[University Only] Tutorial: How to change the starting screen.

[simfantastic2]

Now YOU can create your own starting screen! Follow these steps and do exactly what i say! Enjoy.
Requirements:
1:SimPE
2:The Sims 2 UNIVERSITY ONLY ( I haven't found out for the original sims 2. so please you must have university)
3:A image editor (Not PAINT) that can edit targa or tga files. I used Paintshop Pro. (UPDATED - USE GIMP)

Here we go!

Step 1: First of all before we edit the screen you need a backup of the file. So go to My Computer/C : Program Files/Ea Games/The Sims 2 University/TSData/Res/UI. Right Click on the ui file and click copy. Then create a new folder on your desktop and rename it whatever you want. Then right click and click paste. Now that is your backup.


Step 2: Now open SimPe. Click on file, then open. Then go to My Computer/C : Program Files/Ea Games/The Sims 2 University/TSData/Res/UI and open that Ui file. It should show you all the files in the package. (Figure1- Figure 2)
http://thumbs.modthesims2.com/getimage.php?file=86578
http://thumbs.modthesims2.com/getimage.php?file=86579

Step 3: Now click on the instance column button at the top to put the numbers in order which makes it easier for you to find. (Figure 3- Figure 4)
http://thumbs.modthesims2.com/getimage.php?file=86580
http://thumbs.modthesims2.com/getimage.php?file=86581

Step 4: Ok. Now we go to the first image to edit. Look at the instance column and scroll down untill you find 0xCCC300080. Once you find it click on it and you will see the sims 2 university logo in the plugin view.(Figure 5)
http://thumbs.modthesims2.com/getimage.php?file=86582

Step 5: It is edit time! Now right click on that file in the packed file view (The thing with the columns in it) then hit extract. Save it in the folder that you created on your desk top! BuT WAIT. At the end of the name when you are saving it, put .tga. So that saves it as a targa image file.(Figure 6- Figure 7)
http://thumbs.modthesims2.com/getimage.php?file=86583
http://thumbs.modthesims2.com/getimage.php?file=86584

Step 6: Now go to your desktop and open your new folder. If you have paintshop pro just double click it to open it. Then edit the picture! Keep your image drawing inside the shape of the university logo because it will have the same shape as the university logo when it is in the game. Now just make it the way you want it to look! Now save it. (Note: If you don't have paintshop pro i suggest you download a free trial on the internet) (Figure 8- Figure 9)
http://thumbs.modthesims2.com/getimage.php?file=86585
http://thumbs.modthesims2.com/getimage.php?file=86587

Step 7: Ok the image you just edited is the logo for when you choose your neighborhood. So lets make this happen! Now go back to simPe and right click on that file ( The one with the instance of 0xCCC300080 ) and hit replace. Now go to the folder you saved that image in. Now do NOT CLICK on the tga image. click on the xml file that came with it. Hit open. And that is done for that part of the screen. (If you do not know which one is the xml file right click on one of them and click properties. It will tell you the type of file) (Figure 10-Figure 12)
http://thumbs.modthesims2.com/getimage.php?file=86588
http://thumbs.modthesims2.com/getimage.php?file=86589
http://thumbs.modthesims2.com/getimage.php?file=86590

Step 8: You are halfway through. Now it is time to edit the bigger logo when the game is loading. Ok now you click on the instace column button again to put it back in order (If not already) Now scroll and look for the instance 0x8CBB9323. If you search for in with the instance filter it will not work. So DONT use the instance filter. (Figure 13)
http://thumbs.modthesims2.com/getimage.php?file=86591

Step 9: Once you found it do the same thing you did with the other image. Right click on the file and click extract. Do the same thing also put a .tga at the end of the file name. BUT make sure the name of the file is different then the other file you saved. (Figure 14- Figure 15)
http://thumbs.modthesims2.com/getimage.php?file=86592
http://thumbs.modthesims2.com/getimage.php?file=86593

Step 10: Once again go to your desktop and click on that new folder. Double click on the new image that was created. Edit that one, then save it.(Figure 16)
http://thumbs.modthesims2.com/getimage.php?file=86594

Step 11: Now go back to simPe and right click on the file and hit replace. Now pick the xml file of the image that you just created. (Note: MAKE SURE YOU DON'T USE THE XML FILE OF THE FIRST ONE YOU CREATED) That should work! Now you are done. NOW click on file then save to save the package. (Figure 17 - Figure 19)
http://thumbs.modthesims2.com/getimage.php?file=86595
http://thumbs.modthesims2.com/getimage.php?file=86596
http://thumbs.modthesims2.com/getimage.php?file=86597

