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:
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"...
This article was posted by VG in following section: Windows Vista.
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Jensen
if i do this i get the error "not found" if i open control panel>skins en themes
Ben
Guys, This is working perfectly on OEM versions vista ultimate. Dont mess up the files. Just take a backup of the previous files like themecpl.dll.bak and same for other 2 files. If you are getting the prbs you may be in 64 Bit Edition. If u r in 32Bit and getting this error...the prbs only on the registry not on the file. Check this location in registry
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Control Panel\Glass Colorization\Swatches
whether the registry keys are correctly or not.
I tried myself for 64 Bit not with this. Just 3 more colors are added. Trying for the other colors.
Jensen
what i want to know is what the .reg registery file does
Remiel
Read the comments and you will know it.
Saif Ali
To my surprise after restarting, installing the regfile brought all the colors with exact names & order
try restarting, then firstly restoring and then installing the regfile
wish you all best of luck
GK
I figured out what the problem is!
Follow the above instructions BUT DON'T RUN THE "Install.reg", simply restart the computer for changes to take effect. Notice that only one row of colors will appear, I don't know what's wrong with the second one but I hope VG will fix this problem. You will also notice that the names of the colors and the colors themselves don't match, that's why I restored my original ones.
If you have the Error message, don't worry, click on "Restore.reg" and this will solve the problem. Restarting is not necessary. THE MAIN PROBLEM IS "Install.reg", so don't use it!
Good luck and I hope VG will make an update and fix these problems because these colors would look pretty good!
Hispanico
Remiel ...I don't understand:
"..dont use the install.reg, open it then select all entrys > copy > paste it in a new doc and save it as ***.reg..:"
open it is regarding old install.reg or what ??
Thank
hispanico
Remiel ...I try your suggestions....but not solve the problem...?!?
Remiel
Copy content of the install.reg in your own regfile, also delete the swatches dir in the reg.
after you do this - use your own created reg and apply it.
So it works for me, as you see in the screenshot
But I have mod both: system32 and syswow64
dunno if it works for the rest but for myself: great =)
hispanico
What you means for "..delete the swatches dir..."
in reg file all the lines are so:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Control Panel\Glass Colorization\Swatches\{FD81078C-1B36-4595-A92E-91F05C4FA5DC}]
"Resource"=hex(2):74,00,68,00,65,00,6d,00,65,00,63,00,70,00,6c,00,2e,00,64,00,\
...thank