Get Windows 7 Like “Color and Appearance” Tab in Windows Vista
NOTE: This method replaces default system files, so use it at your own risk and if anything goes wrong, restore the backup files.
As you know Windows 7 contains lots of new features along with redesigned existing Vista features. You can get more information about all Windows 7 features in following topic:
What’s New in Windows 7: A Small Review with Screenshots
Advertisement
One of such redesigned features in Windows 7 is new “Window Color and Appearance” tab in Desktop Properties. When you right-click on Desktop and select “Personalize” and then go to “Window Color and Appearance” tab.
By following this tutorial, you’ll get the same Windows 7 “Window Color and Appearance” tab in Vista.
1. First download following ZIP file and extract it:
32-bit (x86) – rapidshare.com/files/246002483/VistaSP2-7_tray_swatches.zip
64-bit (x64) – rapidshare.com/files/239058676/Win7_swatches_4_SP2.zip
2. Now go to “%windir%\System32” folder and look for a file “themecpl.dll“.
3. Once you find the file, take its ownership using following tutorial:
Advertisement
Add Take Ownership Option in File / Folder Context Menu in Windows Vista and 7
4. Now rename the file to some other name like “themecpl_backup.dll“.
5. Copy the “themecpl.dll” file from downloaded ZIP file to “System32” folder.
6. Now go to “%windir%\System32\en-US” folder and look for a file “themecpl.dll.mui“.
7. Once you find the file, take its ownership.
8. Now rename the file to some other name like “themecpl_backup.dll.mui“.
9. Copy the “themecpl.dll.mui” file from downloaded ZIP file to “System32\en-US” folder.
10. At last run the “SOFTWARE_Glass Colorization.reg” file present in downloaded ZIP file.
11. That’s it. Now restart your system and get ready to see the new Windows 7 “Color and Appearance” tab in Vista.
Thanks to “AUDI-1980” for sharing them…
awesome it works (vista premium 32bits)..thank you so so much VG 🙂
if using vista x86(32bit) then replace system32 files.
if using vista x64 then replace sysWOW64 files.
after replacing files use the registry key(make backup of original files just incase)
the word MANIFEST is what happens when replacing x64 sysWOW64 files.so that makes system32 files be like it is in sysWOW64 folder.
HOPE THIS HELPS
Hey VG, can you update the download link for this? The download server is down.
^^ Sorry but I don’t have those files now.