Step 12: Congradulations! You just made your own starting screen for the sims 2! If you need help just contact me at [email protected] or reply on this thread. If you would like post a picture of your new screen! I would love to see them! (Figure 20 - Figure 21-Used with GIMP program/makes it without university alpha)
http://thumbs.modthesims2.com/getimage.php?file=86732
http://thumbs.modthesims2.com/getimage.php?file=86731

I hope you enjoy. :D
------------------------------------------
NEW: i have not tried it yet but i believe it will work to change the background of the starting screen. In SimPe open My Computer/C : Program Files/Ea Games/The Sims 2/TSData/Res/Ui and open the ui folder. Then extract the following instace numbers 0xCCC9AF70 and then 0xCCc9aF80 as .png files. Then edit them. After that replace them and you are done. It should work! (Basically do the same process for the rest of the tutorial, but png files instead) SEE PIC
------------------------------------------
NEW: Now you can have it without the University Alpha! Special Thanks to riggo4482 for helping out a lot. All you need is GIMP a image editor program that you can get off the internet and that lets you edit the alpha! Look at the new images! Sorry about the white next to the 2 in the pic. i did not edit that part(I forgot to :D ) Enjoy!

[paola_105]

very cool! I'll try it out. thank you!

[Angelgoddess79]

I'm learing how to do this, because it's awesome!!!!:jaw::D I was wondering, if I wanted to.. could I make the starting screen lilac with butterflys on it?

[simfantastic2]

Hello, i left this out: TO GET YOUR ORIGINAL SCREEN BACK.

Step 1: Go to the new folder you created and right click on the ui (DBPF File) and click copy.

Step 2: Now go to My Computer/C : Program Files/Ea Games/The Sims 2 University/TSData/Res/UI. And hit ctrl and v at the same time to paste it. When it asks if you want to overwrite just hit yes. Enter at your own risk. Please.

[cchase05]

thnx... i can't use it now though, my computers broken sadly

[caz100]

thanks. At first I was a bit skeptical but you proved us wrong. It worked for me very well but I'm just leaving it as it is becasue we can't change the alpha.

Great tutorial. Thanks

[mod_bv]

thnx... i can't use it now though, my computers broken sadly
Then how did you get here?

[caz100]

simfantastic2. I was looking at the screen of your desktop there and was wondering what the SIms 2 car shop was?

[simfantastic2]

caz100, it is just something that i thought maxis should make for nightlife, so i just edited pictures so it would look like it. Look at the pictures bellow.

Angelgoddess79 offcourse you can have butterflies on it. You can do what ever you want!

[simfantastic2]

Hi everyone! I know i just posted this thread but i just want to remind you to post the new images of your new logo! So i hope you enjoy! Have a great day and don't be shy to ask for help, i won't bite.
Sincerely,
Michael Seminerio
Want to see a great site? Go to nadascreations's website here:
http://www.freewebs.com/fexygurl/
It is a great site sofar!

[Pokeylope]

0_o

You made those carshop images yourself? They look real.

Question- is there an alpha channel for this? I'd hade to have to have the outline of the word University and the book on the screen...

[Riggo4482]

Does the car shop work? I wanna test my screens and make a good 1 b4 i post a pic

[Riggo4482]

0_o

You made those carshop images yourself? They look real.

Question- is there an alpha channel for this? I'd hade to have to have the outline of the word University and the book on the screen...

Yes if you erase the book and university text it will not show up I just tried it. I used the gimp to edit it and erased the book and text and it works great. Now I wanna try the whole pic and edit it to show no sims 2 logo or anything and add my favorite NCAA team pic (for university ;) ) I will let you all know how it goes.

[Pokeylope]

But the outline of it is still there, isnt it?

Like, his picture shows a RECTANGLE of color for his screen, but in game it has the outline of the book.

[simfantastic2]

riggo4482, the car shop is not real. i just made those images myself. Pokeylope it does exactly what you say. It has the university outline. I just don't have something to get rid of it.

[Riggo4482]

I have no image in the background of the book at all. Just my name. If you erase it it will be gone. At least thats what I did with The Gimp program to edit it out. The Gimp is a free dl. not a trial.

