[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

^^ Make sure transparency is enabled in Desktop Properties and System Properties.
Chad

where can i find that?
Chad

Hey VG, i Know where to find that but, i get transparency on Normal Windows, but when i maximize, it won't show transparency...
VG

^^ Its by default. You can use VistaGlazz to enable transparency in maximized windows.
Chad

No, My Problem is, VistaGlazz always says A System Reboot is required You Need to reboot your system for the changes to apply. Some system files are only reloaded on system boot. and my choices are, Problems? and Reboot... but i almost rebooted 10x! Why Is That Happening?
VG

^^ Are you using default Aero theme or any other theme? You can also use following already patched aero.msstyles file to enable transparency:

http://www.askvg.com/get-transparent-titlebar-and-taskbar-in-maximized-windows-under-windows-vista/
scarofnight

didnt work for me, when i opened window color and appearance I would get " there was a problem loading a pre-set color.
can u help me plz ?
VistaTo7Skan

Doesn't work, everything is blank, except for pictures.

Reveresed. I dont suggest this BECAUSE I already screwed my computer twice, and I dont have the CD.
Shivnesh

I did it but now i have half the row and it says the windows vista names not like twilight and ruby
Olav

Hi

Can you make the file for NO-no to? Norwegian os?