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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Robero

@ Vishal : I got the same error as Teleuqoy when I tried it out. "Page failed to load" error. I did however get it back to normal, until you can give further instructions.
@ Teleuqoy: I run Vista 32-bit so it is not because you run 64-bit just to let you know.
@ Vishal: I followed your tut completely. To get it back to normal I just reversed your instructions.There has to be something in the tweak that went wrong?
Robero

@ Vishal: I am not trying to be a smart....but, are these App tweaks not verified before they are released by the Authors? I usually do not have a problem as this.At least if you are the Author i do not. All that you have done anyway.Sorry if I sound upset,that is because I am.
VG

I tried the tweak before posting here and it worked absolutely fine. :)

May be there is some file version problem? I have no idea why some of you guys faced problem.
raoul

i had the same problems like the others. i am using vista ultimate sp 2. i just reversed the procedure to get it back to normal
Remiel

Same problem here, my idea: the color and app... tab is set to standard and after we apply the tutorial the color and app. tab look for the standard settings which has beeing deleted or killed ( maybe by themecpl.dll.mui or the new reg settings.

i tryed to use it on server2k8 x86-64 with german OS =)
Pete

Same problem for me, I followed the instructions to the T and I still get the "Page Failed To Load" Error. I'm running Vista 64 bit.
dave

Same for me, i assume this works in the UK. If you do what it says above just get an error and you have to reverse the process. Pity because it looks very smart.

I assume you got it to work hence the screen shot
DHacker

i've been messing around a little bit, and at least on my computer, its a problem with the .mui file, cuz even when i put it into the en-us folder the color names don't change, so it could be something to do with that
Remiel

hmm for every language there is a separate mui file e.g.: german de-DE, en-US etc. so you must mod it yourself ( Codeline in Stringtable: 101-116 )
Khunnanis

I get the same problem with other users and now I decided to restore the original file