Restorator 2018 stands as a specialized utility for modifying Windows executable files and their associated resources without requiring the original source code. This resource editor allows users to peer inside compiled applications, revealing and altering elements such as icons, text strings, dialog boxes, and menus contained within .exe, .dll, and .res files. It bridges the gap between binary files and user customization, making it an essential tool for developers needing to localize software or enthusiasts looking to personalize their Windows interface.
Key Features
- Direct Resource Editing: Users can open and modify PE (Portable Executable) files like .exe and .dll directly, changing visual and functional elements including cursors, bitmaps, and version information without recompiling.
- WYSIWYG Dialog Editor: The integrated visual editor allows for real-time adjustments to dialog boxes, enabling you to resize windows, move buttons, and edit text labels simply by dragging and dropping elements on the screen.
- ResPatcher Creation: Instead of distributing large modified executables, this feature generates small, self-executing patch programs that automatically apply your specific resource changes to the end user's original files.
- Localization Support: The software simplifies the translation process by allowing text string extraction and replacement, making it easier to adapt applications for different languages and regions efficiently.
- Command Line Automation: Advanced users can integrate resource modifications into batch processes or automated build systems, executing tasks like extraction or updating resources via script commands.
- Resource Extraction: Assets locked inside compiled files, such as high-quality icons, audio files, or images, can be grabbed and saved to your hard drive for use in other projects.
Use Cases
Software developers frequently utilize this tool to translate legacy applications or update branding assets in older executables where the source code is no longer accessible. Additionally, interface modders and power users rely on it to customize Windows system files, remove unused menu items, or alter the aesthetic of third-party programs to match specific design themes.
Restorator remains a precise and reliable solution for anyone needing deep access to the structural resources of Windows applications, offering capabilities that standard file editors cannot match.
Version Restorator 2018 (Version 3.90 Build 1793) — June 2018
- Resolved a stability issue where the application would freeze when deleting resource folders.
- Fixed functionality bugs within the ResPatcher module to ensure correct patch application.
- Added support for icon resources containing embedded PNG images.
- Introduced limited compatibility for editing 64-bit executable files (AMD64 and IA64 architectures).
- Improved the user interface with enhanced toolbar graphics and icon rendering.
- Streamlined string management, allowing string resources to be displayed and edited in a unified view.
- Implemented a new command-line switch (
-extract) to facilitate automated resource extraction to files. - Corrected a graphical glitch that caused black bars to appear at the top of images in the viewer.
- Fixed issues related to the corruption of version resources during multiple commit operations.
- Addressed a bug where assigning a file from the command line created a new resource instead of updating the selected one.
- Resolved an access violation error that occurred when saving individual resources.
