start menu image change (help im going nutz)

[Gunslinger88]

Ok ive read like 6 forums on here and none had/listed any way to change it, just what img number it was so you knew to replace it. my problem is where is the file located, how can i change it. O_O im going crazy.

 

[not so gray matter]

The Start Menu image is built into explorer.exe. When you want to change it, you need to either download a start menu image that's already been built into explorer.exe or download a program such as StarOrb by Kishan Bagaria.

Change Windows 7 Start Menu Image

Here's my favorite start menu images:

AP-GRAPHIK's Gallery

If you decide to use one of those images, you can either switch out the explorer.exe file manually (be sure to make a backup) or use a software such as...

http://www.thewindowsclub.com/windows-themes-installer-install-windows-7-vista-themes-easily

Be sure to close explorer.exe via Task Manager while doing the switch, you can then open it again to reengage the start menu via File > New Task.

You could also use a program called Restorator which allows you to change the images of all kinds of programs and system files, but it's a bit more advanced and I don't suggest that unless you know what you're doing.

 

[Gunslinger88]

LOL sorry I phrased the question wrong, I was talking about the start menu background, the white square where your recent programs list, search bar, all programs is. If any one can tell me how to switch it out, and maybe also the exact size/dimensions of it so I can make a custom one. Any help would reduce the amount of time I spend rolling my face on the keyboard in distress.

 

[Bongo]

The easiest way is to get Ave's Windows7 Style Builder
(about $22 US) & edit the Window Visual Style file in C:\Windows\Resources\Themes\thetheme folder.
Hope this helps

 

[noguyin]

Windows 7 Start Menu (background image)

HELP... I'm going nutz searching and searching the internet for this little trick. I want to customize Start Menu with some image as background. No I'm not talking the Start Menu Orb.

There are no steps by steps (I'm totally novice). Here is the example of what I'm referring to: Windows 7 Themes: red bull by proto69

Please don't refer to the to some thread... because again, there are no step-by-step.... just a discussions. I'm willing to learn visual style (just some where to navigate thru this software... it got millions of properties)

Help... pleasssssssssssse.

 

[TheBull]

HELP... I'm going nutz searching and searching the internet for this little trick. I want to customize Start Menu with some image as background. No I'm not talking the Start Menu Orb.

There are no steps by steps (I'm totally novice). Here is the example of what I'm referring to: Windows 7 Themes: red bull by proto69

Please don't refer to the to some thread... because again, there are no step-by-step.... just a discussions. I'm willing to learn visual style (just some where to navigate thru this software... it got millions of properties)

Help... pleasssssssssssse.

Attach the image you want as the background, and I will do it for you. (Do you want it done on the theme you link to?)

 

[noguyin]

Must I done thru special theme? or could I just add to the existing W7 aero standard theme? I'm totally novice here. Basically, I got a picture (image) and just want to add to the start menu.

 

[TheBull]

Must I done thru special theme? or could I just add to the existing W7 aero standard theme? I'm totally novice here. Basically, I got a picture (image) and just want to add to the start menu.

To add a background image to the default Aero Startmenu will not be easy, for it uses an image that stretches. So basically the entire startmenu will have to be changed and configured differently. It can be done. It is just not as simple as just adding a bg image to a theme that already has a background.

 

[noguyin]

Ok, I'm willing learn... What are steps / programs .... I saw the similar tutor video (from creativx.net ... a guy done it with paint.net)... but I was never able to find the custom.msstyles file. So I'm stuck.

Since you're expert... could you walk me through steps? Thanks.

 

[TheBull]

You will first need to get Windows Style Builder.

 

[noguyin]

Got it...I have both Restorator 2009 and VSB.