Sorry about this:

If there isn't a standard component, do you have any graphical tips on how
to
approach this?

Any included code must be free license: i wish to upgrade to professional
and
sell the current project, and i don't want to violate any laws.

thanks in advance.

The best way to do a splash screen is to use a component. This is often
the easiest way to go about doing most things like this in C++Builder -
leverage off the work of others to get your work done faster. Check out
Torry's page for splash screen components:

http://www.torry.ru/

or get the wondeful shareware library, the ZieglerCollection:

http://www.zieglersoft.dk/uk.html

or the wildly powerful Orpheus 3 collection from TurboPower:

http://www.turbopower.com

Check out the Borland FAQ on splash screens:

http://community.borland.com/article/0,1410,15533,00.html

--
Jonathan Arnold         C/C++/CBuilder Keen Advice:
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   Comprehensive C++Builder link site:
http://www.buddydog.org/C++Builder/c++builder.html