How can I create and deploy a customized Pre-Boot Background image to be displayed at preboot?
Issue:
Many customers wish to have their company's branding reflected in the background screen that appears at Pre-Boot. What is the process to roll out Installation Packages that will include such a customized background?
Solution:
PRE-BOOT BACKGROUND
CONFIGURATION GUIDE
Step-by-Step Instructions for Customizing the Windows Pre-Boot Background
Applicable Platforms: SES Console | SES Web
Document Version 1.0
21 April 2026
1. Overview
This document provides comprehensive, step-by-step instructions for configuring a custom background image displayed during the Windows Pre-Boot Environment (Pre-Boot). These procedures apply to both the SES Console and SES Web management platforms.
Administrators may use this guide to import a custom background image or revert to the system default background. All operations described herein are intended for authorized personnel only.
1.1 Scope
This guide covers the following operations:
– Custom Background Import: Importing a user-defined BMP image as the Pre-Boot background.
– Background Revert: Restoring the factory-default Pre-Boot background image.
1.2 Supported Platforms
– SES Console
– SES Web
2. Prerequisites and Image Requirements
Before proceeding, ensure that the background image file meets all of the following technical specifications. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in an error and the image will not be imported. See 2.2 Image Dimensions
2.1 Accepted File Format
Only Bitmap image files are accepted for Pre-Boot background configuration.
– Accepted format: .bmp (Windows Bitmap)
– Rejected formats: .jpg, .jpeg, .png, and all other non-BMP formats.
NOTE If a non-BMP file is selected, the system will display the following error message: "It is not a bitmap file." |
2.2 Image Dimensions
– Required resolution: 1024 x 768 pixels (exact).
– Images with any other resolution will be rejected.
NOTE If the BMP file does not match the required resolution, the system will display: "Background bitmap file dimension must be exactly 1024x768." |
2.3 Color Depth
– Required color depth: 24-bit color (True Color).
– BMP files with lower color depths (e.g., 16-bit) will be rejected.
NOTE If the color depth is insufficient, the system will display: "Bitmap file bit count is too low, must be 24-bit color." |
2.4 Validation Summary
The following table summarizes the validation rules and corresponding error messages:
Validation Check | Condition | System Message |
|---|---|---|
File Format | File is not a .bmp file | "It is not a bitmap file." |
Image Dimensions | Resolution is not 1024x768 | "Background bitmap file dimension must be exactly 1024x768." |
Color Depth | Color depth is below 24-bit | "Bitmap file bit count is too low, must be 24-bit color." |
Valid File | All requirements met | "A custom background image has been imported." |
3. Applying a Custom Pre-Boot Background
This section describes the procedure for importing and applying a custom background image to the Pre-Boot screen. Instructions are provided separately for SES Console and SES Web.
3.1 Via SES Console
Follow the steps below to import and apply a custom background image using the SES Console application.
3.1.1 Import the Background Image
1. Navigate to the Profile settings: On the SES Console, go to Profile > Boot Text and Color > Import Customized Background.
2. Select the desired BMP file that meets all requirements specified in Section 2.
3. If the selected file fails validation, an appropriate error message will be displayed. Refer to Section 2.4 for details.
4. If the selected file is valid, the following confirmation message will appear:
"A custom background image has been imported."
5. Click OK to dismiss the confirmation dialog.
3.1.2 Apply the Background Image to Devices
Versions below 9.2
Create an Installation package with the above modified Profile
If SecureDoc is already installed:
Uninstall SecureDoc from your Client and make sure all remnants are removed from it. For example, with Revo Uninstall Tool.
Install SecureDoc with the Installation package on this client.
If no SecureDoc is installed:
Install SecureDoc with the Installation package on a new client
In some versions after 7.1 it was as well possible to update customized preboot background image via the following command:
COPY /Y bkgd.bin C:\Progam files\WinMagic\ SecureDoc-NT\bkgd.bin REG ADD HKLM\SOFTWARE\WinMagic /V SDMigrate /T REG_DWORD /D 1 /F >NUL 2>NUL
The new customized background image will be applied after 2 reboots.
