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.

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

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63 Comments

Ty

yes...still doesn't work
JA

I can't rename the files. Why is it so?
JA

I can't rename the files. Why is it so?
Thomas

I have tried several different methods of applying 3rd party themes. Everything goes fine until I go into the themes part in the customize menu and it never appears in the list that comes down. Can you pls email me and help me to do this. I have been trying for months!!! Thanks
Thomas

I have tried several different methods of applying 3rd party themes. Everything goes fine until I go into the themes part in the customize menu and it never appears in the list that comes down. Can you pls email me and help me to do this. I have been trying for months!!! Thanks
Kayla

What the hell...Trying to rename 3 .dll files in system32 on Windows Vista SP1 x64, I have admin (The only account), I've taken ownership of all 3 files with the Take ownership.reg file, but it's still saying I need permission to change the files, and not letting me change em
no u

If anybody downloaded the "Take Ownership" program, and still need permission to change the name of the files, turn off UAC. Google it for instructions.
berg

help me please, i've followed all the steps and i'm sure i did every step clearly. what next is there is finally NO DROPDOWN LIST T__T
As the last try, I follow Vistaglazz guide and still no drop down list. if i click the msstyle file directly, it launch an "appereance" window, and if I apply the downloaded theme It loaded, but with vista basic, meaning no transparency..

HELP im stuck
VG

^^ Make sure DWM (Desktop Window Manager) service is running.
Abhishek

heyy can u tell me whether this method is safe or not..........
i mean that will it harm our system or not..????