Make XP look like Windows Vista / Longhorn for free!

Contributor Icon Contributed by risherz Date Icon November 17, 2005  
Tag Icon Tagged: Microsoft Vista

Change your boring old Windows XP theme to look like Vista using MSStyles (no shell-packs!) for free! Plus you don’t need to download any software to do it either (so your computer won’t get messed up!). You can do it all by yourself and when you are done it is surely going to look like Windows Vista.


Steps: 1. Theme 2. Wallpaper 3. The Fox 4. Cursor 5. Vista-ish applications 6. Fine Tuning 7. Shell Packs 8. Sidebar 9. Final Result

Changing the XP theme

First make sure that you have patched up your uxtheme.dll file. So go read my other recipe if you haven’t so already. This recipe also tells you how to change your themes.

Now you are ready to do some downloading.

There are many msstyles themes out there that look super cool and look like vista/longhorn.

You can also get shell packs and windows blinds themes but some people claim that this can mess up your computer badly.
The theme that I found works best is VistaXP by -kol! (but it was so popular that MS got it removed). Just go to google to find themes that work well. These themes will make your computer look like Windows Vista for sure. So… go ahead and download it.
Then unzip or copy it to C:\WINDOWS\Resources\Themes

All right now you can change your computers theme to the Vista theme you chose.

Changing the Wallpaper

There are lots of Vista wall papers available… chances are that you have one included with your theme as well. If you don’t then you can try your luck at WinMatrix’s great post for Vista wallpapers. If not then you can always search on Google for Vista Wallpapers.

If you want you can also get this wallpaper which also a CoolGrass wallpaper by ApacheUser plus it has the Windows Vista logo on it!

Getting the Fox

Another great way of getting an impression that you are in fact using Internet Explorer 7, just like how it is on Vista is to get Firefox, and then use one of the many user designed themes and changing the look of the browser. If you don’t have Firefox already, then make sure you get it along with the Google toolbar as well, as it will help you keep track of your e-mail and at the same time search the web!

Once you get Firefox install one of the many Vista like themes here. Vista-aero and myFireFox are one of the popular ones out there.

Changing the cursor
You can download the aero cursor pack over here. Just read the read me file supplied and enjoy. Additionally, you can go to How to change your mouse pointers article and change your mouse pointer to the 3D-White (system scheme), it looks very similar to the original cursor in Vista.

Getting Vista-ish applications
Now once you are done that. And you like some transparency on your computer get these two very cool tools.

Vista Explorer: Something like the original Vista explorer but for XP and plus it has….. transparency. YES! IT IS TRANSPARENT! Just like the original one.
Internet Explorer (transparent version!): This is also very similar to the real internet explorer. Plus the internet explorer button on the task bar says internet explorer 7 (good for fooling people)! You can also get the real IE 7 (no transparency though)
Now your system should look like Vista for sure, but why stop when you have come so far?

Get the Alt-Tab Replacement PowerToy! This shows you the windows you are switching to (sort of something like in the real windows vista)…

Fine tuning

After that, fine tune your font settings and turn on ClearType fonts with the ClearType Tuner PowerToy (you can also do this online). Since the real Vista uses the font ‘Segoe UI’ which is a cleartype font, you can mimic the real fonts by using ClearType.

However, some themes already come with the Segoe UI font so don’t forget to enable it while you are using it.

Shell Packs
If you really want to get shell packs to do what you can already do on your own then here are some of them:
- Vista Customization pack by JoeJoe
- The brico pack by CrystalXP
- The Windows X longhorn Transformation pack by Windows X

Please keep in mind that the shell packs don’t customize your computer to look like the latest Vista/Longhorn builds, so your computer might not look like the recent Vista screenshots.

The Vista Sidebar
Since the links in Alex the Beast’s recipe do not work anymore, you can head on over to Thoosje’s website and get the Thooseje’s Sidebar version of Windows Vista’s Sidebar instead and put that on your computer too.

And when you are done that you can start celebrating! In fact you can claim that you have Windows Vista already, and nobody will doubt you. One last step enjoy and don’t forget to show-off your new look!

Take a look at these screenshots of how your PC will look once you are done. If I didn’t put that System Properties window up there then I’m sure I could have fooled you too!

note: I haven’t included a screenshot with the longhorn sidebar. If you want to view a screenshot of it then please go to Go to Thoosje’s website.

Screenshots:

Things I used in these screenshots: The YAFVC3 VS (and all the things included in the download, wallpaper from Winmatrix and icons for recycle bin and my computer from modified version of explorer found in YAFVC theme (install modified explorer.exe > right click on desktop > properties > desktop tab > customize desktop > change icon > type in ‘C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe’ > select icon > OK).

Enjoy!