Versions as of 9.2
1. In the device list, right-click on the target device.
2. Select "Apply Pre-Boot Background Image" from the context menu.
3. Verify that the client communicates with the server successfully.
4. To confirm command execution, right-click the device and select "Show Commands". Ensure the command completed without errors.
5. Restart the client device:
o SWE clients: Perform a system reboot.
o HWE clients: Shut down the device, then power it back on.
6. Upon restart, verify that the Pre-Boot screen displays the correct custom background image.
3.2 Via SES Web
Follow the steps below to import and apply a custom background image using the SES Web portal.
3.2.1 Import the Background Image
1. Select the target profile that requires modification.
2. Navigate to "Boot Text and Color Settings", then locate the "When to Update Background" section.
3. Click "Import Customized Background" and select a valid BMP image file.
4. Click Save. The following confirmation message will appear:
"File(s) uploaded successfully."
5. Click Submit to save and apply the changes to the profile.
3.2.2 Apply the Background Image to Devices
1. Navigate to the Device section.
2. Select the device(s) to which the updated profile should be applied.
3. From the menu bar, select "Device Advanced".
4. Select "Apply Pre-Boot Background Image", then click Yes on the confirmation dialog.
5. Verify that the client communicates with the server successfully.
6. Restart the client device:
o SWE clients: Perform a system reboot.
o HWE clients: Shut down the device, then power it back on.
7. Upon restart, verify that the Pre-Boot screen displays the correct custom background image.
4. Reverting to the Default Pre-Boot Background
This section describes the procedure for removing a custom background image and restoring the factory-default Pre-Boot background. Instructions are provided separately for SES Console and SES Web.
4.1 Via SES Console
1. Navigate to Profile > Boot Text and Color.
2. Click the "Revert to Default" button.
3. The confirmation message "A custom background image has been imported." will no longer appear, indicating the custom image has been removed.
4. Click OK, then save the profile.
5. Ensure successful communication between the client and server.
6. Right-click on the target device and select "Apply Pre-Boot Background Image".
7. To confirm command execution, right-click the device and select "Show Commands". Ensure the command completed without errors.
8. Restart the client device:
o SWE clients: Perform a system reboot.
o HWE clients: Shut down the device, then power it back on.
9. Upon restart, verify that the Pre-Boot screen displays the default background image.
4.2 Via SES Web
1. Select the target profile that requires modification.
2. Navigate to "Boot Text and Color Settings" > "When to Update Background".
3. Click the "Revert to Default" button.
4. Verify that the custom image confirmation message has been removed.
5. Click Submit to save the changes. The system will display:
"Profile was modified successfully."
6. Navigate to Device and select the target device(s).
7. From the menu bar, select "Device Advanced".
8. Select "Apply Pre-Boot Background Image", then click Yes on the confirmation dialog.
9. Verify that the client communicates with the server successfully.
10. Restart the client device:
o SWE clients: Perform a system reboot.
o HWE clients: Shut down the device, then power it back on.
11. Upon restart, verify that the Pre-Boot screen displays the default background image.
5. Troubleshooting
Refer to the table below for common issues encountered during Pre-Boot background configuration and their recommended resolutions.
Issue / Error Message | Probable Cause | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
"It is not a bitmap file." | The selected file is not in BMP format. | Convert the image to .bmp format and retry. |
"Background bitmap file dimension must be exactly 1024x768." | The image resolution does not match the required 1024x768 pixels. | Resize the image to exactly 1024x768 pixels and retry. |
"Bitmap file bit count is too low, must be 24-bit color." | The BMP file uses a color depth lower than 24-bit. | Re-export the image with 24-bit (True Color) color depth. |
Background not updated after restart. | The Apply command was not executed, or the device did not restart properly. | Re-apply the background image command and ensure the device performs a full restart. |
Command shows error in Show Commands. | Communication failure between client and server. | Verify network connectivity and re-apply the command. |