VistaVG Theme for Windows XP

Here is my first theme for Windows XP:

Download Links:

For 32x icon size:

Download Link
Alternate Download Link

For 48x icon size:

Download Link
Alternate Download Link

For those ppl who want “Common Tasks” in Left-side instead of Bottom, download following file:

Download Left Common Tasks

extract it and then copy it to following folder:

%windir%\Resources\Themes\VistaVG\Shell\NormalColor

There will be an existing file with same name, just overwrite that.

NOTE: Make sure you have patched the “uxtheme.dll” file to allow 3rd party visual styles, if its not patched, then download and run the UXtheme Patcher from here:

For XP SP3 Users - Download UXTheme Patcher
For XP SP2 Users - Download UXTheme Patcher

What Next?

20 Replies:

BeeexD said:

ahhh, now i get it sir. Thanks for the great tuts. Be looking forward for more.
BeeexD said:

A little comment (from what was shown here in my pc ) when using the common task on the left. The icon of control panel was too close with text, covering the letter “C” from the word control panel. the rest was superb. bow. Thanks.
VG said:

^^ Thanks buddy. Regarding to the task pane thingy, I knew it already.
Ted said:

after i patch with UXtheme..still cannot use ur theme y??
VG said:

Make sure following things:

1. Run “UXTheme Patcher” in Safe Mode (Boot into Safe Mode by pressing F8 key).
2. Copy the Theme folder to:

%windir%\Resources\Themes\

If you face any problem, feel free to ask here.
luke l said:

im so comfused ive never used this site bethor help me plz
VG said:

Just download the theme, patch with UXtheme Patcher and then apply the theme. All instructions have been metioned above. Pls follow them.
dan said:

VG, i try to paste the ShellStyle.dll into the “NormalColour” folder, but i cant because it is in use or something… can you help? thanks.
VG said:

Apply Any other theme like Luna, then replace the file and then re-apply VistaVG theme.
Mitch said:

Hey I think your work is great but I have a few problems even trying what’s written here .
To insure I have folders and files in the right place I’ll write the directory I have them in.
C:\WINDOWS\Resources\Themes\VistaVG(VistaVG.msstyles in here)\Shell\NormalColor\Shellstyle.dll

Is everything in the correct place?
I goto propeties, Apperance and on the drop down is just:
Windows Xp
Windows Classic
Zune (exe installer current theme)
VG said:

^^ I think you have not run UXTheme Patcher. Boot into Safe Mode and then run the patcher. Then you’ll be able to use the theme.
TheCoolPrince said:

Awesome theme man! I was looking for something like this for a while! And also your other articles are simply SUPERB and very informative! Keep up the good work!
VG said:

^^ Thanks.
Bhavya said:

i dont understand.

C:/Windows/Resources/Themes/VistaVG ……. then? sorry. too lost. don’t get pissed off.

thanks for co-op
VG said:

^^ You have to extract the RAR file using WinRAR or 7- zip and then copy the mentioned folder to “C:\Windows\Resources\Themes” folder. All instructions have been clearly mentioned in the Readme file as well as the description.
wajdi said:

thenkds
Jason said:

well it works VG the only problem i have is that my explorer.exe looks like vista yeah but when i click the all programs it shows like xp just wondering if its supposed to be like that
VG said:

^^ Yep. Its supposed to do the same.
RG said:

it works but i have two problems

the icon are the same like windows xp and the fonts are the same too

how can i solve this problem?

thanks
VG said:

^^ The icons are not changed by themes. You’ll need to manually change them. Pls follow this tutorial:

http://www.askvg.com/transform-your-windows-xp-in-windows-vista-without-any-customization-pack/