Windows XP Themes

[Jasdero]

I have a question for anyone who knows about changing your Windows XP Theme. Okay, I went to this site: WinCustomize and I downloaded a whole bunch of really awesome WindowsBlinds, Icons, LogOn, BootSkins, and SysMetrixes, all of which were in sets. But now I don't know what to do to make them work. At first, I had that IconPackager program, but it kept on giving me some annoying little notices that wouldn't close, and I would have to end the process manually, and I hate doing that. So, I did a complete system restore, and took out all the programs from my computer. I still have the theme files and folders in my computer, and I do want to use them, but I have no idea how. Does anyone think they could walk me through this somehow? Thanks. : )

[MsShinobu]

I'm sorry you had to go thru all that.

This is what I use and I really like it! It's called "Styles XP" they have a free demo available for download. http://www.tgtsoft.com/

There are some really pretty styles too, the great part is, it does it all for you. You just choose the syle you want and click on ok and it changes everything for you. Of course, you can also customize anything as well ^^

Here is a page that offers many free styles for use with Styles XP http://www.themexp.org/index.php

Hope you like ^^

[Jasdero]

oh, well that's cool. thanks. : ) i just dislike using trials and stuff... and if i can get something through freeware, i'd rather do it that way. but still, if nothing else works, i'll definitely be using your recommendation. thanks a lot.

[glitch1501]

there is this thing on neowin.net called uxtheme.dll
they have a tutorial on how to install it, but the board is down right now

it does the same thing as stylexp, but it does it throught the windows desktop properties

once the board comes back up ill post instructions


*edit*
here is the link
http://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=140707

[Jasdero]

oh cool, i'll need to investigate that asap. thanks.

[Archan]

Hum,

Well honestly I just find it easier to manually load anything you want to customize and then save it as a theme from the properties on you Desktop.

Also, it just assures you that things are being changes properly and more directly, most customizations can be achieved through your control panel (For mouse scollers and things of this nature) while other things (Desktop Icons and wallpaper and things of that sort ) can be handled through your desktop settings.

That the only sure fire way that I know.

God bless,
Archan

[Master Kenzo]

I use StyleXP as well...it works brilliantly. And I believe you are referring to the window borders, taskbar, and start menu skins, right? Because you can't edit those with Windows alone. It's actually really stupid of Microsoft not to make installing custom themes possible without a lot of work...And BTW, SysMetrix is a program designed to show the status of your computer (time, CPU usage, RAM, etc.) and I prefer Samurize anyway.