Window XP Themes
Themes enable us to customize our Windows desktop and make it fun and interesting.
There are plenty of software available for download and install 3rd party themes or visual styles. Such as StyleXP, WindowsBlind and etc. But this kind of softwares are mostly shareware…
But dont worry, without paying a single sen, we can also download and use 3rd party themes or visual styles as much as we like … ^^
By default, Microsoft blocked the Uxtheme.dll file which used to control the theming engine. Therefore, we need to play some tricks to bypass this limitation.
1. We download modified uxtheme.dll file to replace the default file.
Kindly download at below link according to your window version.
http://www.anti-tgtsoft.com/repository/uxtheme/
2. Due to uxtheme.dll is a protected system file, therefore we cannot copy & paste. We need a tool called “Replacer” to safely replaces protected or in-use system files.
3. Once download and extracted Replacer, run “replacer.cmd”. A black command prompt window should appear.
4. Browse to C:\Windows\system32 and find uxtheme.dll. Drag this file into the command prompt window. Press enter.
5. Drag in the unlocked uxtheme.dll from the desktop into the command prompt window. Press enter.
6. Confirm the replacement and wait for Replacer to finish. Press any key when prompted.
7. Reboot once finished.
Only 7 steps to unlocked the theming engine.
Ok, to use theme or visual style is very simple. Download it over internet. The theme and visual style files is stored in system32\resources folder. Just copy those file in the folder and u are ready to go.
For *.theme file, just copy it inside the folder. If *.msstyles file, user need to create a folder name according to the file name. For example u got a abc.msstyles file, then user have to create a folder name “abc” and store all the file inside the folder.
To use theme, just go display properties and u can choose the themes that you stored in the folder.
Is pretty simple right ?
What is the difference between a theme and a visual style?
“theme” and “visual style” are often thrown around carelessly and used interchangeably, which adds to the confusion, but the distinction is clear.
A visual style (*.msstyles) is the file that skins the windows, taskbar, start menu, and other elements of the Windows appearance. Visual styles are loaded in the Appearance tab of the display properties dialog.
A theme (*.theme) is a visual style with saved settings, wallpapers, icons, and so on. Themes are loaded in the Theme tab of the display properties dialog.
When people say themes, they usually mean visual styles.