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  • ernesthoffmann
    cool, have you checked the bricopack? It changes all and makes your xp look more like vista/longhorn. It also changes the default icons and other stuff.

    Ive been using this for months.
    link http://en.crystalxp.net/bricopack.php
  • it has a infostealer.gamepass
  • risherz
    Yes, I am aware of the bricopack. But some people say that it "messes up" your computer and is hard to get rid of if you get tired of it. I've also seen bad reviews for Style XP and Windows Blinds. The reason why I like MSStyles is because this way you can mix and match. For example you can use different icons with Vista skin and so on. Just a little bit more choice than the shell packs.

    Thanks for the comment!

    Appreciate it... :D
    Risherz
  • risherz
    If you want to dress up firefox to match the Vista theme (something like IE 7) then try VisteFirefox1.5 for Firefox 1.5!
    http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/26036952/
  • Anonymous
    it is cone
  • software
    The theme that I found works best is VistaXP by -kol! is cone :( way
  • Smart Person
    Here: http://jonnyw1989.wordpress.com/2007/01/01/vist...

    Found it in google, it has the VistaXp download links
  • risherz
    <ul id="quote"><h6>software wrote:</h6>The theme that I found works best is VistaXP by -kol! is cone :( way</ul>

    Oh, yes I see what you mean. Yes, I guess Microsoft didn't wan't people to make their XP computers like XP. Well, -kol talks about this in his journal entry. He also mentions a few other good skins in his journal entry.
    <ul id="quote"><h6>-kol wrote:</h6>Here's a quick list of some of the skin that I found only on deviantART and WinCustomize. In some minutes I found all those themes and there are a lot more all over the net.
    [link]
    [link]
    [link]
    [link]
    [link]
    [link]
    [link]
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    [link]
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    </ul>

    I guess I'll have to change the recipe now... :(

    And here are two vista-ish skins that you might like, which you can find here and here... (if you want more, the you can always search... there are plenty more around as well)

    Thanks for letting us know about this.

    Risherz
  • software
    Thanks :) for your work again...
  • Anonymous
    The file linked to for the explorer and IE tries to install a trojan horse and a ftp server on your machine if you add them to you'r c: directory. DON'T DO THIS! I just deleted the files entirely
  • risherz
    <ul id="quote"><h6>bugmenot wrote:</h6>The file linked to for the explorer and IE tries to install a trojan horse and a ftp server on your machine if you add them to you'r c: directory. DON'T DO THIS! I just deleted the files entirely</ul>

    Hmm... this is interesting. I did run virus checks before putting it in my recipe so that none of the users are going to be harmed. The files seem fine to me... but just incase I'll dig a little deeper into this application and try and see if I can find anything. And I'll also edit the recipe.

    Thanks for letting us know!

    Я
  • Anonymous
    Thank you for the vista theme you are now my best friend lol. I recoment this theme to anyone :D
  • Anonymous
    I want vista theme plz if
  • risherz
    <ul id="quote"><h6>waqar wrote:</h6>I want vista theme plz if</ul>
    Well... sorry Waquar, I don't have the Vista theme. Having KoL's Vista theme is considered Warez. Which means that it is illegal to distribute it in any way. And it is also illegal to have it.

    But fortunately only Kol's theme was brought down by Microsoft, but there are still many others that are available. Plese take a look at http://www.tech-recipes.com/modules.php?name=Fo.... You should be able to find themes that are strikingly similar ;)!
  • Anonymous
    themes
  • Anonymous
    how I can download the windows vista sidebar for my windows xp ??
    because the link is not working

    thank you
  • qwertyacme
    just use the google desktop sidebar, it may not be EXACTLY like the vista one, but it's better.
  • risherz
    <ul id="quote"><h6>kishi wrote:</h6>themes</ul>
    What do you mean by themes? If you can provide more information then perhaps someone can help you out...

    <ul id="quote"><h6>Fer-D wrote:</h6>how I can download the windows vista sidebar for my windows xp ??
    because the link is not working </ul>
    Well, downloading the Vista sidebar right now is considered warez I believe. But I'm quite sure you can find if you search for the file names on google . Google's your friend :wink:.
  • Anonymous
    can anyone post any installable vista themes that doesn't need that patch file because when I tried it, it messed up all my themes and Internet Explorer didn't seem to open ether.
    Thanks
  • Anonymous
    Dowload and install this latest version of "Vista Transformation Pack" here:

    At last, Vista Transformation Pack has finally come out! Despite the name Vista, you'll get whole new update and more functions. Get the awesome Vista look today!

