What algorithm did Windows XP use to choose your initial user picture?

This article discusses the random number generator used by Windows XP to select the initial user profile picture during account creation. It explains the efficiency of the one-pass random selection algorithm compared to traditional methods.

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I noted some time ago that Windows XP chose your initial picture at random from among the pictures in the %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\ Application Data\ Microsoft\ User Account Pictures\ Default Pictures directory. But it seems people want to know more.

Has anyone attempted to figure out the RNG for how Windows XP determines what profile picture is used on first account creation?

The random number generator is our friend RtlRandomEx , using the current value of GetTickCount() as the initial seed.

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