHLIGHTSHEET1X21.JPG
DATA\SHEETS\HIGHLIGHTSHEET1X22.JPG
DATA\SHEETS\HIGHLIGHTSHEET1X23.JPG
DATA\SHEETS\HIGHLIGHTSHEET1X24.JPG

Now what? I have a replacement .jpg but I can't figure out how to get it into the resource and save it there.

 

[Dwarf]

I think that the images are embedded into the .dll file itself and will be very difficult, if not impossible, to change. Sorry.

 

[bug67]

I think that the images are embedded into the .dll file itself and will be very difficult, if not impossible, to change. Sorry.

Ah, well, that's what I was afraid of. Between the 3 OSs I'm using, I wish I could find one that does it all. Guess that's why I use all 3!

Thanks for trying to help.

 

[gladson1976]

Images inside the dll file can be changed using Resource Hacker. I've included the steps to do it.
Make a backup of the CardGames.dll before making any changes.

1. Open the CardGames.dll in Resource Hacker 3.5.2 and navigate to SHEETS\HIGHLIGHTSHEET1.JPG. Expand it and Save the resource at 1033


2. Make a note of the resource details while saving ([ DATA : SHEETS\HIGHLIGHTSHEET1.JPG : 1033 ])




3. Make what ever changes are needed on the saved file and then Replace the resource. Select the file and then type the details that were noted while saving.





4. Save the dll file and you're done.

 

[Dwarf]

Thanks for the detailed instructions. Will undoubtedly prove useful.

 

[bug67]

Images inside the dll file can be changed using Resource Hacker. I've included the steps to do it.

Thank you, thank you THANK you!

Couple things to add to your awesome instructions.

1. I had to take ownership of the original CardGames.dll before I could replace it or change it's name.

2. I'm going to need to dig a little further into this. It seems that if I enlarge the playing field window, the card backs revert to their original state. Not sure about this. Also, I'm going to need to change the thumbnail image in the selection options so everything is consistent. That seems fairly straight forward.

Again, thank you so much. This has been something I have wanted to do since way, way back in Windows 98 even. Just found out about ResHacker with Windows 7 though.



This is what I've managed so far:

 

[A Guy]

Not that it matters, but I already had/have the latest version, and still that dll won't show on ResHacker. Just a curiosity as I have no reason to open it. A Guy

 

[fritz]

Have you tried browsing to the file in explorer and copying it to the desktop then editing it? When I tried to open it from the system32 folder it opened with nothing inside. After copying it all the resources showed. On a side note gladson1976 was on the right track but there was another two images that still need to be edited. I made the same mistake where my cards reverted back to originals after maximizing the window.

Files needed to edit...

Card Deck Thumbnails:

DATA -> DECKS\CLASSICTHUMB.PNG
DECKS\CLASSICTHUMB_MCE.PNG
DECKS\HEARTSTHUMB.PNG
DECKS\SEASONSTHUMB.PNG

Game Play Cards:

DATA -> SHEETS\HIGHLIGHTSHEET1.JPG
SHEETS\HIGHLIGHTSHEET1X23.JPG

 

[gladson1976]

Have you tried browsing to the file in explorer and copying it to the desktop then editing it? When I tried to open it from the system32 folder it opened with nothing inside. After copying it all the resources showed. On a side note gladson1976was on the right track but there was another two images that still need to be edited. I made the same mistake where my cards reverted back to originals after maximizing the window.

Files needed to edit...

Card Deck Thumbnails:

DATA -> DECKS\CLASSICTHUMB.PNG
DECKS\CLASSICTHUMB_MCE.PNG
DECKS\HEARTSTHUMB.PNG
DECKS\SEASONSTHUMB.PNG

Game Play Cards:

DATA -> SHEETS\HIGHLIGHTSHEET1.JPG
SHEETS\HIGHLIGHTSHEET1X23.JPG

Thanks for the pointer fritz. I hadn't tried it out myself, was just telling them how to replace resources in dll files. Good work. Repped.

On a side note, almost any resource can be replaced inside any dll file by this method.

 

[A Guy]

Have you tried browsing to the file in explorer and copying it to the desktop then editing it? When I tried to open it from the system32 folder it opened with nothing inside. After copying it all the resources showed.

No, I didn't bother as it isn't important. It's just odd that it won't show in System32

A Guy