Change The Windows XP Theme

Do You Really Hate The Toy Like Appearance Of Windows XP?

Do You Want To Personalize Your PC To Make It Look Different To Your Friends Or Colleagues?

This is very easy to do using something called msstyles. These aren’t like other theme changers (shell packs) which require large downloads and then installation (meaning you can’t be sure if what you are installing is a virus). Using msstyles is safer and uses no more system resources than the basic xp theme, as the default theme is in fact a msstyle.

1. Okay, to get started it is necessary to modify a little system file called uxtheme.dll which prohibits the use of non-Microsoft themes. Just download this file and run it, now you are free to use any theme you want!

2. Now you need to find a msstyle you wish to use. There are literally thousands of styles on the net, just find your favourite! I used the ‘Microsoft Zune’ msstyle. Download your chosen msstyle to your desktop.

3. Now navigate to C:\WINDOWS\Resources\Themes and move your msstyle from the desktop to that folder.

4. Right click anywhere on the desktop and select ‘properties’:

5. Click on the ‘appearance’ tab and select ‘windows and buttons’. Your msstyle will be here, select it and click apply.

Congratulations, You Now Have A New Theme On Windows XP!