We recommend! Click here to scan your PC for common system errors

How to Apply 3rd Party Themes in Windows Vista and Server 2008 without Using any Software?





http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v374/vishaal_here/Themes-1.png

As you all know Windows doesn't allow 3rd party themes to be used. But we can patch system files to use the themes. In Windows Vista and Server 2008, we need to patch following 3 files to use 3rd party themes:

  • shsvcs.dll
  • themeui.dll
  • uxtheme.dll

There are many software which automatically patch these 3 files and allow to use 3rd party themes e.g. VistaGlazz. You can read about it here. But many people have faced problems while using VistaGlazz cause its not compatible with Vista SP1. Although there is a beta version available for SP1 but its giving problems to many people.

We can also use Tuneup Utilities to apply themes in Windows but its not freeware. We can only use it for 30 days, after that we'll need to purchase it.

So in this topic, I'm going to tell you a simple and easy way to use 3rd party themes in Windows Vista and Server 2008 which is manually replacing all 3 files with patched ones so that we can use themes without using any extra software.

So here we start our tutorial:

1. First download already patched 3 files from following website:

Download Patched System Files

Just scroll down and you can download the required files for all Windows versions. To make the task easier, following are some direct links to download the files for your version:

for Windows Vista

for Windows Vista (x64)

for Windows Vista with SP1

for Windows Vista with SP1 (x64)

for Windows Server 2008

for Windows Server 2008 (x64)

2. Now extract the downloaded RAR file using WinRAR or 7-Zip and you'll get the desired 3 DLL files.

3. Now go to "%windir%\System32" folder (just put the address in Explorer addressbar and press Enter).

4. Now you'll need to replace existing 3 system files with the new downloaded files. To do this follow these steps:

a. Take ownership of all 3 system files "shsvcs.dll", "themeui.dll" and "uxtheme.dll". How will you do that? That's very simple. Visit following tutorial:

Add Take Ownership Option in File / Folder Context Menu in Windows Vista

Download the ZIP file mentioned at the end of topic, extract it and then run the extracted REG file. It'll ask for confirmation, accept it.

It'll add a new option "Take Ownership" in file/folder context menu.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v374/vishaal_here/Take_Ownership_Option_in_Context_Me.jpg

So now right-click on all 3 files one by one and select "Take Ownership". It'll make you the owner of all 3 files.

b. Now you need to rename all 3 files so that you can copy the new downloaded 3 files easily in this folder. Select all 3 files one by one and rename them. You can simply put "backup" string at last of each file name e.g. "uxtheme_backup.dll".

c. Now the last step. Copy all 3 new downloaded files and paste them in "System32" folder.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v374/vishaal_here/Replacing_System_Files.jpg

d. Now restart your system and after restarting Windows will start to use new patched files instead of the old default files.

5. That's all. Now you are ready to use 3rd party themes. Copy your desired theme folder (containing a .theme file and a folder containing .msstyles file) to “%windir%\Resources\Themes\” folder. Now right-click on Desktop and select “Personalize“. Click on “Theme” link in the new window and select the downloaded theme from drop-down list. Apply it and enjoy the theme.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v374/vishaal_here/Applying_Custom_Theme.jpg

NOTE: There are some cool themes available in our "Vista Themes" section, so don't forget to check them.

Read More Articles





Related Articles:


Recommended Articles:




38 Replies:


Pages: [1] 2 3 4 » Show All

  1. evan billy said:

    I cant get shsvcs.dll or uxtheme.dll because it says they are being used. can you help me?

  2. thomasms said:

    this does work but how do i apply themes from the internet that do not include the windows theme file but do include the windows visual style file??

  3. thomasms said:

    hey evan,
    this might help: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zykVpy02Bwc

    step by step tutorial

  4. VG said:

    ^^ Simply copy the folder containing .msstyles file to "Windows\Resources\Themes" and then double-click on the .msstyles file to apply it.

  5. JackStraw said:

    I tried this and I got as far as being able to take ownership of the files however, no matter what I do, Vista tells me that the files are in use so I can't replace them. I tried booting into safe mode, files are still in use, I tried turning off themeing service, still in use, I tried unlocker, doesn't seem to be compatible with x64.

    Using Vista SP1 X64. Help! :(

  6. VG said:

    ^^ First rename the file, then copy the patched file to "System32" folder.

  7. JackStraw said:

    Thanks, that worked! :D

    I didn't realise it would allow renaming since the files are in use but it lets you anyway. O_o

  8. Shahnawaz said:

    I had gone through the version problem of wmploc.dll section.VistaGlazz was unable to patch my system as I am running Vista SP2 beta.
    I have modified the version info for the theme file(shsvcs.dll,themeui.dll,uxtheme.dll) of the downloaded files and finally applied it & it works
    Great

    Thanks a lot!!!!

  9. The Swiftman said:

    Shahnawaz, you answered my question, thanks (I have Vista SP2 Beta also).

  10. Spinelli said:

    Even though I've managed to download and install and add the "Take Ownership" option, I can't change the names of the files! =( - It says I don't have the permission to do it, even if I took Ownership of the dll file!
    Please someone help me


Pages: [1] 2 3 4 » Show All


Wanna Reply?

NOTE: If you can't see your comment, please be patient. It'll appear as soon as we approve it.



Newsletter:

Subscribe to our daily newsletter and get all the updates directly in your Inbox: