Changing the Windows XP Start Button Icon - Replacing the graphic.
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Open up Resource Hacker again, but before loading Explorer.exe you’ll need to make sure that it’s not running before trying to edit it. Otherwise, you’ll just get a “file is in use” error. To do that you’ll need to open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Del.
In Task Manager, choose the Processes tab and select the explorer.exe process. Then click the End Process button. Do the same for each if there are multiple instances of it. Your taskbar should disappear.
If Resource Hacker is not visible, hold down the Alt key and press Tab repeatedly until it is selected. Then release the Alt key to return it to focus.
Now open Explorer.exe in your Windows folder. From the Action menu, choose Replace Bitmap… Make sure that the start button icon is showing at the right and then click the Open file with new bitmap… button. Find your newly created bitmap file and open it. Then click the Replace button.
You should be returned to the normal view with your new graphic showing. Choose Save from the File menu to commit your changes. Once saved, you can close Resource Hacker.
Now you need to start the explorer.exe process again. Press Ctrl + Alt + Del to open Task Manager and choose New Task (Run…) from the File menu. Type in Explorer.exe and click OK. After a few seconds your taskbar should appear with your new start button!
Next: Wrapping things up. >>
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