Many times people face problems while using 3rd party themes in Windows Vista because the instructions are not clear. So today I decided to write this tutorial which will help you in installing and using 3rd party themes in Windows Vista.
I'll cover 2 easy methods in this tutorial:
- Using VistaGlazz Utility
- Using Tuneup Utilities
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PS: If you want to install and use 3rd party themes without using any extra software, then visit following tutorial:
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So here we start our tutorial:
By default Windows doesn't allow 3rd party themes to be used, so we need to patch Windows to use 3rd party themes. "VistaGlazz" is a free utility which can patch Windows easily and quickly.
First download VistaGlazz from following link:
Now run the utility and it'll show following screen:
Click on "I agree" button. Now click on first icon in the next screen:
That's it. It'll patch your Windows. Restart your system and now you are ready to use 3rd party themes.
Copy the downloaded 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.
This is the safest method to use 3rd party themes in Windows Vista. First download Tuneup Utilities from following link:
Its a 30 days trial version and you'll need to purchase it after 30 days.
Install the software and run the program. Now click on "TuneUp Styler 2" button in the main window:
It'll open another window. Click on "Visual Style" link in left side pane:
Now click on "Add -> Install Visual Style From File..." option:
A browse dialog will open. Browse for the downloaded theme and select its .msstyles file. Now click on Open button:
It'll immediately add the theme in the list. Click on "Apply Visual Style" button:
That's it. Now you can enjoy the theme.
NOTE: There are some cool themes available in our "Vista Themes" section, so don't forget to check them.
Complete list of AskVG articlesThis article was posted in Troubleshooting, Vista Themes, Windows Vista.
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frustrated
VG, i really admire your works, especially the world of softwares you create and a lot of people thanks you for that, including me of course.. but i have a real big problem here.. i've been using two of my computers, one is home premium and the other is ultimate, both vista.. i have tried vistaglazz, it dint work. i have manually replaced the 3 .dll files a MILLION times - i was successful in doing that, i took ownerships, everything.. but it NEVER does work.. i have tuneup too, and yes it can apply themes and msstyles but never looked anything like the screenshot sample of files. it has the aero window and same aero taskbar, everything is aero and it never changes, it never looks TRANSPARENT like what i have always ***expected*** it to be.. but it says theme is applied, yet its not the thing. i hope you get my situation.. i dont want to give up.. please tell me something i can do to fix this.. THANKS.. ill be waiting..
VG
^^ Do you get transparency in default Aero theme? It might be possible that your hardware doesn't support Aero. Please try to upload a screenshot of your desktop.
Chuck
It does NOT look anything like Windows 7 theme.
bamdad
hi, does any of these work in win7 (7057)?
VG
^^ Follow this link:
http://www.askvg.com/how-to-apply-3rd-party-themes-in-windows-vista-and-server-2008-without-using-any-software/
Download the required files from the site mentioned in 1st step.
bamdad
thanks mate, but my build (7057) is not listed, and i would assume that if they're for a specific build, i'm better off not messing up my installation at all. might be better to wait for the final release of win7.
2SHOCK
COOL!
PIOLA!
BUENISIMO!
GREAT!
KK
I patched my system then used the Windows 7 theme and it is still classic!!!!! (+I rebooted before)
h.
nicely done but Vista Basic still sucks ..
James K
Thanks for this VG.