    Vista Transformation Pack will give to your Windows XP system the new and cool look of Microsoft's future operating system: Windows Vista. The pack changes most of the system icons, skins and toolbars and also adds new enhancements to your desktop such as a dock bar or a different system tray clock

    You sure will be surprised if you hear this. From now on you can update Vista Transformation Pack without uninstalling and you can even integrate Vista Transformation Pack into Windows setup files. (Still experimental, though but most of them are fine enough to be implemented)

    This release has a lot of update covering from build 5472 so you’ll get much more icons update and much better visual styles and WindowBlinds skin, with bugs from earlier release fixed. Let’s see the changelog for more details below.

    What's New in This Release:

    · Added Apply Vista Setup screens transformation
    · Fixed applying missing Vista UI transformation to setup files bug
    · Fixed language id debug dialog when repair in Maintenance Center
    · Fixed missing resources patching for Media Center and Tablet PC Edition
    · Fixed missing some files during Vista UI transformed setup installation preparation
    · Fixed new updated files missing after uninstallation when use re-apply Vista UI transformation mode
    · Fixed obsolete language id checking bug in repair function
    · Fixed rebuilding icon cache console dialog disappearance bug
    · Fixed rebuilding icon cache incompleteness problems (I programed it to delete IconCache.db so it should be better)
    · Fixed resource extracting using Resource Hacker bug on some non-English langude id with letter
    · Fixed SideBar obsolete uninstallation that might cause problems to Vista SideBar
    · Fixed Start orb misalign for VistaStart (by 1 pixel)
    · Fixed system files uninstallation bug (system files restored after uninstall, all same)
    · Fixed Vista Toolbar Throbber animation bug
    · Fixed Vista Visual Pack’s execution problem on Vista UI transformed setup files that doesn’t have GUIRunonce.
    · Fixed WindowBlinds installation path detection bug
    · Fixed WindowBlinds skin installation on Vista UI transformed setup install launch bug
    · Fixed Windows logo in System Properties overlapping bug
    · Fixed wordpad.exe patching failure (wrong file location)
    · Fixed unable to execute “ResourceHacker.exe” on Vista UI transformed setup install bug
    · Fixed uxtheme.dll patcher execution issues (couldn’t execute file xxx.com, patch doesn’t work, etc.)
    · Fixed uxtheme.dll patching issues on Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2 Beta
    · Fixed x64 Edition detection failure on x86 OS with x64 CPU
    · Updated Vista cursors from Pre-RC1 build
    · Updated Vista icons from Pre-RC1 build
    · Updated Vista tray icons from Pre-RC1 build
    · Updated Vista logon background from Pre-RC1 build...

    http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/OS-Enhancements/Vista-Transformation-Pack.shtml
  • Anonymous
    could someone please tell me where to find the vista sidebar? because the download link that I found on rapidshare is not working!!!
    :cry: :cry: :cry:
  • Anonymous
    oh thank you so much Deepesh :D
    now I can finally get my PC to look like windows vista :) :) :)
  • Anonymous
    how did you get the recycling bin and my computer add-on. can u giv me a link please :)
  • Anonymous
    there's a lot of icons that you can get. If you want a freeware program to change all your icons, i'd recommend using Icontweaker. Here's the download link:
    http://joost.endoria.net/download/
    And here's a link to download a vista icon theme for icontweaker :D
    http://www.joejoe.org/forum/lofiversion/index.p...

    I think you can do the rest. But if you need help just post something and ill try to help you out.
  • Anonymous
    <ul id="quote"><h6>themefrenzy wrote:</h6>there's a lot of icons that you can get. If you want a freeware program to change all your icons, i'd recommend using Icontweaker. Here's the download link:
    http://joost.endoria.net/download/
    And here's a link to download a vista icon theme for icontweaker :D
    http://www.joejoe.org/forum/lofiversion/index.p...

    I think you can do the rest. But if you need help just post something and ill try to help you out.</ul>

    Thanks alot mate
  • Anonymous
    <ul id="quote"><h6>themefrenzy wrote:</h6>oh thank you so much Deepesh :D
    now I can finally get my PC to look like windows vista :) :) :)</ul>

    :D
  • Anonymous
    your welcome tEAm4za :D :D
  • Anonymous
    I have a question, i downloaded the aero 5203 v 1.4, now your recipe says that i have to put it in windows ressources, but it already has the original windows theme inside, my question is, do i have to delete the old one and put in the new one? Thanks for your help and your recipe! :D
  • Anonymous
    <ul id="quote"><h6>DrUnKnChIcKeN wrote:</h6>I have a question, i downloaded the aero 5203 v 1.4, now your recipe says that i have to put it in windows ressources, but it already has the original windows theme inside, my question is, do i have to delete the old one and put in the new one? Thanks for your help and your recipe! :D</ul> If you have the theme, just go ahead and put in the folder, but DON"T delete the old theme :wink:
  • Anonymous
    <ul id="quote"><h6>themefrenzy wrote:</h6></ul><ul id="quote"><h6>DrUnKnChIcKeN wrote:</h6>I have a question, i downloaded the aero 5203 v 1.4, now your recipe says that i have to put it in windows ressources, but it already has the original windows theme inside, my question is, do i have to delete the old one and put in the new one? Thanks for your help and your recipe! :D</ul> If you have the theme, just go ahead and put in the folder, but DON"T delete the old theme :wink:
    Thanks a lot, i appreciate it. :D
  • Anonymous
    I need help with the "Windows Explorer".

