Visual Styles

[Jamie]

I realised my original post was a bit innaccurate.
With regard to visual styles, the file uxtheme.dll
apparently checks themes for a microsoft digital
signature. This is to make sure only visual styles
approved by microsoft are used by the XP skinning agent.
This is fair enough, there are alot of bad skins out there
and microsoft doesn't want to be blamed for a user
interface that is badly painted and amateur looking
(thats what java is for ;)

So, as I said, you can use microsoft approved styles, or
if you really want to do something that ms will never
sign (like OSX emulation), you need to change the
uxtheme.dll file. The URL I put in my last post can help
you with this task. **disclaimer****I do not endorse this
in any way, but if you trust someone to make a
replacement uxtheme.dll go ahead, definitely make a
backup of the original file*****

With regard to styleXP, this product allows you to apply
unsigned skins WITHOUT altering uxtheme.dll. The other
TGT-soft download produces a replacement uxtheme.dll for
your system but doesn't always work. I don't know what to
think as I don't understand this dll. Some sites say you
can use the same dll for any XP, the only difference is
between SP1 and non-SP1 machines. Whereas the TGT-soft
seems to produce a build dependent binary. So, anyone
who want to clarify please add to this thread...

Finally, when I was talking about changing multiple
system files, really this is more than just applying a
visual style. See the URL in previous post for examples.

I'd also recommend www.studiotwentyeight.net
for some very professional looking skins.


regards,
Jamie

>-----Original Message-----
>You can change system files directly, this is
>common practice but a pain to do for lots of files
>and somewhat dangerous plus the results are often a
>little random. There is a good little tutorial
>on this process here
>http://www.jonmega.com/~iceman/stuff/tutorials/
>plus some good osX emulation stuff if it tickles your
fancy
>
>Meanwhile you can use the program styleXP to make things
>alot easier. Once you learn how to hack system files
>from the tut above styleXP's makers offer a free program
>that means you only have to change one file if it works
for
>your build of windowsXP.Its a very small download.
>
>Now to get to the point Regarding your question. The
only
>officially sanctioned visual styles are those made by
>microsoft. These are IMO helluva lame.
>But microsoft tried to keep the format msstyles private.
>the people at styleXP have reverse engineered the
msstyles
>format or something so now if you use their program you
>can make your own (or dowload) styles in msstyles format.
>
>This is just one solution and there are other folks who
>implement their own style formats also. Some people go
for
>a completely new shell.
>
>
>
>But really your gonna be struggling not to dowload some
>software to help in this if you want to use styles not
>made by MS. Try learning to hack your system files (tut
>above) and then the freebee from styleXP. If you can get
>it to work for your system your set. If not your stuck
>editing lots of files MS never wanted you to edit.
>
>
>If you wanna bite the bullet and get some really hardcore
>modding software I'd suggest the Object Desktop suite of
>apps from Stardock.Just check it out it is on another
>level. Well worth it if you have time and $$.
>
>
>
>
>remove the _nospam_ in reply address to email me.
>
>Jamie
>
>
>>-----Original Message-----
>>Does anyone know how to add visual styles to windows
>>without having to download any special program?
>>.
>>
>.
>