We all know that Windows 8 testing builds come with a new "Aero Lite" theme:
Leaked Windows 8 Build Features “Aero Lite” Metro UI and Language Explorer
We have posted in past about "Windows 8 M3 Starter Kit" for Windows XP which transforms Windows XP into Windows 8.
Transform Windows XP into Windows 8 Using “Windows 8 M3 Starter Kit”
If you don't want to use the transformation pack but still want to have Windows 8 feeling in your XP, here is something interesting for you.
AskVG's DA group member "PeterRollar" has created an excellent Windows 8 Border skin for Windows XP which will convert normal XP Explorer windows into Windows 8's Aero Lite style.
If you don't know about Border Skin, check following link:
Border Skin: Get Aero Glass with Blur and Reflection in Windows XP
Following is a preview of Windows 8 Border Skin in action:
HOW TO USE?
1. First download following file:
2. Extract the downloaded RAR file using WinRAR or 7-Zip.
3. Now run BorderSkin.exe file from BorderSkin folder and it'll provide the Windows 8's Aero Lite style to Windows XP Explorer window. You can also try other bundled skins.
4. The pack also contains ViStart skin to provide Windows 8 Aero Lite Start menu in XP. Simply run ViStart.exe file from ViStart folder.
5. Last thing is the shellstyle.dll file. This file can be used to show Common Tasks in Windows Explorer at right side similar to Windows 8 instead of the default left side. To use it, you'll need to replace existing shellstyle.dll file present in "Drive_letter:\Windows\Resources\Themes\Theme_folder\Shell\NormalColor\" with this new one.
For example, if you are using SevenVG theme, then you'll need to replace "Drive_letter:\Windows\Resources\Themes\SevenVG RTM\Shell\NormalColor\shellstyle.dll" file with this new one.
Its easy and simple to use. What do you think about this skin? Like it? Please share your opinion with us in your comment...
Also check:
Transform Windows XP into Windows 8 Using “Windows 8 M3 Starter Kit”
This article was posted by VG in following section: Windows XP, Windows XP Themes.
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Kyle
i spy ... RIBBONS IN EXPLORER.EXE!!! *no offense vg and everybody else*
laczyi
Looks nice :)
Yvidhiatama
Can I use this for Windows 7?
VG
^^ Yes. Border Skin also works in Windows Vista and 7.
@Kyle
Check following:
http://www.askvg.com/get-windows-8-look-like-ribbon-ui-in-windows-xp-vista-and-7-explorer-using-styler-skin/
Chad
is that what Windows goin' to put for the Windows 8? it looks pretty ugly for me.
xoniv
@Chad no, the final product will not look like this. This skin was created by someone else for use on XP, so, uderstandably, it is not perfect and does not look exactly like what will be in Windows 8.
ghost ridzer
borderskin.exe does not run please help
i double-click but nothing happens.
abhi
coolllllllllll