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General discussion

New XP theme?

by paddyurdaddy Jul 19, 2007 12:37AM PDT

Where can I find a cool new theme for my desktop for free? that is not a scam or a trick to go to some BS page!

Discussion is locked

4 Posts
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There are none
by jackson dougless Jul 19, 2007 1:31AM PDT

You get the base three with XP Home and Pro... Media Center added a slightly tweaked version of the default Home and Pro theme... But other than that, you have to buy a program like Window Blinds to make use of this feature.

You can get a hacked DLL to let you use some themes, but it's kind of a risky proposition. You never quite know what was done to the file you're putting on your system. Did they only remove the protections, or did they add their own little bit of code to make it easy to slip a trojan or something onto your system? That's aside from it being a violation of the Windows license agreement, and the fact that security updates might replace that file at some point.

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Actually...
by John.Wilkinson Jul 19, 2007 8:53AM PDT

* Microsoft also released the Zune theme some months ago as part of its marketing campaign to gain ground on the iPod. (Click here to download.) That makes three official themes (Luna, Royale, and Zune), totaling five color schemes, plus the old 'Windows Classic' look.

* Patches can be risky depending on which ones you choose, but there are some legitimate instances of their use. StyleXP, for instance, patches the uxtheme.dll file in active memory, and used to modify the copy on the hard disk. PC World, Cnet, and others host and even recommend the usage of Vista Transformation Pack, which also replaces it with a modified version.

* I have seen various themes and ports be taken down at the request of Microsoft for copyright/trademark infringement, but StyleXP, Vista Transformation Pack, VistaGlazz, Neowin UxTheme Multipatcher, etc remain freely available without cease-and-desist orders preventing their distribution. Furthermore, as Windows Product Manager Jed Rose said, "We are thrilled that there are devoted online communities that customize Windows themes for users." Thus, I am left to assume Microsoft does not oppose these programs as long as they do not infringe on Microsoft intellectual property rights.

John

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by far the coolest xp theme
by AmericanTexan9999 Jul 19, 2007 10:24AM PDT
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I found the Royale Noir
by paddyurdaddy Jul 20, 2007 12:10AM PDT

It's exactly what I wanted!

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