    For some reason, I cannot get the navigational icons to change, they still remain the old ones. I have downloaded the Y*** folder and have installed it, yet there is no change.

    Any advice?
  • Anonymous
    i am following the list, but when i tired to change my theme i couldn't do it. i replaced the dll file first and then i downloaded this theme. http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/22286431/ when i opned it and i put it in resources, there was no .theme file but many image files and such. did i do something wrong?
  • sextheorist
    its not in the theme tab as a *.theme file but u will find it in appearence tab.
    its mentioned in "how to patch uxtheme.dll" recipe.
    i recommend u read it one more time.
  • Anonymous
    i-did-the-same-thing-can-someone-help-me!
  • sextheorist
    when u go to properties from right clicking on dekstop ur installed theme is not in theme tab but in appearence tab.(if u have installed it in resources folder of windows)
  • Anonymous
    <ul id="quote">there's a lot of icons that you can get. If you want a freeware program to change all your icons, i'd recommend using Icontweaker. Here's the download link:
    http://joost.endoria.net/download/
    And here's a link to download a vista icon theme for icontweaker
    http://www.joejoe.org/forum/lofiversion/index.p... </ul>
    Hey,
    I've installed Icontweaker and the vista icon upgrade but it hasn't changed my start menu at all.... All the icons have been changed correctly (like the recycle bin etc) So does anyone know what to do to change it to the vista style?
    Cheers 8)
  • Anonymous
    thenks a lot
  • Anonymous
    hey buddy, you seem to know a lot about this
    i have just got a major problem
    after i followed those sinstructions to get da replacer and replace the dll file etc
    my comp gave me this message
    "The application or DLL C:WINDOWSsystem32UxTheme.dll is not a valid Windows image. Please check this against your installation diskette."
    followign this message i restarted ym comp
    when i restarted this comp, i got this message again at the welcoem screen where i click "OK" to get past it
    when my desktop screen comes up, the messahe comes again and when i clikc "OK" the message goes away but my desktop does not come up, only the background is there, no taskbar icons etc
    i cant use my comp at all all because of this procedure, and i made a system restore point but i cant access it because no taskbar etc comes up and im not able to access anything. the only thing i can get open is the Windows task manager using ctrl+alt+del
    can you please help me with this?
    im using my 6year old computer because my new computer is dead due to this procedure, please help me, i am realliy stressed, i just spent my last savings on that co puter and now it seems to be wasted
    im really stressed, please help
  • Anonymous
    perfect!! :twisted:
  • Anonymous
    <ul id="quote"><h6>bugmenot wrote:</h6>The file linked to for the explorer and IE tries to install a trojan horse and a ftp server on your machine if you add them to you'r c: directory. DON'T DO THIS! I just deleted the files entirely</ul>

    I have downloaded the theme pack, I pasted all the file except the .exe files.
    Is it true that the IE tries to install a trojan horse if i add them to the C: ??
    What do I do with downloaded files?? Jus unziping them on to C :..themes doesnt seem to be working?

    Could anyone please tell me how to get this thing working?
  • Anonymous
    <ul id="quote"><h6>paulhitthewall wrote:</h6>i am following the list, but when i tired to change my theme i couldn't do it. i replaced the dll file first and then i downloaded this theme. http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/22286431/ when i opned it and i put it in resources, there was no .theme file but many image files and such. did i do something wrong?</ul>

    I seem to be having the same problem. I have all the files but I dont seem to be having the .theme file?
    Where do I find that? Or did I do something wrong?

    Please help!!
  • Anonymous
    <ul id="quote"><h6>gurbaj wrote:</h6>hey buddy, you seem to know a lot about this
    i have just got a major problem
    after i followed those sinstructions to get da replacer and replace the dll file etc
    my comp gave me this message
    "The application or DLL C:WINDOWSsystem32UxTheme.dll is not a valid Windows image. Please check this against your installation diskette."
    followign this message i restarted ym comp
    when i restarted this comp, i got this message again at the welcoem screen where i click "OK" to get past it
    when my desktop screen comes up, the messahe comes again and when i clikc "OK" the message goes away but my desktop does not come up, only the background is there, no taskbar icons etc
    i cant use my comp at all all because of this procedure, and i made a system restore point but i cant access it because no taskbar etc comes up and im not able to access anything. the only thing i can get open is the Windows task manager using ctrl+alt+del
    can you please help me with this?
    im using my 6year old computer because my new computer is dead due to this procedure, please help me, i am realliy stressed, i just spent my last savings on that co puter and now it seems to be wasted
    im really stressed, please help</ul>

