XP Themes

[DarkSerge]

Is there anyplace that one may find Windows XP themes in the .theme format? I installed the Royale theme from XP Media Center on my XP Pro and it was available in a simple Windows .theme file with the proper subfolders that I just copy to a specific directory in the Windows folder.Whenever I search for Windows themes, all I get are files compatible with WindowBlinds and other programs of the sort. Are there any out there like the Royale theme that just go into the Windows theme folder and can be accessed like the other windows themes (you know, Classic style, XP style)?

[striker]

AFAIK not without patching uxtheme.dll, because they're not digitally signed by Microsoft. There are 1 or 2 other themes at MS, one of them is the dubai-theme.msi , then there's another one or two, one of them especially for spain or portugal.You have to search the MS theme site for those.Found the portugese theme :http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...&DisplayLang=enThis one changes your mousecursor too, so watch it.Here's another link for theming:http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/results...&DisplayLang=en

Edited December 5, 2005 by striker

[striker]

found another one :http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...&DisplayLang=enBTW : The aforementioned dubai theme seems to be pulled from the net. You still can read something about it at http://www.microsoft.com/middleeast/press/....aspx?id=200586 but I can't seem to find a working download link for ya.

Edited January 17, 2006 by striker

[b2cm]

Look for a file (or folder with the file) with a *.msstyle extension (some will come with a *.theme file), and copy this file or folder to C:\Windows\Resources\Themes. There, double-click that file. If the Display Properties\Apperance window does not pop up or display the visual style/theme, that means your uxtheme.dll (in C:\Windows\System32) has not been patched. Look for the patch for your version of Windows and follow the instructions how to apply the patch.

[DarkSerge]

Where can I get the uxtheme.dll patch? I found one, but it doesn't seem to work, I don't think. (I did rename the old file uxtheme.old just incase, I didn't delete the original.) I have found themes, but I can't use them. I double click the .msstyle file, and it opens the display properties to the appearance tab, but I can't use the theme, it still only points to the XP, classic, and media center styles that all have a corresponding .theme file, which is the only thing missing from any styles I download.The uxtheme.dll patch i downloaded from this site: http://www.softpedia.com/get/Desktop-Enhan...SP2-Final.shtmldo I have to create a .theme file to use these visual styles? it seems a .msstyle file isn't enough. I have a folder for the style. (Something like C:\Windows\Resources\Themes\StyleName and the .msstyle in the folder.)

Edited December 18, 2005 by DarkSerge

[b2cm]

If visual style is all you are looking for, all you need is an msstyle pack. If what you're looking for is a set of icons, cursors and wallpapers around a motif, and can use with any visual style, look for a .theme pack.I think your problem is with the patched dll or the method in applying it.PM me an email address if you want the uxtheme.dll I'm using.

[striker]

If visual style is all you are looking for, all you need is an msstyle pack. If what you're looking for is a set of icons, cursors and wallpapers around a motif, and can use with any visual style, look for a .theme pack.I think your problem is with the patched dll or the method in applying it.PM me an email address if you want the uxtheme.dll I'm using.

Or take a look at Neowin net's forums. ( http://neowin.net/forum/ )

[DarkSerge]

Or take a look at Neowin net's forums. ( http://neowin.net/forum/ )

Thanks!I got the visual styles work now, I can make windows look all snazzy and cool. Now I just have to find some really good visual styles.

[striker]

That's great news Darkserge ! Have fun and Merry Christmas !

[striker]

Two new themes released:Microsoft Praias do Brasilhttp://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...&DisplayLang=enMicrosoft 4 Patashttp://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...&displaylang=en

[striker]

Spotted four new ones:Microsoft Nature Theme 1 Animalhttp://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...&displaylang=enMicrosoft Nature Theme 2http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...4a-0dd0afafc8e4Microsoft Thème Québechttp://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...&displaylang=enMicrosoft Historical Monumentshttp://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...&displaylang=en

[striker]

Brazilian Carnival,http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...&displaylang=en

[striker]

Encountered two new ones today:Ree Ree Khao Sarn†desktop themedesktop theme including wallpaper, screensaver, iconshttp://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...&DisplayLang=enEgypt Nile ThemeAn Egypt Nile desktop theme with new wallpaper, animated cursors, new icons, new sounds, and a screensaver.http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...&DisplayLang=enWho said there are not much themes around ...?

[striker]

Two new ones:Nunavut theme:http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...&DisplayLang=enOntario theme:http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...&DisplayLang=en

[striker]

There's a "Windows Embedded Theme for Xp" available. It's an official MS one but not publicly available for download.However, do a google search ad you'll find it, but watch out where you download it from and take the obligatory measures before using it.