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:
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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Kaash
Hey VG please respond soon, its looking such a nice tweak but me too facing problem in using it, SAME ERROR that FAILED TO LOAD PRE SET COLORS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Remiel
Hmm VG is not the author of this - I hope we can workout something with pierdelp VG and the community =)
Robero
@VG: I left a reply 11th one up. You have not replied to my question yet? Could you please reply so I can continue troubleshooting.
VG
^^ I talked to the original author of this tweak "pierdelp" and he told me that the problem can occur in non-English and non-French Windows versions. I have no idea why some of you are facing problems as I didnt face any problem in my English Windows version. I hope "pierdelp" will come up with a working solution.
Kaash
May be its due to previous customisations made in our system, or else any modification in shell32.dll or something lik tht, can it b a reason??? coz me too using english version of Vista Home Premium SP1
Remiel
it would be help If the author told us which things he had changed in themecpl.dll: if its more then "to add more bmps by reshack" or xml or whatever =)
Pure-Hate
"There was a problem loading a pre-set color" why isn't it working!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I HAVE THE ENGLISH VERSION OF VISTA AND STILL NOTHING YOU BETTER GET THAT GUY TO FIX IT VG (rofl)Just kidding but it would be nice if it works!
Saif Ali
well, the 'pre-set error'. I copied the previewid, color, previeworder data from install regfile to registry and it worked , the new colors can now be set. Changing nameid brings the problem back.
Saif Ali
Match the nameid of existing keys in registry from install regfile.
change all dword value data except nameid and the existing old colors will be in their exact preview.
also if youre makin new keys then set everything from install regfile except nameid. copy nameid from old registry keys
Saif Ali
i noticed if you set same nameid in more than one string, it will display same color.
also there might be problem in themecpl.dll as in registry thr resource set is it.