    The same thing happened to me. You have to hit ctrl+alt+del and when the task manager comes on find the "new task" button. Browse (maybe under C:Windows) until you find a "Restore" folder. There you can hover over and then click the System Restore program. It took a few good minutes for mine to launch, but be patient and X out the flood of error messages.
  • Anonymous
    <ul id="quote"><h6>risherz wrote:</h6></ul><ul id="quote"><h6>software wrote:</h6>The theme that I found works best is VistaXP by -kol! is cone :( way</ul>

    Oh, yes I see what you mean. Yes, I guess Microsoft didn't wan't people to make their XP computers like XP. Well, -kol talks about this in his journal entry. He also mentions a few other good skins in his journal entry.
    <ul id="quote"><h6>-kol wrote:</h6>Here's a quick list of some of the skin that I found only on deviantART and WinCustomize. In some minutes I found all those themes and there are a lot more all over the net.
    [link]
    [link]
    [link]
    [link]
    [link]
    [link]
    [link]
    [link]
    [link]
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    [link]
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    </ul>

    I guess I'll have to change the recipe now... :(

    And here are two vista-ish skins that you might like, which you can find here and here... (if you want more, the you can always search... there are plenty more around as well)

    Thanks for letting us know about this.

    Risherz

    risherz, in your receipe for making Xp look like vista, u had provided a screen shot of your final look and along with it, provided a link to get the theme YAFVC3 VS. I unzipped the files however, it does not have .theme file. Could you please tell me as to what i should do next.

    It also has 3 .exe files and .msi file aswell.. should run the files seperately from the folder,after i have copied to appropritate themes directory in C: ?
  • Anonymous
    the best theme i found was called vista cg witch you can download from http://www.crystalxp.net/galerie/en.cat.3.htm, to use the themes you need stlye xp or uxtheme multipatcher, i found that the patcher was better. :o

    i used syle xp to get the theme to work i then went to themes in control panel and saved the theme, this saving it as a theme file then i used the patch so i would say on. becouce it keeps goin off every time u reboot, if u used a patch it will stay on
  • Anonymous
    Becareful of pathcers, there are some that are disguised as pathcers but they arent =(
    I would say StyleXP is overall SAFER.
    Also, when downloading themes, and you cant find .theme files, simply open up My Computer/C:/WINDOWS/Resources/Themes. If you unzipped or unrared the file, you will find a windows visual style folder. Simply double click it and KA-BOOMB the theme is installed.
  • Anonymous
    i like theme windows vista
  • Anonymous
    <ul id="quote"><h6>Nightslayer wrote:</h6>Becareful of pathcers, there are some that are disguised as pathcers but they arent =(
    I would say StyleXP is overall SAFER.
    Also, when downloading themes, and you cant find .theme files, simply open up My Computer/C:/WINDOWS/Resources/Themes. If you unzipped or unrared the file, you will find a windows visual style folder. Simply double click it and KA-BOOMB the theme is installed.</ul>

    Thanx night Nightslayer, :) worked.
  • Anonymous
    thanx 4 this style hey maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan
  • Anonymous
    Hey, can anyone explain me how to install the Vista glass v2 theme? Thanks.
  • Anonymous
    i followed the installation instructions that was presented in the YAFVC3 1.5 update, but the logoff/shutdown buttons still weren't aligned properly. i'm in dire need of help. i tried several times but it hasn't worked since. anyone have a clue?
  • Anonymous
    i've downloaded the rar files for "Aero_5203_v1_4" and "VistaXP" ,, using links given above . what should i do next ? no files given to install or anything . only the foll. file extensions :
    1} Bitmap image
    2}PNG Image
    3}SSD file
    4}SSS file
    5}txt
    6}TGA File
    7}UIFILE File
    8}UIS File
    9}XP File
    10}XPS File
    what should i do ?
  • Anonymous
    thanks for all
  • Anonymous
    thanks for all
  • Anonymous
    Hi Risherz

    Good way to convert the look of Win XP. I was trying to use the Iyin Vista theme, however am not able to find the .msstyles file. Can you please advise.
  • Anonymous
    I was just wondering what theme did u use when you took this screen?

    http://bronch.com/downloads/risherz/vista2.0.gif
  • Anonymous
    The easiest way to accomplish making XP look like Vista is to download and run <span style="text-decoration:underline">Vista Transformation Pack 6</span>. Just Google it and then download for free.
  • Anonymous
    Search google, second result you get when you type in Vista Sidebar I believe, you just might find something.

