Lightning Semiconductor LN882H - A Windows GUI Firmware Flashing Option

p.kaczmarek2 wrote:

can I somehow change the buttons labels of already compiled application? Maybe by editing resource file? I don't have source code and the application is in the chinese, I would like to translate it to English. Which tools can I use?

Ah, undertaking a task to change button labels in an already compiled application without access to the source code can certainly be a challenging yet interesting project! Let's break down what you're trying to achieve:

1. Understanding the Application: Firstly, it would be helpful to know what kind of application you're dealing with. Is it a Windows application (.exe), a web application, or something else? The type of application can significantly influence the approach and tools you might use.

2. Resource Files and Localization: Many applications store their labels, messages, and other strings in separate resource files, which can sometimes be in a standard format accessible for editing. For Windows applications, for example, these might be in .res or .rc files.

3. Tools for the Job:
- Resource Hacker™: This is a freeware utility for viewing, modifying, renaming, adding, deleting, and extracting resources in 32bit and 64bit Windows executables and resource files (*.*res). It’s quite powerful for modifying GUI components such as dialogues, menus, icons, and button labels.
- PE Explorer or Restorator: These tools offer similar capabilities and can be used for digging into the application and possibly modifying or localizing its interface.
- Hex Editors: If the labels are not stored in a standard resource file, you might need to use a hex editor to edit the executable directly. This approach requires caution, as it's easy to break the application. You'll need to search for the text strings you want to change and make sure to replace them with text of the same or shorter length to avoid corrupting the file.

4. Legal Considerations: Before proceeding, ensure that modifying the application doesn't violate any terms of service or copyright laws. It's always best to proceed with respect for software creators' rights.

5. Localization: If the application is using standard methods for localization, there might be simpler ways to switch languages or add new translations. This is more common in applications designed with internationalization in mind.

6. Consider Contacting the Developer: If the application is actively maintained, the simplest and most respectful approach might be to contact the developer or company behind the software. They might already have plans for an English version or could provide you with the resources to help localize the application.

7. Technical Skills Required: Be prepared for a bit of a learning curve, especially if you're new to software reverse engineering. Modifying an application in this way can require a good understanding of how compiled applications are structured, along with some patience and creativity.

I'm curious to hear more about the specific application you're working on. Understanding more about it could help narrow down the best approach. Have you worked with any of these tools before, or would this be your first foray into modifying compiled applications?