How to Install and Use 3rd Party Themes in Windows Vista?

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:

Click Here

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So here we start our tutorial:

METHOD 1: Installing Vista Themes using VistaGlazz Utility:

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:

Download VistaGlazz

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.

METHOD 2: Installing Vista Themes using Tuneup Utilities:

This is the safest method to use 3rd party themes in Windows Vista. First download Tuneup Utilities from following link:

Download Tuneup Utilities

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.

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

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52 Comments

Aimee

Okay, another question -- I did have Vista Home Basic, but now I have Vista Home Premium. I've applied the patch with VistaGlazz and installed the theme.

Now -- Do I need to leave VistaGlazz installed, or can I uninstall it without it reverting the DLL?

Thanks again.
Aimee

Oops, sorry, I missed the comment just above. How much noobier can I get!
Scott

Hey does VistaGlazz work well? Anyone used it other than the publisher?

What does VistaGlazz actaully do to the system? change files? take ownership?

thanks.
VG

^^ It works absolutely fine. It patches following 3 files in system:

shsvcs.dll
themeui.dll
uxtheme.dll
Scott

alright thanks.
Hope it dosen't screw up my PC!
btw keep it up
Jordan

OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH MAN, YOU ARE THE BEST!!!

YOU ARE THE BEST! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

: D
: D
Mike

I tried applying the new AeroVG using Tune-Up Utilities 2009 but it fails each time.
it continues to display my current theme...I've tested other themes and they work fine.
I'm using vista home premium with service pack 2
Mike

tried using tuneup utilities 2009 and all I got was this error after it failing to apply the theme...
http://i25.tinypic.com/142h5qu.png
VG

^^ Thanks for the heads up. I have updated the theme and now it should work without any problem. So please re-download it.
Mike

thanks VG for the update...working perfectly now..:)