    As for me.

    I have a question.

    The theme pack with the modified explorer, YAFVC3VS, isn't fully working out for me. I applied the theme, works nicely, but I can't get the explorer.exe working. When I rename the original explorer, "explorer1.exe", a new one pops up a few seconds later. And even if I replace it before a new one comes up, and quickly choose the new "explorer.exe" under Display-Customize desktop, it automaticially switches back to the origirnal "explorer.exe". Another problem I had with that is when I go to C: WINDOWS/system32/ddlcache, I can't find the "explorer" which I'm sposed to move, all I see is one file on my one computer, mt other shows them all. I have the settings set the same for both I'm almost positive. Can anyone help me out with this?

    Maybe step-by-step instuctions...?
  • Anonymous
    Anyone else notice that only the links to the Longhorn themes work now? The Vista ones "mysteriously dissapeared".

    I smell a conspiracy...
  • Super_Sonic
    Does anyone know where to unzip the YAFVC3.zip file to? Do I unzip it to C:WINDOWSResourcesThemes?
  • Anonymous
    hii... when i download any theme it comes to me in different types than the ones in c:/windows/resources/theme it is in a different format cand any body help me...
  • Anonymous
    I have done everything but i am missing one thing screen saver, all i have are my xp screen savers. how can i get some screen savers? :(
  • Anonymous
    I can't find any transparent MSStyles for Vista at all. I guess that Kol made the only decent to half decent one in 2005, but it's over for him now. Do you know any skins I can use with MSStyles? I'm using window blinds, but I don't like it that much. Help me please!
  • Anonymous
    Well i found the best themes Vista perfection and just a cheesy version would be vistab2. As for transparancy i have a program called TransMenu. You just double click it and it makes ur start bar and ur start menu transparent. This of Course applies for msstyle for patched pc's so no Windows Blinds!!! yay to all Those third party software crud ur comp. So always get the patch and mix various programs or i guess if your a risk taker you can do Vista Transformation 6

    Cheers! :P
  • Super_Sonic
    I still have the included Windows Explorer in the YAFVC3 Theme, but when I made the duplicate file, it makes another one. Which Explorer do I need to modify, the one with the XP computer icon on it, or the one with folder with the magnifying glass hovering over it? Thanks.

    Oh, anyone know of a good emulator for XP that makes the Start Menu in XP act like Vista? And one more thing... you all know how in Vista Premium and later, whenever you open or close a window, the window opens in a faded zoom, and closes in a faded zoom? Anyone know how I can get that in XP? Thanks
  • Anonymous
    Hi, This post is very informative, however I would like some specific information. If someone can help me then please send me a private message. Best Regards,
  • Anonymous
    How to change folder icon? U didnt include in ur recipes.I choose to use Aero11_Package_V2 from Devianart website.I know that icon is located inside shell32.dll.So it is impossible to just copy paste Shell32.dll included in Aero11_Package_V2 to C:WINDOWSsystem32shell32.dll right?It will popup message the files is in use.So how to do this?
  • Anonymous
    hello everyone!!! I'm just new here...
    I just installed the bricopack this day, and it worked!!!!!
    It's so amazing that from that boring xp look, it turned out to vista look!!!

    I have one question: Is there a way to have the title bar
    of a folder display the name? It only shows the icon...
  • Anonymous
    hey, im really not being able to install any of the themes here. i unzip to the right location, i follow the directions exactly, but icant get it. can u please type here, EXACTLY what to do and how to do it for me, i have been trying for 3 hours now and am about to give up. I like this theme now if u can tell me how to get it on my PC then thats awesome.

    http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/25958655/

    -pilotrocker11
  • Anonymous
    k im totally lost with this whole changing theme all da folders and everything i unno if this is even the rite place 2 post this but ya i dont understand the the theme changing i do it but when i click it it opens themes but nothing changes
  • Anonymous
    For some reason after exchanging the uxtheme.dll file, I still cannot get my XP Pro to use MSStyles... it keeps only looking for .theme files. any ideas?
  • Anonymous
    can any one help i replaced the uxtheme.dll driver and i keep on tring to install 1 of the themes u have but i dont now how to install so if someone could tell me its would be great
  • Anonymous
    nerde bu what ta hell
  • Anonymous
    Please Help me, Please:-

