Changing Background Bitmap for the Windows NT Logon Screen

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This article was previously published under Q103327

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SUMMARY

You can change the default background bitmap used at the Windows NT logon screen by modifying a value in the Registry.

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system-wide problems that may require you to reinstall Windows NT to correct them. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use this tool at your own risk.

Start Registry Editor (REGEDT32.EXE).
Locate and select the following Registry subkey:
HKEY_USERS on Local Machine\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop
Select the Wallpaper value and choose String from the Edit menu.
In the String field, type the full name of the bitmap, including the full path if the file is not located in the SYSTEM32 directory.
Exit Registry Editor to save the changes.

The next time you logon, the bitmap you chose should be displayed.