Get Windows 7 Like “Color and Appearance” Tab in Windows Vista

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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

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:

Download Link (32-bit)

Download Link (64-bit)

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:

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"...

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This article was posted by VG in following section: Windows Vista.

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Styla

Hey guys.i've intergrated this patch into my custom O/S i made about 6 months ago.its works fine on vista x86.however VG i tryed this on x64 and get errors all the time.

my question is,what files do i modify in windows vista to make custom build with this.ive tryed all ways is there a way or not.

Thanks Audi.
sriram

changeing the colour and appearance is not possible
Rudy98

Plz help me! I have replaced the themecpl.dll file but the sheme dont work. so, i got back the old one, but now i cant go anymore to the Panel and personal settings! Now my computer don't good anymore! Plz help me wat to do! I want back the old file of themecpl.dll and themecpl.dll! plz help me!
Styla

EVENTUALLY.

Finally guys after messing around with windows vista x64 ive actually got this patch to work.
So happy now that i can continue making my custom windows build haha.

VG works like a charm buddy and so many thanks to AUDI,what a guy.
xtremenventor

Please, can you provide a backed up file and reg, as i do NOT want this anymore, but i have to have it, because my pc cleaner deleted all .BAK, .OLD, and all backup files...
VG

^^ You can run sfc/ scannow command in Command prompt to restore all default system files.
Mark

is this for sp1??
VG

^^ I think its for SP2.
Bryan

It did not work for me, in fact, my computer crashed. I tries to delete the reg file, and use system restore, but my computer just crashed. Any IDEA?
rika

awesome it works (vista premium 32bits)..thank you so so much VG :)