Customize Windows XP
http://live.pirillo.com/ - How do you customize Windows XP? Let’s face it: Windows XP’s Luna interface sucks. You could change it to bland silver or puke green, but there’s no way you’re going to be happy with the look and feel of XP. So, what can you do?
You could download a shell replacement program, like WindowBlinds:
WindowBlinds is a program that enables Windows users to completely change the look and feel of Windows users interface. Users customize Windows by using visual styles (skins) created for WindowBlinds. With these skins, WindowsBlinds can change the look of Title bars, borders, Task bars, Start button, Start menu, Progress animations, Toolbar icons, Explorer Views, and virtually every other part of Windows!
WindowBlinds is the only program that can customize the GUI of WindowsXP without having to alter system DLLs.
WindowBlinds has been tested to ensure it works with Windows Vista, so you know it is compatible, reliable, and more secure.
You can also find other shell extensions at Shell Extension City.
Do you have a favorite shell extension or theme to use for Windows XP?
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6 Comments
Herbert N Swearengen III
May 22nd, 2007
at 5:32am
There some additional Microsoft themes for Windows XP:
1. You can download the Zune theme from http://www.zune.net. It has black/dark gray title bars, a light gray button face and an orange start button. Very pleasant and not gaudy like Luna.
2. Search for “Royale Theme” and you will find places to download what appears to be the beta version of the theme used in Windows XP Media Center 2005. It is similar to Zune but has darker blue title bars than Luna.
3. There is also a “Royale Noir Theme” that you can find that has both blue and black themes (like Zune). But the black theme’s start button is imperfect.
Jesse Kaufman
May 22nd, 2007
at 11:11am
One of the first things I do when I install XP is change the theme.
There is a patch you can download that unlocks the UXtheme.dll
so that you can install third party themes. There are hundreds
of free msstyle themes composed by by freelance designers to choose
from. Do a search on mssyles or go to http://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=339820
Window blinds is OK, but it has more than I need. If you’re not into flashy
gizmos on your windoze, you have the choice of a more minimalistic but very aesthetically and ergonomically pleasing XP. There are also free themes based on every other UI you can think of such as video games and so forth, if you do want something more visually intense, there’s that option, too.
Jirah
May 22nd, 2007
at 12:57pm
Another very common means of changing the look and feel of WindowsXP is to download a replacement uxtheme.dll file from
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Desktop-Enhancements/Themes/UXTheme-Patch-For-Windows-XP-SP2-Final.shtml
in order to give yourself the ability to download and apply themes based on these http://uneasysilence.com/how-to-use-unsigned-themes-on-windows/
instuctions.
Jirah
May 22nd, 2007
at 12:57pm
Another very common means of changing the look and feel of WindowsXP is to download a replacement uxtheme.dll file from
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Desktop-Enhancements/Themes/UXTheme-Patch-For-Windows-XP-SP2-Final.shtml
in order to give yourself the ability to download and apply themes based on these http://uneasysilence.com/how-to-use-unsigned-themes-on-windows/
instuctions.
Kris Cheesus
May 22nd, 2007
at 2:51pm
I have used windowblinds before and if you have a fast(ish) system, it is great. Problem is my pc is not so great, so i am using Style Xp. It isn’t heavy on system resources, and even if it doesn’t change the look of your system as much as WindowBlinds… its much, much better than the default themes.
The Flintstoners/3 Little birds are frauds - vidblogcast
May 24th, 2007
at 8:21am
Formats available: MPEG4 Video (.mp4), MP3 Audio (.mp3), Microsoft Video (.avi) Customize Windows XP