Customize Windows XP logon screen

One year after Microsoft Vista launched, its predecessor still on top of most famoust operating systems chart. This can be see at some web page counter put Windows XP percentage far above Vista. This is because Windows XP is proved mature and stable OS while Vista still lack of it's support for driver and performance that Microsoft claimed.

But, still Vista-style interface is very tempting to try. Luckily, Windows XP offer so much customization option, so we can customize everything to make it looks like real Vista. There are Vista Transformation Pack that can transform your XP to nearly-perfect Vista interface, from the boot screen, welcome logon screen, start menu, and even icons and behaviour.

For some who doesn't like the total make-over of XP, please try just customize one thing that you might see it every time you start your computer. That's logon screen.

Default logon screen system is controlled by a file name logonui.exe in C:\Windows\System32\ (actual folder location may vary depend on your installation). Do not change or delete the file. All we need is find the same functioned file and put to the same folder.

First step, you can find the interface you like from search engine. But I prefer to search from DeviantArt. Choose the interface you like, but make sure it's an EXE file. Otherwise, you might need another program the make it work. Once downloaded the file, put it into same folder as C:\Windows\System32 and do not overwrite the original logonui.exe, if they have a same name.
Let say, name it logonui_vista.exe

Then open a REGEDIT session (from START -> RUN -> type REGEDIT). Navigate to
\HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\logonUI
Change the default value "logonui.exe" to the new file name just copied.

Dont forget to change the user logon style at Start -> Control Panel -> User Account -> Change the way user log on/off. Check the "Use welcome screen" check box. Try to log off then log in again to see the new interface in action.

Now you can change your login screen whenever you like !