Mcp Core Skinned

Well i have finally did it. After months of trying to figure out how to do this i have successfully hacked mcp core a smartstartup app part of Object Desktop 2002.

Mcp Core loads a boot panel and shows progress of loading apps such as ObjectBar and the screen is about the same size as the Mac OS X boot Panel.

I am using MakkiX Theme by Takashi Izawa ported by Kol and ObjectBar by Smoke and original wallpaper etc you get the idea so the bootpanel from the original skin by Takashi Izawa was next logical step hehe. See pic Below.

#29000

wow...how?

#29066

Ok first off the screenie in top post is updated as i have perfected it even more. The next thing i am going to do is update the progress lights to look better.

I will be posting a tutorial here tonite or tommorow so stay tuned

#29069

yeah! thanks makki.. i really hate pressing escape everytime i startup.

#29101

Forthose that dont know what MCP Core is read on..........

Thursday, February 27, 2003 - The MCP is on Object Desktop!

If you check Object Desktop CM/SDCentral you will see the MCP Core module. (MCP = Master Control Program).

This is a new component that will eventually be integrated into SDCentral when you install it.

What does it do? In a nutshell it manages (or will manage) the running Object Desktop components and eventually be opened up so that third parties can make use of it as well. And it only uses 156K of RAM so it has virtually no overhead.

For example, one part of MCP is called the Startup Manager. A program that supports the MCP will let the MCP control its launch when you boot your machine.

For years now, you boot your machine and if you have DesktopX and ObjectBar (for instance) set to load on start up what happens? You see your explorer desktop and then a bunch "stuff" happening that looks really crummy and confusing as these programs alter your desktop and worse, slow down your boot time.

With MCP, when you logon to your machine it coordiantes your various programs that are trying to load so that they load quicker and when you see your desktop, it is already set up how you want.

The first Object Desktop component to use MCP is ObjectBar 1.6A which is now available for download. You'll need to install the MCP/ObjectBar and then reboot to see its effects.

The MCP has many other capabilities such as managing system hooks. Eventually there will only need to be a couple system hooks total rather than each program having its own (slowing down the system). If third parties make use of this, it will allow users to customize their computers much more thoroughly without a system hook speed hits.

The next beta of DesktopX 2 will also make use of this. And we hope for WinStyles to be able to make use of this so that when you apply a new theme, it can be done without the user having to see a bunch of inelegant desktop switching occuring.

We hope you like it. There's a lot of exciting new technologies about to be released onto Object Desktop this year. This one is one of the more interesting ones we think

#29572

TUTORIAL

First of in everytime you are going to hack system or app files first rule of thumb is

MAKE A BACKUP HEHE

In order to customize the startup panel screen you need Resource Hacker.

Open Resource Hacker and open this file in reshacker..........

"C:\Program Files\Common Files\Stardock\SDMCP.exe"

The first folder you see on the left pane is ...

PNG

109

1033

1033 is the PNG file however you dont see a picture do you? thats because it is in hex format so first select 1033 file and go to action menu select save file as binary then in save as dialog box type let say 1.png and save to desktop.

Now is the tricky part like i said you make no backup dont blame me for your not following instructions.

OkRight click on 1033 file and select delete resource then the whole PNG tree will disappear. dont worry we will recreate it.

After you have created the new PNG you would like to use and placed it overtop the original PNG copy now go to in res hacker go to action menu and select from bottom add new resource and a popup appears click the button and select your new PNG file hot ok. Now in the new popup window type following

Resource type: PNG

Resource Name: 109

Resource Language: 1033

then click add resource. PRESTO!!!. Now before saving this right clcik on your windows taskbar and click task manager and end process of SDMCP.exe then close task manager now back to reshacker go to file save as and select the file SDMCP.exe and hit ok when asked if you want to replace click yes and close reshacker rebot your machine

make sure you have objectbar set to start when windows loads in objectbar general options.

Thats it enjoy.

#29574