RealVNC System Tray Icon Hack

If you manage a large network, you know that keeping an eye on users is an essential part of your daily management. For those of you that use RealVNC to remotely work on computers, here is a little hack that will let you do it without the user knowing. RealVNC is a nice program for the domain environment as it will not let a regular user open the management interface and make changes. The thing with RealVNC is that when you make a connection the icon on the system tray changes colors. This is a problem if you are trying to ''catch someone in the act''. Rather than hide the tray icon you may want to make it look like they are never being watched. This gives the user a false sense of security as they ''know'' when someone is watching (they think they are only watched when the icon changes color; you hacked the program so it does NOT change color when a connection is made). Follow these steps to make it happen.

1. Google & Download ''Resource Hacker''
2. Shutdown The RealVNC Service (right-click on system tray icon and choose close will work)
3. Open Resource Hacker And Open ''winvnc4''
4. Expand ''Icon Group''; Then ''101''
5. Save ''[Icon Group : 101 : 2057]'' As Whatever You Wish (I Did ''101'')
6. Expand ''105''
7. Right-Click And Select ''Replace Resource...''
7. Click ''Open File With New Icon...''
8. Navigate To Where You Saved Step 5
9. Select Your Saved File (Mine Was ''101'')
10. Make Sure Your ''Select New Icon:'' Shows The Correct Icon
11. Make Sure The ''Select Icon To Replace:'' Is Selected With ''105'' AND Shows The OLD Icon
12. Click Replace
13. Save The Modifications And Either Restart The Service Or Reboot The Machine (I Recommend A Reboot To Make Sure Everything Starts Cleanly)
14. Log In Remotely via VNC And Check Icon Status

That wasn't so bad was it? :) Enjoy!!


Note: This Was Last Checked With RealVNC 4.1.2