KernelEx Notes




GetVersion wrapper


Get Version wrapper is a special KernelEx feature that allows you to trick programs into thinking that they are running on different Windows version.
In order to change system identification passed to applications you need to create KEXVER.INI file in Windows' directory (typically C:\WINDOWS\KEXVER.INI).

Structure of KEXVER.INI

The file is divided in four sections: Global, PerApp, Override and Skip Modules.

[Global]
Version=system

[PerApp]
program.exe=system

[Override]
drive:\path to exe\program.exe
=system

[Skip Modules]
module.exe=1
module.dll=1

Each call to GetVersion, GetVersionExA or GetVersionExW makes KernelEx check if the application has an entry in KEXVER.INI (if it exists).
Firstly, Override section is checked. This section contains full path names, equality sign and a special tag (see 'System tags').
If the entry wasn't found in that section, PerApp is checked. This section contains executable name (no path), equality sign
and a special tag.
If it wasn't found in any of above, section Global is checked. This section contains "Version=" and a special tag.
If there is no entry in Global, original system identification is passed.
WARNING: By modifying entries in Global section you may cause your system crash. Use with care. Don't touch it if you don't know what you're doing!

[Skip Modules] section

KernelEx v0.3.2 introduced new section which allows per module system identification control.
Adding module name to this section causes KernelEx to pass original system identification to that module regardless of what was set in other sections.
Some libraries may refuse to work or work erroneously when they think that they are working on another platform.
This section is to prevent such situations.
'=1' suffix is obligatory. Entries without such suffix are omited.

System tags

System tag can be one of the following: "default" means original system identification.



Windows ME System File Protection


You have to disable SFP before installing KernelEx because it replaces system files and Windows will reject these changes.

Solution:
Type 'msconfig' in the Run dialog box. Select 'Startup' tab and clear the checkbox with 'Statemgr' entry. Click OK and reboot.



Uxtheme.dll


Do not copy this file to Windows\System directory because it may cause compatibility issues with certain applications, e.g. with GIMP. This file has been added for convenience. If an application needs it, copy it to application's directory.


-Xeno86