[Riggo4482]

Here are some test pics I did for my brother. I added the yellow for easy view.

[simfantastic2]

Thankyou riggo4482. i am trying it right now

[Riggo4482]

No thank you for posting how to do this. I am gonna look fot the very first splash screen also. I wanna change that also. Oh BTW I have The Gimp 2.

[mod_bv]

Would it be possible to change the entire screen, plus alphas? This is the image I want in the background
http://www.helaene.com/rockintheroad_backgroundswirls.jpg

The image was not made by me, it was made by helaene.

[simfantastic2]

yes it is, mod_bv, but the navigation to pick the neighborhood would be in the way, so you probably won't see the text.

[mod_bv]

yes it is, mod_bv, but the navigation to pick the neighborhood would be in the way, so you probably won't see the text.
But what about Nightlife: what would happen to the screen?

[simfantastic2]

The screen would most likely go to the original one, but the logo will say The Sims 2 Nightlife instead. But once i get nightlife i will find the new images to edit for everyone so they can have there old screen back.

[simfantastic2]

mod_bv, if you want i can take that image, and show you what it will look like in the game! So just post a reply if you want me too.

[caz100]

simfantastic2 I know you worked really hard on this so this is to help you out. I am about to post a thread telling people how to get the Sims 2 version so they don't need University. I am starting a new thread cause a lot of people don't read all the replies. All the credit is going to you for this wonderful discovery.

[Riggo4482]

Nice job simfantastis2 i see your new bookless pics

[simfantastic2]

caz100 goodluck, i don't feel so comfortable with letting you do this but on the otherhand it is a good idea. So go ahead. Thanks

[caz100]

Oh yeah also mod_bv that image could work for the loading screen but you would need to make another image for the neighborhood picking screen.

[mod_bv]

CaZ, I know. Also, Simfantastic, I would be glad ig you vould show me the final outcome.

EDIT: I sound Translvlyian!

[simfantastic2]

mod_bv. You can't really see anything. So i suggest to for it to work someone could make that logo again but put the text and the graphics on the side of the image. Sorry that my logo is still there.

[mod_bv]

SimFantastic, do you have a pic of the loading screen? Thanx in advance~!

[simfantastic2]

Oh i am sorry. You can really edit the picture there. It doesn't work because when it does those flash things. Sorry you can't edit that. Thankyou also.

[mod_bv]

Oh i am sorry. You can really edit the picture there. It doesn't work because when it does those flash things. Sorry you can't edit that. Thankyou also.
It's fine.

[simfantastic2]

IF you want you can send me a logo for the rockin expansion pack and i can edit for the logo portion. If you like it that way i can just send you those new files so you can replace it yourself to see it in your game or what ever you want.

[simfantastic2]

angelgodess, are you talking about the logo or the background?

[caz100]

Simfantastic2 I just went to your website and checked out the latest screens. the one with the house and the other houses is awesome. I can't wait for Nightlife
Also mod_bv I can't wait for Rockin' the Road, looks great already

[mod_bv]

Simfantastic2 I just went to your website and checked out the latest screens. the one with the house and the other houses is awesome. I can't wait for Nightlife
Also mod_bv I can't wait for Rockin' the Road, looks great already
Thanks!

[chrisnjosh]

caz100
Why not join our team?(rockin the road) We have a job for every talent!

[caz100]

Hey that would be cool, could I?

[mod_bv]

Sure, why not?

[animal]

Thanks Simfantastic2 This Is Exxxxxxellllleeeeennnt

[Alusims]

Thank you.
Something else I really wanted.

[pink_pixie]

what's the sims 2 livin' it up? I've never seen it

[simfantastic2]

It;s not really a game, it is just something i made up, that is what the tutorial is about, to change the starting screen. It is not a real expansion pack

[puppies4ever]

Great job with the tutorial. I just wanted to know, Where can you get paintshop pro and is it free?

[simfantastic2]

Here is a trial version, you need to become a member of that site, so just create a free membership:
http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=Corel3/Trials/Login&pid=1047023911984&cid=1047024437292
Also i have a older version.

