Start menu white space help

SDV100 · 17 Jun 2013

Good day, first i would like to say i'm a new member on this site.
Secondly (the reason why i created this thread), I am trying to find out how to change only the white space on the left side of the start menu and put an image on it, i'm sure this question has been asked many times before but i failed to find an answer for it even with Bongo's guides.
I am somewhat familiar with Restorator (2007 version) and Reshacker.
So far as i know is that you have to edit a certain ''aero.msstyles'' file using an image editing program and replace it with the original file, i already made a copy for this and opened it on Restorator.

I already have/did the following might it make the helping progress any easier.

Have UxStyle installed and patched my system.
I have image editing programs which can edit .png files (Paint.net & Paint)
I already have an image to replace the white space with on the left side of the start menu.
Opened aero.theme on the notepad and edited the DisplayName and the VisualStyles path.

I have no idea where to start and little to no computer experience i hope someone can give me a definitive solution for this.

Forgive my bad English, i'm not sure if i still missed any important things

Bongo · 18 Jun 2013

Welcome to the Seven Forums

You are going to be trying to do one of the toughest things there is in customizing the .mmstyles.
If you have not done so already I would start a new theme from scratch so you do not corrupt the original, look at Post #38 Here it will show you how.
That left side image on the start menu is #811 the size of that image is 20 pixels wide by 342 pixels high, you can make the image different sizes without too much trouble the hardest part will be making it fit and look good, that image stretches depending on how much you have pinned to it. So you will be doing a lot of editing and testing to make it work.

Another hint is the you can not edit the theme you are using at the same time so you need to switch to a different theme log off and then log on and edit your theme, after testing your theme you'll have to do the above again switching to a different theme logging off and then logging on to edit and test again.

Jerry

SDV100 · 18 Jun 2013

Thank you, i now have an image with a size of 20 x 342 ready for use.
So i have to copy IMAGE #811 from the aero.msstyles file now and edit it in an image editing program now right?

And then i have to switch from the default windows theme to a different (custom made?) theme and then work on it after i logged off and on right?

Bongo · 18 Jun 2013

If you have a image already to use, all you need to do is imported into the aero.msstyles.

Like I said above I would not edit the original aero.msstyles I would create a new theme with a new name that way it shows up in the personalization with its own unique name. Look at Post #38 Here it will show you how.

What I am saying about switching themes is you cannot work on and save a theme that you are currently using, if you create a new theme like I said above you can use the original aero theme while you are editing your new theme, after you test your new theme and if it needs edited again, you will need to switch to the original aero theme and then you will have to log off and log on to edit the new theme you are creating(if you don't it won't save right).

Jerry

SDV100 · 18 Jun 2013

Ok, i understand.
I copied the aero folder and the aero.theme, gave it an unique name and created a new theme using your previous instructions from post #38
Thank you kindly sir, i think it should work now but might i stumble upon any difficulties/questions i'll be sure to ask them.

EDIT: I use the Restorator 2007 trial version for opening aero.msstyles but i'm going to ask a very newbie question now: how can i replace IMAGE #811 for the edited copy?

Bongo · 18 Jun 2013

You're Welcome