[Update] 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

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.

Before applying this tutorial:

After applying this tutorial:

As you can see the difference in the glassy images used for different colors.

So here is the tutorial:

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 in Windows Vista.

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100 Comments

Khunnanis

Hey VG,

Even I restore my original file, I still get that problem. I think it causes by" install.reg".

Could you please fix this?
Robero

@VG:I have been trying to figure out why, the Tut Tweak has not worked for many of us.

There were 3 words in your reply post that I picked up on.Maybe there is some "file version

problem"?My question is,does the system files in Vista SP1 have to be patched by Vista Glazz

for this Tut Tweak to work?Depending on your answer will tell me if I am on the right track?

If your answer is yes I might know the reason?If no I will have to continue troubleshooting.

Please reply when you can.Thankyou
DHacker

@remiel but even when i edit the original themecpl.dll.mui and not even add more color name lines, but change the default color name to "sky", like it is in windows seven, the name doesn't change in the color and appearance tab, its like the tab is getting the names from somewhere else and that's why they're not changing
Remiel

Maybe problem with the reg file or x86-64, Im not sure
DHacker

well, its not the reg file, i checked it out, and i got the second row of colors by using any of the original lines of the mui file, most people are probably getting an error message because when the tab looks for the string lines with the new colors it can't find them, so it can't load a color with no name. so, it might be a problem with the x86 file like you said
DHacker

sorry, i should have explained better, i edit the registry keys for the new colors and change the nameId to use a string line from the original themecpl.dll.mui file, which means i get colors with names that say "wallpaper" and "light auras" etc
Remiel

Did you use x86-64 ?
DHacker

no, just x86, i'm using a 32 bit OS
Remiel

Okay I have no Idea, I ported all the Stuff XML, XMLFILE, BMP, UIFILE, etc. in my own DLL but no luck with this. I think there is no solution at the moment =)

but I hope for better time ^^
GK

Doesn't Work!
I followed the instruction twice but something is wrong with these new files!