How to change the hideous screen BEFORE logging in. The Lock Screen method only works if only ONE user account is set up, and not in a cooperate environment. Go to C:ProgramDataMicrosoftWindows\rbrRight click folder SystemData, Properties, take ownership, and give full access right to yourself AND SYSTEM. If you forget SYSTEM you may get a blank pre-login screen. Windows will correct the rights upon next reboot unless you forgot SYSTEM.\rbrThen go on to C:ProgramDataMicrosoftWindowsSystemDataS-1-5-18ReadOnlyLockScreenZ\rbrThere are the cached backgound images. Right click each (usually only one), give yourself full access rights, and then delete it.\rbrThen go to C:WindowsWebScreen\rbrThe img100.jpg is the one Windows 8.1 uses as template to create the background. Take ownership of the file, and rename it, I used the name img100x.jpg. I dont recommend deleting it.\rbrCopy your own img100.jpg in there. It should be .jpg, 1920x1200.\rbrReboot.\rbrDone.\rbr\rbrMy posting at MS-Forums: \rbr\rbrRead this thread with the same topic about Windows 8, so many so called Microsoft Professionals dont get it what it is about: \rbr\rbrIf you want my background get it from Skydrive: \rbrMy Homepage: \rbr\rbrOther techincal notes: Yes, recorded with a camera, you cannot record the pre-logon screen and a reboot with fraps and the like.