OK, let's all admit it, Vista is aesthetically appealing. The buttons are just awesome. And you know you want it on your XP :P Well, at least I did. I'm sure I'm not the only one that thinks the Vista operating system itself can improve a whole lot more, but the skin is sure nice. Here's how to do it.
Note: This is derived from Tech-recipes. I am merely paraphrasing everything so it might be a bit easier to understand. Find the original
here and
here.
Preparing the uxtheme.dll file:
uxtheme.dll is the file that handles the visual style of your computer, ie taskbar, explorer.exe file views, etc. It's also a file Microsoft specifically designed so it can't use any visual style not signed by Microsoft. So if you want a custom style, this needs to be patched.
1. The actual file
No SP
here. But shame on you, I would have no idea how you can even be safe on the Internet if you don't even have SP1 right now. But your call :P
SP1 click
here.
SP2 click
here.
Not sure if SP3 is supported. But why would you want SP3 yet... if it ain't broke, don't fix it
2. Now get the
replacer. If you're very worried you can read the readme. I'll summarize that the Replacer will make a backup in case the computer screwed up or you don't like the patched version. But if you don't want to do all this, download
Multi-Patcher for all service packs and run it. But if there are installation backups files (like the folder i386, I386, and the dllcache in the system folders) Multi-Patcher will reject the patching or when you finish and reboot, your skin will come out wonky. But if you did it anyway, skip down to #6.
3. Extract both files. IT IS
CRITICAL that Replacer is extracted and not run from the archive or it won't work. Read the readmes if you want. Now open
replacer.cmd. Now you drag in the ORIGINAL FILE. Go to
C:\Windows\system32 and find
uxtheme.dll or do a search on explorer if you don't want to do that. Remember it's the ORIGINAL you want, and it should be in your system folder. Now drag that ORIGINAL file into
replacer.cmd.
4. Now it asks for the replacement file. Now drag the uxtheme.dll you DOWNLOADED and drag it into the
replace.cmd window.
5. If you followed the directions perfectly, it should ask if you want to replace the files. MAKE SURE again that you did it right, and press ENTER.
6. Reboot. Hopefully your system files weren't originally corrupt, and you'll be able to use custom skins now!!!!
7. Lots of skins are available
DeviantArt,
WinMatrix,
BelchFire,
ThemeXP, etc. Take a look around, there is lots of variety that're even better than the original, I daresay.
Note: All my files are on BoxSTR for hotlinking conveniences. No way have I modified anything to be harmful. Because first of all why would I, and second of all I wouldn't know how, lol.
Have fun! I hope you found this custom made guide helpful and had as much fun (ok... maybe not fun, but... satisfaction, maybe?) as I did writing this guide.