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

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 Vista with SP2

for Windows Vista with SP2 (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.

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.

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.

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

This article was posted in Troubleshooting, Vista Themes, Windows Vista.

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59 Comments

VG

^^ Are you using 64 bit version of Vista?
Raphael

Help!!!!!!

I try this tutorial and I SCREW THINGS UP

I'd change the name of the files (That MIGHT be the problem)

The Screen goes blank when i log on.

How do i fix this???
VG

^^ Did you replace the correct version files? The version number is very important. Try to boot into Safe mode and the restore default files.

Otherwise repair Windows using setup disc.
Raphael

^^ Yes i did replace them

And How? I booted in Safe and It still appear blank
Raphael

I JUST FIGURED OUT WHATS THE PROBLEM!!!

I needed to put backup at the end of the name file (Ex. shsvcs_backup.dll) and i didnt write that >_<

I dont have a Boot Disk (it came pre-installed)

Can i download 1 over the internet????
compgenius999

You could just use StyleSelector which is probably safer because you don't need to install it, or change any of your dll's, and it's also free, I've been using it and it works fine
uthroc

Do I need to patch the system files each time I add a new theme?
VG

^^ No. You need to patch only once.
David

i tried ALL 3 methods and every time i try using the theme... it says the same thing:

the theme could not load because one of the needed theme files could not be found. this can happen with themes that are not installed or authored correctly. you should verify wallpaper, screensaver, icons, sounds, and other files are in the correct location

this applies to black and blue themes
adam

can you make the files vista service pack 2 compatible