BLUE SUN ROOM IMAGES

CHRISTOPHERROBIN

WindowsXP Firefly Edition now available to all. :smile:
Tuesday, August 17, 2004

Here you go fellow browncoats for those of you who have been requesting it. It's now newly improved and tested on WinXP Home with SP1 and WinXP Pro with SP1 and ready to share. Let the downloads begin.


CATEGORY: GRAPHICS    TIMES READ: 3667    RATING: 9    SERIES: FIREFLY

COMMENTS

Tuesday, August 17, 2004 10:54 PM

CHRISTOPHERROBIN


Alright you guys i was on this for 5 hours to get everything up and working and tested. It's now 3:35AM and i am exhausted... but it's done and ready to be shared. It should only take about 2 or 3 minutes, after reading the directions, to complete the entire process so have at it, and let me know what you think of it by posting here.

It comes with full directions for making a backup, installing the new Boot Screen, and if you decide to, restoring the old boot screen back (not that you'd ever want to).
All you need are just basic computing skills (Copy/Paste) and the ability to follow directions.

Go to my Website here ---> http://www.MeChristopherRobin.com

Click on the buzz saw carving the word "Construction" and save the compressed file to your desktop. Extract the files within, read the directions, follow 'em carefully, and enjoy your new Firefly Edition of Windows.

Tuesday, August 17, 2004 11:36 PM

GWYNETHH


Thanx!!!!!

Wednesday, August 18, 2004 1:30 AM

CHRISTOPHERROBIN


Tomerai,
Your welcome.
Hey did you already pick out your new PC?
You know, i build pc's...(whistles innocuously)

Wednesday, August 18, 2004 6:03 AM

ANOTHERFIREFLYFAN


This will be shiny for my new laptop when it arrives. :)

Wednesday, August 18, 2004 6:23 AM

CHRONOS


Tried it and it works perfectly. No sweat installing it at all so...I'm sending some love your way as written in the instructions. Thank you!

Wednesday, August 18, 2004 6:38 AM

GWENHARKER


Okay, I have it, saved it, and when I I click on it, it opens up the winzip and starts asking about adding files...

Am I doing something wrong here?

Wednesday, August 18, 2004 7:57 AM

SHAKESPEARE


First, thanks for the great effort in putting this out to people. The screen looks awesome. Second, on the "I've included everything I could think of in the instructions" part, I've found a serious problem.

The directions ask you to check your version of Windows XP to insure that you are not running service pack 2 (SP2), which is incompatible.

If you click on "My Computer" and choose Properties as your directions suggest, you can be fooled into thinking you are running service pack 1 (SP1) when you are actually running parts of SP2 (even if you haven't downloaded it yet).

For example: My computer shows me using SP1, but if I restart my machine in "Safe Mode" I am actually running XP Build 2600.xpsp2.030422-1633: Service Pack 1 (don't worry about the numbers, just focus in on the sp2 portion of that line).

Because I use live update with windows, I have already downloaded many of the components contained in the new microsoft service patch (aka Critical Updates). As a result, my computer is no longer bootable if I attempt to make the change you suggest. Once I tried it, I could no longer boot my system in regular or safe mode.

The solution to my problem was to insert my bootable XP Pro CD and use the "Recovery Console" to change the files back. This unfortunately requires an understanding of the ancient language known as DOS.

Suggestion: In your instructions, ask people to go into safe mode to check their Windows Build version. It is automatically displayed at the top of the desktop in "Safe Mode"

Hope this helps :)

Wednesday, August 18, 2004 9:05 AM

BRITCHICK


Hi All

First of all, thanks for doing this ChristopherRobin.

Now. Please don't think I'm complaining, I'm not... I had a bit of a problem, and I just wanted to let others know in case they are in the same situation as me.

Unlike Shakespeare, i'm definitely only running Service Pack1.

I followed the instructions, no problem. However, when I rebooted, my PC wouldn't reboot.

Fortunately I had my Windows XP installation CD and, like Shakespeare, we were able to use the DOS prompt to rename the copy of the original kernel file.

We suspect that it may be something to do with the Kernel settings. Being in the UK, maybe we have some "international" settings in there somewhere which makes the kernel file you provided incompatible with my PC.

I don't know how to check for such a thing, so I could be talking out of my elbow.

Anyway, please don't take this as a whinge or a complaint as it isn't meant like that at all.

I'll just listen to all my fellow browncoats saying how great it is and look wistful :)


Wednesday, August 18, 2004 12:03 PM

LEGOMANIAC


Danm dude, you rock, never have I seen a browncoat put so much effort into making info on how to do it manually because I tried that bootxp program and frankly, it sucked. Anyway, thanks to britchick and shakespeare for posting problems with their systems, each computer has a different personality and a pc can do anything at anytime!! So thanks again and I can't wait untill your site is up and running!!!

Wednesday, August 18, 2004 12:05 PM

LEGOMANIAC


...into making other browncoats happy!! Thanks for the info...

Must have hit the delete by mistake.

Wednesday, August 18, 2004 12:08 PM

CHRISTOPHERROBIN


Darn got logged out, that is me above

Wednesday, August 18, 2004 12:09 PM

CHRISTOPHERROBIN


Both the Anonymous are me

Wednesday, August 18, 2004 12:11 PM

BRITCHICK


Hi again CR

Please don't take it down from your website, as other many people have installed it without any problems, and I really don't want to spoil others fun.

I will email you my kernel file now...

Wednesday, August 18, 2004 12:21 PM

BRITCHICK


Just read your reply to Shakespeare.

After making the change, I booted up normally and nothing happened. I switched the PC off and booted up in safe mode. It went to a screen where it was checking some files and just...hung on a particular filename - I cna't remember which one. I tried again, same thing.

That's when we dug out the XP cd and put it in. We then went through the Recovery Console, etc etc.

Sounds to me like maybe Shakespeare's problem and mine might be the same after all?

Have emailed you my original kernel file, in case you want to have a look - but please don't feel as though you have to. You've already spent so much time on a kind gesture for the browncoat community, and I don't want this to become a monkey on your back/pain in the a**/other suitable phrase.

Hazel

Wednesday, August 18, 2004 12:48 PM

LEGOMANIAC


Well let's see, I have the excact same numbers popping up at the top of my safe mode screen as shakespeare and mine is working shinier than ever!! Sorry if that is dissapointing to you shakes but I would just like to point out that that is most likly not the problem. Anyway, I hate to ask more of you Chris R. but I am just curious on what you used to create the ntoskrnl file? No explinations, you have done enough of that allready, just wondering how you made it. And also I think the programers who came up with naming a good number of the boot files "kernal" were obviously on somthing, most likly crack, I have never to this day figured out why someone would name a boot file after a seed... tsk tsk oh well!!

Wednesday, August 18, 2004 12:52 PM

LEXIBLOCK


Oh come on, just put the pic up - we'll figure out how to work it later

Wednesday, August 18, 2004 12:52 PM

CHRISTOPHERROBIN


Britchick/Hazel
Thanks so much for your understanding.
Truth be told this was originally just something of a neat trick i was doing for my self and on pc's i built for others to get people who had never heard of Firefly curious about it. My own little way of expanding the fanbase, but it was only on boxes i had control of and i never planned to release it to the world. I know there are so many variables in windows pc's around the world and so many different skill levels amongst users. Yet so many posted and emailed me asking for it that i was torn between wanting to share and possibly causing pc problems to peoples boxes i've never even met.
Several people just wanted the file and didn't even want to wait for the instructions because they "know all that stuff already."

In the end i decided to wait on posting the file untill i could have full instructions ready and compress them together into a file, so you can't get one without the other, and to try and make the best directions i could, let others point out ways to make it better (thanks guys) and try to help any people with problems.

I will however try my best to make your british version work for you. But i won't be able to test it without your help again since it probably will not work on my machines.
Since you already know how to recover from it if it doesn't work would you be willing to try again. At least i would know if i should put it up again for use in the US only or if other versions will work as well. If you do not wish to try again i completely understand. Let me know.

Wednesday, August 18, 2004 1:03 PM

CHRISTOPHERROBIN


It is back up now.

Wednesday, August 18, 2004 1:10 PM

CHRISTOPHERROBIN


Legomaniac:
Thanks buddy for confirming it was not a Windows Update of Sp2 components issue. That is the same result i experienced.
In answer to your question i didn't create the kernel file.
I made a copy of the existing one, then used a hacking utility to disasemble it and then editied the bitmaps in photshop and then recompiled it.
I agree kernel is a stange name for a file.

Wednesday, August 18, 2004 1:43 PM

CHRISTOPHERROBIN


Off to a meeting, be back later tonight to work on this some more.
Cheers people.

Thursday, August 19, 2004 1:23 AM

NEODOUG1


Hi CR

Any chance of just posting the bitmap image?

Thursday, August 19, 2004 1:43 AM

CHRISTOPHERROBIN


GwenHarker:
Sorry i have taken so long to respond.
I haven't used WinZip since finding WinRAR. I've found it to be a little more comprehensive and a little simpler for me.
I'd say give Winrar a try.
It's free to try and you can just uninstall or delete it afterwards if you like.
You can get WiRAR at Cnet Downloads here --->
http://www.download.com/WinRAR/3000-2250-10259256.html?tag=lst-0-1

Anyone else have more experience with WinZIP that can answer her question?

Thursday, August 19, 2004 2:06 AM

CHRISTOPHERROBIN


Neo Doug1:
It's possible. I could extract it out, but i don't think it would be of any use to people because it is actually multiple bitmaps working together that create the boot screen image. Any one of them alone would just be a fragment, and if i were to post the fragment that has the ship in it (i assume that is the one you are asking about) it by itself can't be used as a boot screen without the other fragments and it's too small to make a good desktop image, and it's only 4 bit color slightly modified by me so there are certainly better images of Serenity out there or even screen caps.
Why would anyone want a low res, 4 bit color, hacked fragment of a boot screen that doesn't work by itself? Also you can't see it without getting the proper plugins for your image editing app (photoshop or whatever you use) that windows uses. The bitmap is literally just a black screen with nothing on it.

Thursday, August 19, 2004 4:09 AM

SHAKESPEARE


Back after many distractions...

Looks like the transition between SP1 and SP2 is not the culprit. With BritChick’s comments, it’s starting to sound like it could be an issue with the different flavors of Windows and their various eccentricities. She has an International British Version. I have a USA Student Education Discount Version ($5 from the local University). I’m guessing you have the OEM or Retail Version.

One the positive side, if you are interested in tracking this problem down, BritChick and I are having the identical problems. On normal boot, the computer hangs at the point it would display the Firefly XP logo. Going the “safe mode” route, the computer starts to load in safe mode and then hangs on a file.

I’ll send you the kernal file. Thanks again :)

Thursday, August 19, 2004 6:28 AM

BRITCHICK


The "Anonymous" saying she's happy to try again, is me. I must've got logged out, sorry.

Thursday, August 19, 2004 10:57 AM

DAEDALUS


Hmmm... I'm having exactly the same problem as BritChick and Shakespeare, and being a DOS moron, had to do a system repair. I'll just echo and reafferm the voices of others about the problem, as my windows is a dell-modified version that was bundled with my XPS. Thanks again for posting the file, however, and I'll just keep hoping :)

Thursday, August 19, 2004 12:36 PM

GWYNETHH


Sorry that was moi. If I had your Serenity bitmap I might be able to try it.

Thursday, August 19, 2004 12:58 PM

CHRISTOPHERROBIN


BritChick: Great. Thanks, I am currently working on your kernel to see what i can discern... It may just be that each different version requires you to start with that versions kernel file to make it compatible but it's far too early too know that. Much testing will need to be done first i certainly cannot promise anything.

Static: Hey man i got your email, Thanks. A step-by-step thingy is already included when you download the file from my site. Read the Word file called Directions first and take note of the posts above and know what version of Windows you have.

Thursday, August 19, 2004 1:29 PM

CHRISTOPHERROBIN


Shakespeare: I have all four, OEM version of WinXP Pro and Home, and Retail version of WinXP Pro and Home on a variety of boxes.
Don't have the S.E.D. version you mention though.
The first part you mention
>>>On normal boot, the computer hangs at the point it would display the Firefly XP logo<<<
is what's to be expected if an error is found in the NT kernel.
It's the second part you and Britchick mention about hanging in safe mode that i have never experienced and is a concern for me as it defeats what would otherwise be a simple 1 minute fix of just copy/paste back the original file and all is Shiny again.

Thursday, August 19, 2004 1:31 PM

CHRISTOPHERROBIN


That's me again above, dang logout!

Thursday, August 19, 2004 2:48 PM

CHRISTOPHERROBIN


Hey guys here is a sneak peak at my latest.
It's not ready yet and i am still working to resolve the "different version of Windows issue" but i couldn't contain refrain from posting any longer...

How about Captain Tight Pants Edition.
Let me hear what you guys think

Saturday, August 21, 2004 3:29 AM

CHRISTOPHERROBIN


Britchick: I applied my modifications to your (british version) Kernel file
and will email it to you this morning.

Try it and let me know what result you get. :)

Sunday, August 22, 2004 1:42 AM

CHRISTOPHERROBIN


Hey you guys. How cool is this!!!

Adam Baldwin saw my "Hero Edition" boot screen http://www.fireflyfans.net/bluesun.aspx?bid=1831
and responded to me with a post over on the O.B.
The thread is here ---> http://forums.prospero.com/n/main.asp?qu=++For+Adam+Balwin+%26+Jayne+fans++&find=Search&webtag=foxfirefly&ctx=search&cl=639936&af=

Monday, August 23, 2004 10:34 AM

SHAKESPEARE


Just back from out of town. How did the modifications to BritChick's file go? Let me know if you still want that hanging file name...

BTW, Awesome Baldwin Screen, too cool that he responded :)

Monday, August 23, 2004 4:46 PM

CHRISTOPHERROBIN


Thanks Sahkespeare, yeah i know i was totally pumped about it.
Yes i would still like the name of the file it got hung on in safe mode. Haven't heard back from britchick yet but i'll post here as soon as i do.

Thursday, August 26, 2004 11:14 AM

SHAKESPEARE


Looks like we finally have a solution to the problem. My "Student" version is the culprit (small price to pay when you're getting WindowsXP Pro for $5). Anyway, unless you're running a student version, I think you should have no problem (although I am not sure what was up with BritChick's version).

Thursday, August 26, 2004 11:17 AM

SHAKESPEARE


Answered my own question posting to the other board. Britchick has a foriegn version, I have a student version. Those are both incompatible.

Saturday, August 28, 2004 12:15 AM

BRITCHICK


HI CR

I'm really really pleased to report that the new version of the kernel is woring for me! yay!


I'm now the proud owner of the "Blue Sun" boot up screen. Thank you so much for takig the time to get this sorted out for me :)


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YOUR OPTIONS

OTHER ARTWORKS BY ARTIST


River - a first attempt.
As some of you know (most probably do not) I used to draw quite a bit and then got busy with work/life and somehow just never seemed to find the time. Almost 5 years passed with no serious drawing, a few doodles a year, well a few months back i did a portrait of my cousin as a present for her 10th birthday.
It turned out pretty shiny so i got it in my head to try the BDH's.
My only other creative outlet recently has been the 5 Firefly themed WindowsXP boot screens last month.
Well this taght me a few things,
1. Whew am i rusty. :P
2. I know my cousins face much better than i know Rivers.
I wasn't really going to post this first attempt because i am not really pleased with the result... but since others have i guess i will too. Just remember when commenting that this is only my second real drawing since the new Millenium. Any comments or constructive criticism from other artists is welcome and will hopefully make my next attempt better. Channain? IronCladOtter? Any others?



A little Captain in Cappy?
This idea hit me whilst i was looking at Angelic's last image and I couldn't resist.
The look on his face... his pose...coincidence?



BLUE SUN Edition now available for all
Finally the wait is over and I am happy to share with you guys the much anticipated BLUE SUN Edition. It is now ready for download off my website here ---> http://www.MeChristopherRobin.com
Remember people this is for WindowsXP Home with Service pack 1 and WindowsXP Professional with Service pack 1 only.
If you have WinXP Student version, or a WinXP version made for a country other than the US these boot screens will not work for you! Email me here ---> MeChristopherRobin@Yahoo.com and I will see about getting you a set of files that will work for your version of Windows XP. Also remember this has not yet been tested with Service Pack2.
Read all the instructions (which are included with the file) and enjoy Blue Sun, you know you want to. ;)



"Hero Edition" is now ready to download!
Hero Edition is now available for download at my site here--->
http://www.MeChristopherRobin.com
Click the Firefly button then click the image of your choice to download.
Blue Sun will be ready as soon as I get some more time this week.
I also made a few aesthetic enhancements to the other Boot Screens as well.
Nothing major but feel free to grab a newer copy of Firefly or Tight Pants Editions if you like.
I've got a new "Serenity Edition" in the works now too so stay tuned.
It is a major improvement over the original I think.
Questions? email me @ MeChristopherRobin@yahoo.com or click the mailbox on my webpage.



Website updated
I just updated my website and made a page just for these boot screens. The first two are ready for download and the last two should be ready in the next week. Enjoy


How about WindowsXP BLUE SUN Edtion!
Several people here have noted similarities between Microsoft and Blue Sun but i believe it was TCM who first suggested the idea to me for a Blue Sun Edition boot screen. So to all who have asked here you go. It is nearly completed and will be available soon.


How about Windows XP Hero Edition
Not to leave out T.M.T.C.J. (The Man They Call Jayne) and Adam Baldwin fans i decided to try one based on the clay statue in Canton.


How about WindowsXP Tight Pants Edition. :)
To all the Fillionaires and Cappy fans in general i am working on a new creation just for you. I have almost fallen out of my chair twice i was laughing so hard while working on this.
HAAAAA! My sides are killing me but it was worth it.
It is not ready for prime-time yet but here is a sneak peak, so post away and let me hear what you guys think.



WindowsXP Firefly Edition now available to all. :smile:
Here you go fellow browncoats for those of you who have been requesting it.
It's now newly improved and tested on WinXP Home with SP1 and WinXP Pro with SP1 and ready to share. Let the downloads begin.



How about Windows XP Firefly Edition? :)
I got tired one day of looking at the normal WinXP boot screen while waiting for my pc to load and decided to make my own. This is only my first attempt, and i am more of a pencil and paper artist than digital, so it's not perfect but i don't mind waiting for pc to load anymore. I'm interested in what you guys think.