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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krishvanth
and by the way, for all other users here, simply use notepad if you want to edit the registry file... though god knows why you would need that if you follow the steps properly... wonderful hack! :D
Skippy
I tried it, followed all the instructions to the T. Even followed the instructions supplied by Remiel to fix it. I am using vista x32 SP1 and it isn't working at all. Until it is working completely or someone knows how to get it running on all vista versions I sugguest you steer well clear of this one and if you do attept it ---- Make backups ----
It's a great idea, shame it does work :(
heeroyuyj
ID match error...
matchaos
yeahh...its working very well...actually the install.reg file is not have any problems,but u'all must only delete the swatch folder using regedit...=)
matchaos
im sorry..not 'swatch' folder,actually 'swatches' folder..=P
Simone
How I must do to get an italian version file of themecpl.dll and themecpl.dll.mui?? please answer me...
RoninMastaFX
I have Windows Vista Ultimate SP1 x86 (customized, of course :P ). I read every single comment in here, followed every instruction to a "T" on every single one (at least, I better hope I did... xD ), but so far, no luck. Error message says this: "There was a problem loading a preset color".
I don't recall doing any shell32.dll updates to my vista (from what oen guy said, that updating shell32.dll *might* prevent this tweak, but hey, I'm only following what everyone is saying here. xxD ) But yeah, although I'm good with computers, obviously my skills are good enough to sort through this problem. If this was an XP issue, I'd know exactly how to fix, but Vista...I'm about 50/50 with it when it comes to fixing broken modifcations (or that on't work for me xD), but this one is really making me scratch my head. =/
I've tried everything that I know of with these kinds of issues, such as indipendant reg editing (aka testing only one line per test, and that failed), I've tried disabling VistaGlazz, same thing, I've done some registry edits which didn't work to well either, so yeah...xD :(
I am questioning if oen of my customizaions I did to Vista (I did many customizations, particulary Windows Vista to 7 upgrades, VistaGlazz, custom themes, custom boot/login screen, etc...), but I kinda fail to see if that could be the cause, but with computers, almost anything is possible. xD
Also, I'm using en-US WinVista with en-CA (Canadian English) upgrades to it, so *maybe* that could be the cause? :S Idk though, which is kinda weird imho. xD =/
Meh, I'll keep lurking around here, until soeone finds an answer, or until I can figure oen out myself...but THAT depends on my schedule. xD :(
I'll stick around until an answer has been found...until then, I'll leave everything alone...broken or not. ;) :)
P.S. and yes, I still have my original files (and registry) backed up and everything before I started doing the hack/tweak, so I'm alright for now. :)
Jensen
my pc is in dutch, if i do this do i have than an english color and apparance scheme?
(nederlands:)
mijn pc staat in het nederlands, als ik dit doe, staat mijn "vormgeving aan persoonlijke voorkeur aanpassen" gedeelte dan ook n het engels?
VG
^^ I'm not sure but most probably you'll get the Dutch version. You'll need to give it a try to check it. Also make a backup before replacing files.
Someone
Does it work for 64 bit? I recieved a Page Failed to Load error. Please help me!