Digital Downloads :: View topic

joshhuggins · Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 10:09 pm Post subject: Josh's Themes

First, we will need to go into Services to enable the Themes Services. Go to Start -> Run -> and type Services.msc followed by enter. Scroll down until you find "Themes", now double click on Themes -> change the startup type to Automatic -> Apply -> Start -> OK. Now close the Services window.

The next part can be done two ways. You can either purchase a application like Style XP from TGT Soft or Download a patch that allows the .msstyles files to be applied. If you are using SP2 you can download the patch I used below. If you are not using SP2, you will have to find a patch for what ever release of Windows XP you are using or purchase an application to do it for you.

Download Style Patch for Windows XP SP2

A few notes about patching for Windows XP. This patch replaces a file called UXTheme.dll. Windows XP tries to protect this file. After running the patch click the Reboot button to reboot your system. You may or may not receive a message saying that you need to insert the Windows Installation CD. Hit the cancel button on that dialog box. After that dialog box you may receive a message asking if you want to keep the file installed. Click Yes. Allow the system to restart. You system should now be ready to use .msstyles files.

Now you can download .msstyle files and place them in you C:\Windows\Resources folder. As a starter pack so you can get an idea of where the files go and how the structure is set up, you can download the Styles I have collected below. I get most of my styles from ThemeXP.org in the Visual Styles area, but I have to warn you that they have been adding spyware to some of their files. They have a great selection, but when downloading a file, make sure it is in a zipped file and not a exe. The files in the exe packs are the ones that carry the spyware. A lot of the time if you click on the more info button below the style thumbnail, you can download the zipped version. There are quite a few websites that carry .msstyles files, some are listed below.

Download Josh’s Styles

Style websites:
www.themexp.org http://themes.belchfire.net www.wincustomize.com www.skinbase.org

Here is a screen shot of my Datacad Menu Settings -

More info to come . . .