[simmygurl]

Erm.. please help me on this one! I was messing around with all this and now I can't get my original UNI Screen Back. I dont think. I need to open up Uni but If you could just say then I would appreciate it. (blushes)

[pixie]

Well, I wonder, is there a way to change the picture of those two sims in Neighbourhood menu view (you know, those in the upper left and lower right corners of neighbourhood thumbnails). I've been dreaming of a chance to replace them with my custom sims since the day I got the game...:)

[simfantastic2]

Hi pixie, sorry i got back to you so late, yes you can change them, you can basically change anything you want! All you need to do is follow the same procedure for this tutorial but instead of using the instances i gave search all of them and when you see those sims change them. Note there are more than one sims, so if you dont want any of them there then you need to change them all. Hope i helped.

[simfantastic2]

Erm.. please help me on this one! I was messing around with all this and now I can't get my original UNI Screen Back. I dont think. I need to open up Uni but If you could just say then I would appreciate it. (blushes)
Hi sorry i got back to you so late. Ok if you backed uped your ui file like i said in the tutorial just simply take the file and put it in the ui folder letting the backup replace the ui file that you edited.
If you did not back up it there is no solution, however if you reinstall the game it will be back to normal, but dont worry, if you are getting Nightlife just leave the way your screen is the way it is, the new nightlife logo will be there instead of yours when you install nightlife.

Here is what i wrote in the tutorial:
TO GET YOUR ORIGINAL SCREEN BACK.

Step 1: Go to the new folder you created and right click on the ui (DBPF File) and click copy.

Step 2: Now go to My Computer/C : Program Files/Ea Games/The Sims 2 University/TSData/Res/UI. And hit ctrl and v at the same time to paste it. When it asks if you want to overwrite just hit yes.

[pixie]

All you need to do is follow the same procedure for this tutorial but instead of using the instances i gave search all of them and when you see those sims change them. Note there are more than one sims, so if you dont want any of them there then you need to change them all. Hope i helped.
Thnx so much! :D

[cchase05]

Then how did you get here?

It used to shut down while playing the sims 2. :(

[morten8035]

caz100, it is just something that i thought maxis should make for nightlife, so i just edited pictures so it would look like it. Look at the pictures bellow.

Angelgoddess79 offcourse you can have butterflies on it. You can do what ever you want!
where can i get SIms 2 car shop?

[Numenor]

Sorry, Spencer, but you have no choice. The images contained in the "ui" package are tga, and therefore they must be exported (and then re-imported) only in tga format.

[Numenor]

Yes, you can create an in image in any format you like, bmp, jpg, etc. But when you have created it, you have to import it in the "ui" package, overwriting the original one, right?
The game, when reads the ui package expects to find a TGA image: if another type of image is found, it will not be diaplayed correctly, or it will not be displayed at all.

Therefore, if you want to create a custom screen like this, you *must* find a program that creates TGA images, there's no escape.

One last thing. The various image formats are not identical: for example, PNG and TGA contain a special "mask", that makes transparent some parts of the image, and opaque the remaining parts.
BMP and JPG images are always opaque, no transparence is allowed, so your new logo will look horrible, even if you find a way to import it in the ui.package.

[simfantastic2]

Right now, if you export a image from the ui, you can import it as a png also, so that makes it easier and much more useful. Just make sure your paint program like (Adobe Photoshop) supports png transparency and your finished.

[Numenor]

Thanks Simfantastic, I didn't know that the game would accept a png format in the ui.package. Good to know! :)

[oliverret0]

err WAHOO!!! ive found the picture 4 nightlife its near the end!





(now i just need to find a link to get paintshop pro)





by the way :gjob:

[spongejimmy3d]

here the extremely retarded one i made for pets. :p

[Numenor]

Either my eyes are going bananas, or the faces in that pets/southpark image are our faces! :lol:
Freaking! :)

[porkypine]

:D Which one is you, Numenor?

[Numenor]

I'd say the central one, near the name "PETS"...

[Petchy]

Ok... (To numenor)
Just to ask but you didn't show how to replace the backdrop thinggy (The nahbourhood on it...) Is there a Tutorial on this?

[Spong3y]

i have an ep higher than uni, i wonder if it would conflict with my later eps?

[playerbilly2000]

Will This Work With Pets?

[hello2u08]

How do you do this on M A G

[mrcsthernr]

Does anyone have the original sims 2 splash and/or neighborhood chooser screens to replace those in Bon Voyage? Would you be willing to share them with me? I have a mac so I can't use SimPE.

[mrcsthernr]

here the extremely retarded one i made for pets. :p

Does you have the original sims 2 splash and/or neighborhood chooser screens to replace those in Bon Voyage? Would you be willing to share them with me? I'd even be willing to pay some. I have a mac so I can't use SimPE.