    I had XP Pack 2, and I followed the instructions in order to replace the uxtheme.dll file, and now it has messed up my computer. It won't let me change my theme, and it keeps it on Windows Classic, and when I try to change it, it gives an error, i will provide screen shots if needed

    please please help me,:cry:

    thank you guys a lot
  • Anonymous
    please please please, its a big request from me, i will be very greatful, please :( :( :( :(
  • Anonymous
    u guys are useless... :x
  • Anonymous
    Hello, I've followed the instructions to install the vista themes, and it works well for me without a problem...except that after I restart the computer, everything is gone; all but my color scheme. How can I make it stay permanent? And also, I don't seem to know what to do with the explorer vista beta by Andrew Goodrick-Werner. I've downloaded the archive, but all there seems to be is samples of IE and explorer. Can someone help me understand this?
  • Anonymous
    Exllent & better works & looks
  • Anonymous
    i downloaded the themes but unable to aaply them :( can anyone help me? please tell me how to apply them.
  • Anonymous
    Hey!
    See, I'm new here.
    I'll go straight to the point...
    I instaled a shell pack named "vista inspirat 2" and every thing was fine...
    but the Rocket dock had a problem an i uninstal the shell pack to reeinstall it...but i forgot that the pack was uninstaling and i made a system restore and didnt finish de uninstal.... :oops:
    Conclusion...now i dont have the shell pack and every time I try to instal a new one, apeers an error that says: " other shell pack is uninstaling, wait and reboot if necessary", I reboot the pc and nothing...
    I also tried to do morsystem restor to correct the problem but didn't make it.:(
    well if someone could help me :D
  • Anonymous
    thanx
  • Anonymous
    i use this http://www.softpedia.com/get/Desktop-Enhancemen... its avista theme for xp works good even boots up like vista
  • Anonymous
    I'm new to themes and as per the instructions at, <http://www.tech-recipes.com/rx/1089/make_xp_loo...>, I downloaded some of these themes from the links in this post and could not point to them with the "Display Properties/Themes" dialog box.

    I unzipped one of them into, C:WINDOWSResourcesThemes as instructed and it was not seen, because it does not have the ".theme" extension. It has instead a ".msstyles" extension, and a folder named "Shell".

    I also did the same with another one I'd really like to try from, <http://1ruby1.deviantart.com/art/Best-Vista-The...>. This one is full of files. A folder named "Best Vista Theme 4 XP" was extracted into the ResourcesThemes folder, and within it were 3 .jpg files and a folder named Theme which contains 3 ".exe" files, 1 ".rar" file, and 1 ".zip file".

    What am I doing wrong and what am I supposed to do with all these files?

    Gratefully,
    BigBro51
  • Anonymous
    When everyone asks how to get the theme working, its easy. Instead of going to properites, after you put the msstyle file into the resource/theme folder you double click it. Then, press apply and ok! THATS HOW YOU DO IT!!! :D
  • Anonymous
    Can anyone tell me where to get the Vista icons? The icons are the whole effect on it. Also the softpedia VistaMizer is corrupt because windows says its dangerous.
  • qwertyacme
    UberIcon - Google it.
  • Anonymous
    whenever i turn off my computer and turn it back on it goes back to a classic windows theme, from the theme i have now (which is a vista one). how to fix?
  • Anonymous
    Do it remove youre files ?
  • Anonymous
    how exactly do i get the taskbar to look like vista...?
  • Anonymous
    i got a theme that looks a lot like windows vista i recommend this theme to everyone one who likes vista themes here's the link

    http://rapidshare.com/files/148417693/Windows_V...

    If you want me to put it on DeviantART then i am happy to give you the link for that too.

    Another Tech Lover..
  • hashem
    thank you very much
  • r342s
    Your Vista start menu sucks man
  • praneeth
    super thnx a lot
  • threema
    working 100%
  • sameh
    thank you very much
  • Thanks a lot I been looking for this one!
  • If you want Vista look, try window blinds!
  • raf
    thanx
  • miron
    cool
  • fuck u
    Get more proof and pics
  • RAK
    why i can not get the Vista themes ...who know to tell my about this pleaseeee on my msn Dishonest_Person@msn.com.......:@:@:@:@
  • windrazxor
    Hey. Can You Uninstall This Easily?

