[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

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!
VG

^^ No. Its only for 32-bit.
Simon

does it works with 32-bit italian S.O??
VG

^^ It works for English and French versions.
Bobo Short

It no worky!! I think it only work on certain Styles that the dude created for his machine, namely the owner of this hack. So it looks like,

I tried rems suggestion, created new .reg file, no worky. I used the restore.reg, all the colors are messed up on the "change my colors" window without putting back the hacked dlls.
sounds funny. but, I'm using some version of W7 explorer.exe and some W7 style, hacked the themes files using vistaglazz. this maybe the culprit.

thanks for sharing the tweak. it was good while it lasted.
Bobo Short

One last thing A Reboot is Not Required. Since this is not an active program in the sense of explorer.exe
Bobo Short

Just to note:

When I restored using the restore.reg file, my panel had the "Top" row of the Windows 7 color scheme. But the Vista colors names underneath, with resulting Vista colors.

Color Management issue. I think maybe the color scheme in the services.msc has to be turned on? Or Vista may lack the color pallette update?

thanks again for sharing all your ideas
vj

i think is reg file when i replace the reg file its back to normal and for color fix edit reg play arround with it and when i copy few things form install reg and put in to restore reg then stop working.
Chad

Hey VG, when i restored the original ones, and used the original ones, when i maximized, it did not display transparency anymore... =( and Vista Glazz has an error, it always says Reboot and Problems.... It says a System Reboot is Required but i reboot almost 10 times XD