We all know that Microsoft is providing Windows 8 Developer Preview build free to download for public which can be downloaded using this link.
Windows 8 comes with lots of new features and GUI changes like new theme, boot screen, login screen, start menu, ribbon in Explorer, etc. You can take a look at all these new features in this detailed review.
If you are still using Windows XP and are not in mood to install Windows 8 DP build but want to enjoy these new Windows 8 features and GUI changes in good old Windows XP, this tutorial will definitely help you.
This tutorial will assist you in transforming Windows XP into Windows 8 Developer Preview without using any 3rd party customization pack. You'll change all the things manually and will make Windows XP look-like Windows 8 Developer Preview build.
Following is a preview of the output which you'll get after following this tutorial:
So without wasting time, lets start the tutorial:
STEP 1: Thanks to our friend "PeterRollar" @ DA who created a complete Windows 8 Developer Preview kit which contains following goodies for Windows XP which will help you in transforming Windows XP into Windows 8 DP:
- Windows 8 look-like window border skin
- Ribbons for Windows Explorer
- Windows 8 look-like Clock for Taskbar
- Windows 8 look-like Taskbar and system tray
- Windows 8 Boot screen
- Windows 8 Login screen
- Windows 8 look-like start menu
- Windows 8 look-like shellstyle for Windows Explorer
- Windows 8 wallpapers
You can download the whole pack using following link:
Download Windows 8 Developer Preview Kit
STEP 2: Once you download the RAR file, extract it using WinRAR or 7-Zip.
STEP 3: Now go to "BorderSkin DP" folder and run "BorderSkin.exe" file. It'll provide Windows 8 look-like glass border in Windows Explorer window. You can learn more about Border Skin here.
STEP 4: Now you'll need to install Styler software and apply the "Ribbon3" styler skin included in the kit. To learn how to use Styler, please visit following tutorial:
How to Install and Apply Styler Toolbar Skin in Windows XP Explorer?
It'll provide Windows 8 look-like Ribbon UI in Windows XP Explorer.
STEP 5: To enjoy Windows 8 look-like Clock in system tray, run "tclock.exe" file present in "tclocklight..." folder of the kit. To learn more about TClock, visit this tutorial.
STEP 6: Now you'll need to install SBar which provides Windows 7 and Windows 8 like Taskbar functionality in Windows XP and Vista. After installing SBar, apply the skin present in "Win8 for SBar" folder of the kit.
STEP 7: Now it's time for installing Windows 8 boot screen. You'll need to install "Tuneup Utilities" to apply the boot screen. The boot screen can be found in "win8_7989_bootup...\DP" folder of the kit.
STEP 8: Now we'll install Windows 8 login screen which is present in "win8_8102_logon..." folder in the kit. You'll need to replace existing "logonui.exe" file present in "Drive_letter:\Windows\System32" folder with the new "logonui.exe" file present in the kit. Use "Replacer" to replace the file.
Or you can use Tuneup Utilities to easily apply the login screen which is very safe.
STEP 9: To have Windows 8 look-like new tiny start menu, you'll need to install ViStart. Once you install ViStart, apply its skin from "win8_startmenu_for_xp...\8 Startmenu" folder.
STEP 10: Windows 8 shows the common tasks in right-side of Windows Explorer. To have it in Windows XP Explorer, you'll need to replace existing shellstyle.dll file present in "Drive_letter:\Windows\Resources\Themes\Theme_folder\Shell\NormalColor\" with the new "shellstyle.dll" file present in the kit.
STEP11: The kit also contains a few official Windows 8 wallpapers which can be applied using Desktop Properties.
STEP 12: There are many things which are same in Windows 7 and Windows 8 so you can also visit following tutorial to apply Windows 7 or 8 icons, cursors, Progress dialog box, shutdown dialog box, System Properties, Aero Shake, Aero Snap, Aero Peek, Calculator, Paint, Context menu, Drive status bar, etc:
Transform Windows XP into Windows 7 without using Customization Pack
Also visit following tutorial to get some 3rd party software which also work in Windows XP and provide Windows 8 features like User tile in Taskbar, Windows 8 Start screen, etc:
Transform Windows 7 into Windows 8 (vNext) without using Customization Pack
Feel free to ask any kind of questions in your comment if you face any problem in following this tutorial...
Thanks to our reader "Omar" for sharing it...
This article was posted by VG in following section: Windows XP, Windows XP Themes.
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Amile
wonderful pack and excellent tutorial VG. thnx :)
Bill G
thnx to VG and Peter for this kit. going to try xD
Madis
Anything similar for Windows 7?
VG
^^ Here you go:
http://www.askvg.com/transform-windows-7-into-windows-8-vnext-without-using-customization-pack/
Ishmum
People should upgrade to windows 7, really, xp is getting old though.
just my 2 cents
krysler
Hi VG. do you know where is the .DLL file for CREATE NEW WIZARD in windows xp? cause i want to change the bitmap. Thanks!
VG
^^ Check shell32.dll file.
Avenger
Microsoft shouldn't bring new OS. They should include aero and Metro features in xp service pack 4, if they are planning to bring another service pack in xp. then it will be perfect OS. means performance, stability, design of windows 7 in most user friendly system which is windows xp
Silvio
Hi VG, one question... how make to install SBAR ?, my system is winXP.
thank´s :-D
Silvio from Brasil
VG
^^ What problem are you facing in installing SBar?