    Thankks and great recipe too.
  • mohderie
    i like this theme
  • Xpuser
    I got the start menu but the log off and Turn off computer buttons got disorted or something while i was TRYING to replace the explorer thing. Unfortunatley i couldnt get all transparent windows. HELP!
  • Briguy
    just use System restore
  • can't downloadable
  • SMS
    Very good
    Thanks
  • Undisclosed
    Nice instructions given there. =D
  • Briguy
    Why dont you use BootSkin and LogonStudio to make the "Vista" look more Vista? I use that and i have my logon screen set to Vista Ultimate and my bootskin set to Vista Ultimate. It's sick. Another thing, you should use Res Hacker and hack your Start menu text to nothing,that way it'll really look like vista, because after all, vista doesn't have start menu text. Check out the real screenshots of them.
  • David Parsons
    I can't see why anyone using XP wants it to look like Vista.
  • saveang lychea
    the boot screen or start manu is good looking
  • Yes i agree with ya mate
  • tasos
    thanx
  • windows32
    it works!
  • Veronica
    i love it.. im so desperate of the Vista look. i want it badly for my xp. thnks:)
  • Phil
    I have service pack 3, what do i do??
  • Anonymous
    Will it make my PC slow???
  • faizan
    hiiiiii
  • BiGAnZz
    Dont download, its virus!
  • Jack
    I use vistamiza...the only problem is that it slows down your computer
  • yuvaraj
    Ya its nice
  • aw
    Wew, I Like it!!! xDxD
  • shrrey
    hw 2 dwnld vista theme
  • PortalGod
    Nice! i tried using the crystal xp/bricopack app before this tut, and it lagged me so bad that i couldnt run any apps at all. almost any window that popped up would freeze. i couldnt change the settings, so i tried running the uninstall and that froze. but i used msconfig to boot to safe mode and uninstalled it that way. oh well. Nice Tut!
  • Name
    that's cool Bricopack SUX!
  • it is fantastic software
  • Ashley Thomas
    I have tried all this but its still not what i want. I have purchased the full version of Windows Blinds (by Stardock) and i love the package i have. I have also purchased fences (by Stardock) and iconpackager. These really help, but i want a program so that my desktop icons are single click, but all my other icons stay the same.

    Can anyone please help me??
  • mike
    hey wats up guys, im mike, a simple coder from nc, e-mail me at mikegrady@rocketmail.com for free tips, software, and some pretty awesome pranks, and not the noobish pranks like on youtube/\....
  • ashley
    how do i download this theres nothing to click on
  • jim
    dont try vista transformation pack u have to reinstall windows
  • atul goswami
    jkgf jfjf ufghg
  • atul goswami
    and i go to ps 117
  • kenn
    yeah yeah yeah..great :) "KOL"
  • krishna
    so coollllllllllllllllllll
  • mina
    it is excellent
  • Jordan
    It is not working where the heck do i download the freakin theme?
  • MANNY
    Yeah! Cool but can this theme be removed afterwards
  • elevat
    good job if work!
  • its goood
  • Rudy
    You can get some more original Vista and Windows 7 applications for XP here (port):

    http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showt...
    and
    http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showt...

    Good luck & long live XP!
  • :D
    people dus it work????
  • Bravo
    i m not able to change my themes in that way what but other things are working thanks....
  • sextheorist
    when u go to properties from right clicking on dekstop ur installed theme is not in theme tab but in appearence tab.(if u have installed it in resources folder of windows)
  • asd
    get
    a
    life!
  • abin
    Nice! i tried using the crystal xp/bricopack app before this tut, and it lagged me so bad that i couldnt run any apps at all. almost any window that popped up would freeze. i couldnt change the settings, so i tried running the uninstall and that froze. but i used msconfig to boot to safe mode and uninstalled it that way. oh well. Nice Tut!
  • nice article
  • praneeth
    i think its making my sys slow[:o][:x]
  • mauricio
    hey can anybody tell me if this works or not?
  • Chandan
    Verry Nice. I like it
  • Reagan
    I am using Window XP. It really i can change it look loke Vista
  • jpenny
    i have service pak 3 what uxthremdll do i use
  • Anonymous vista fan
    really good, absolutely brilliant, 10/10 must get
  • cedric
    do you know which website that give sidebar free download for xp???
  • sextheorist
    try yahoo widgets......
    works for me..
    if side bar is better then please tell me
  • adnan
    very cute
  • HeNdRi
    thx this is wat i want from before............i can make my XP to vsta,actually i have downloaded the Windows XP sp 3 coz i thought it looks like vista but then its not,so i tried finding in google vista appereance,then this websites comes first,i choose it and these information helps me.. ! Thx
  • som3a
    its very nice
  • J**** K***
    YOU FORGOT ONE THING!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TO TRULY MIMIC VISTA, YOU MUST DOWNLOAD A WINDOWS VISTA SOUND SCHEME!!!!!
  • dev1333
    Thank you Very much!!!
  • boooring
  • jc27
    can you help me find a sp3 vista/longhorn theme cuz i cant use the uxtheme cuz im not administrator
  • sextheorist
    crack the administrator account if u want to.
    reply for the link.
    u need bart-peBuilder(3.2 mb)
    windows sp2 cd
    and a cd writer.
    hack the account and the admin will not even know
  • I found a better and easier to understand way to do exactly what you explain on youtube but if I never looked at this site I would never have got this far
  • alexrazorblazin
    NiCe!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • glanceworld
    Nice Sharing
  • bismillah
    it is very nice.
  • azamali
    thank you for this prodect
    iam very need to it
    b cause i head the one themes every time i was change it
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