Windows XP and custom themes.

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06-19-2002, 02:16 AM
Mr. Bombastic

Windows XP and custom themes.

The first thing I did when customising XP was to go back to the classic interface. I really hated the blue/green default task bar.

However, I have seen some desktops with really nice custom themes using transparencies and such.

All the websites I have come across on the net require the downloading of some third party software to allow the installation of their themes. Doesn't Windows XP have its own native custom theme support?

If not, what is the best third party software? I have tried Windows Blinds (which I believe XP uses anyway to some degree) and the little black browser back buttons were screwed up so I uninstalled it.

Thus, I'd prefer to use bug free software!

Thank you for your help.
06-19-2002, 03:14 AM
KickerKid

StyleXP is quite good
06-19-2002, 08:09 AM
posthumous_GRIN

Quote:

Originally posted by KickerKid
StyleXP is quite good

as is themexp...
06-19-2002, 11:19 AM
pbirkett

Quote:

All the websites I have come across on the net require the downloading of some third party software to allow the installation of their themes. Doesn't Windows XP have its own native custom theme support?

Quote:

StyleXP is quite good

Style XP is good, but its shareware. However, the UXtheme patch is freeware, albeit less polished, but it does exactly the same thing in the end. Get it here www.tgtsoft.com
(remember it will be in small print, they want you to buy style XP :p )

This will allow you to use the built in capabilities of XP (MS locked the file in an attempt to protect the end user from messing things up).

Quote:

as is themexp...

ThemeXP is good also, www.themexp.org is a good place to find themes.

Quote:

However, I have seen some desktops with really nice custom themes using transparencies and such.

Firstly, I agree the default blue Luna is a matter of opinion (bit too garish for me). The silver one is good looking though, and clean. However, I agree some good themes exist and gives you a bit of variation. Many of the better themes are more optimized than the default one and therefore run faster. To get transparencies, you will need programs that do such things. Do a search for WindowFX or Transbar. I dont reccommend using Windowblinds, because although they say its faster and uses more memory, I have found that it really is a little inconsitent at times, and definetly slower.
06-19-2002, 02:57 PM
Mr. Bombastic

Thanks alot for your help guys, I'm going to give the mentioned software a whirl.

P. Birkett, you mentioned the silver XP theme. Problem is, I don't have it! I don't know why, I have family who have XP (preinstalled) and they only have the luna theme too. We are all in Britain, but Microsoft sells US versions of it's products to English speaking nations so it shouldn't be a regional variation.

Once again thanks. :)
06-19-2002, 06:49 PM
pbirkett

Quote:

Originally posted by Mr. Bombastic
P. Birkett, you mentioned the silver XP theme. Problem is, I don't have it! I don't know why, I have family who have XP (preinstalled) and they only have the luna theme too. We are all in Britain, but Microsoft sells US versions of it's products to English speaking nations so it shouldn't be a regional variation.

Thats well strange, must be some stripped out version of XP or something. Still, you can download a theme from www.themexp.org that looks exactly like the silver theme, but has a blue start button instead of green.

Alternatively I could email you the copy of the Luna theme folder from my PC (778k). You would have to copy the contents over the existing one, cancel prompt for Windows CD, then say "yes" when ask if you wish to keep the unrecognised version. Hopefully then reboot, and select the silver scheme in display props. I dont know for sure if that would work cos I aint tried it.

Let me know if ya want it.
06-19-2002, 11:29 PM
Mr. Bombastic

Just been tinkering around and I found the silver luna skin!

I hate being such an XP newbie!
06-20-2002, 04:16 PM
Funkatronic

is there a silver theme that is faster than the default??
06-20-2002, 04:52 PM
pbirkett

Quote:

Originally posted by Funkatronic
is there a silver theme that is faster than the default??

Speed is much of a muchness with themes, most seem around the same, some are quicker (and also simpler and less detailed), some are slower (mega detailed, and sometimes to cluttered IMO).

Go the www.themexp.org and take a look for yourself. Most of em arent too great, but there are some damn good ones there.