FFVIII Windows Interface Project - Progress Thread

[yunafan11]

yeah do what was above thats a good idea...

[Griever Zero]

Here are some basic plans so far (some spoilers, so if you want the theme to remain a complete mystery, I wouldn't read the following.)

A "Startup" screen.
- You know that screen you see when you're starting your computer that has the Windows logo and maybe a little animated bar? There would be a custom screen to replace that, perhaps with the Garden logo and it would say "Connecting to Garden network" or something with a little animated bar.

A Logon screen
- In Windows XP where you usually type in your password for your Windows user name. The screen will be made to fit the overall theme, and would say something along the lines of "Enter Student ID" or "Enter SeeD ID".

NOTE: If you share a computer with your family, you may not be able to install the startup or logon screens because it may be too much of a change for the other people using the computer, so make sure you get their permission first. You should also have administrator privileges and some knowledge of Windows XP.

[yunafan11]

thats a good idea. I have no clue how to do it though.

[Griever Zero]

Make the desktop you want to use with assorted pictures by using a program (like DesktopX I suppose) then saved the picture. Right Click the picture and saves a desktop. I don't think you can insert music into a desktop. You can however create movable 3D graphics, although I don't know how to do that, sorry. If you want to use music I suggest saving the music file as a midi. This way it is a small file and requires no lyrics and mimics the actual music beat.

Exactly, Shiny_Griever. The images on the desktop are not actually going to be stagnant, though. There will be buttons on the desktop that you will actually be able to push and they will perform various functions. The desktop will look similar to the computer Squall uses. I don't plan to actually have any music playing in the background, but I do want to use the little beeps and sounds from the game as I said. Unfortunately I'm having trouble getting the sounds (I can't find them anywhere and I'm willing to bet extracting them from the game will be difficult).

[Griever Zero]

thats a good idea. I have no clue how to do it though.

Hey Yunafan, don't worry. When the theme is released, I am going to do a HUGE how-to guide on how to set up the complete theme, whether you want to change everything (startup screen, log on screen, and desktop images/icons/cursors) or just a few elements here and there. It is safe to say though that this is going to take a lot of work for anyone who uses the theme.

[yunafan11]

thats a good idea. lol.

[*~Endless Night~*]

I cant wait to see this it will looks sooo freakin awesome!!!
isnt there some sort of program you can use that will set the loading, logons and theme? i think i had a legend of zelda theme like that a while ago....

[Griever Zero]

I cant wait to see this it will looks sooo freakin awesome!!!
isnt there some sort of program you can use that will set the loading, logons and theme? i think i had a legend of zelda theme like that a while ago....

Yeah, Endless Night. There are a few programs that can do that. And a program will be needed in order to fully utilize the theme.

StyleXP, for one, can manage most Windows elements (I forget whether it can change startup and logon screens though)

Tuneup Utilities is a system optimizer (in other words, it cleans your computer of junk files and such) but includes lots of accessories, one of which is called Win Styler which is an awesome little program that can change pretty much EVERY part of the Windows environment, like icons and themes and logons and startups.

I'll probably be using Tuneup Utilities to test and edit most of the theme.

UPDATE: I've found some programs that allow you to extract sounds and movies from the PC versions of FF7 and FF8. When I get home later (I'm at my college right now) I'm going to test these out to see if I can get some of the sound effects from the game.

[Griever Zero]

The project is coming along nicely. I just wanted to let everyone know that this week has been very slow due to me working and going to school full time, leaving me with very little time to do anything OTHER than homework.

[Griever Zero]

Hey guys, I know it's been over a year since I said I would do this, but don't worry I just recently decided to pursue it to my fullest ability =)

I decided to use Widgets (like Yahoo widgets), which is free and most people already use it anyway.

I also have all the midi sounds I need, ripped right from the game.

Stay tuned, when the thing is done it should look awesome! =)

[Heath]

I partly want to say you're slightly mad for attempting it, but I have to admit that it is pretty awesome. Be cool if you managed to properly pull it off and good luck to you.

[Jessweeee♪]

Wooooooow, this would be cool!!!

I have a feeling Vista won't like it, though :kaocry2: