Windows Server 2008 OEM Branding

A quick test using the Windows Vista OEM branding method, on a fresh install of Windows Server 2008 x64 Web Edition had the same successful OEM branding results as the Windows Vista one.

So, here is a repost of the Vista version which is issentially identical:

Windows Server 2008 x64 Web Edition OEM Branded

Note our logo, our support info, and a link ot our Web site.

Windows Server 2003 was basically an oeminfo.ini with the company support information and an oemlogo.bmp of the logo copied into %windir%\system32.

On Windows Server 2008, one needs to follow these steps:

1. modify a registry entry
2. Copy the bitmap into %windir%\system32\oobe

An easy way to edit the registry is to copy and paste the following (in italics) into a text file that you name "OEMBranding.reg". Make sure the extension is .reg so that when you double click on it you will be asked whether you want to merge the registry information contained therein.

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OEMInformation]
"HelpCustomized"=dword:00000000
"Logo"="c:\\windows\\system32\\oobe\\OEMLOGO.BMP"
"SupportHours"="Monday to Friday 08:30 to 17:00"
"Manufacturer"="MPECS Inc."
"SupportPhone"="780-458-2028"
"SupportURL"="www.mpecsinc.ca"

Change the above entries to your own company's information and away you go.

Note that when installing the two files one needs to copy them to the local desktop if they are resident on a network share.

The OEM logo is bitmap and must be named OEMLogo as per the registry setting. You can experiment with names and types to see what works best for you.

Our bitmap logo is 88 pixels by 88 pixels in size and is 24 bits in depth.

Philip Elder
MPECS Inc.
Microsoft Small Business Specialists

*All Mac on SBS posts are posted on our in-house iMac via the Safari Web browser.