Recommended Posts

Please forgive a complete Newbie (to Xp Themes) question......

But here goes:

I love the look of storm, and have (sort of) got it installed and working.

From reading the FAQ's I thought you needed the app "Style XP" to use these themes.

I have Style XP installed but I don't see how you can use STORM with it.

On my XP desktop.... "Right Click/Properties/Apperance" I have selected STORM as my "Windows and Buttons" I have not got it as a Theme as I can't find any theme file for storm.

I'm all a bit confused here.

Can anyone please help me get STORM theme installed and working correctly.

I have of course downloaded the .exe file and it's extracted itself in my "Windows/Resources/Themes folder.

I have in there a folder called STORM but there is no THEME file.

I right clik on the Storm.msstyles file and that sets the LOOK of my desktop. But that's only part of the story it seems.

Can anyone help me get the rest of it working.

Also, do I need the "StyleXP app" for using the themes on here ? as it seems to be offering lots of stuff I don't need or want.

Many thanks

============ EDITED ============

For exmple. when I open up "My Computer" although it's different colours than it used to be it still looks like it used to.

In the screenshot at the beginning of this thread. The My Computer Window looks re-styled (new icons for the drives / typeface etc)

============EDITED AGAIN ===========

Looking at the screenshot at the beginning of this thread again. I can't seem to get my font (typeface on windows/menus etc) looking as nice and smooth as the one in the screenshot. I have tried the 3 different fonts that come with storm, but they are still not as smooth.

God I feel stupid :(

Edited by tempy
Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/212050-storm/page/4/#findComment-584495792
Share on other sites

don't feel dumb lol :) you don't need style xp to run visual styles, you can simply use the uxtheme patcher available in this forum (check the stickies at the top). This visual style doesn't include a .theme file nor does it include the icons. I used Icon Packager to change my icons, and I used a set called Snow E. You can get Icon Packager from www.stardock.com and you can find lots of Icon Packages at www.wincustomize.com.

Since this vs doesn't have a .theme file it will only show up in your appearance tab. About the fonts, you probably don't have clear type turned on. Right click desktop } properties } appearance tab } effects } where it says "use the following method to smooth edges of screen fonts:" choose ClearType.

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/212050-storm/page/4/#findComment-584495840
Share on other sites

Thanks... I'm getting there.

I have smoothtype turned on now. Not sure but it may be doing my eyes in !!! will see how it goes.

That search icon (right of system tray)

Is the prog from here:

http://www.avedesk.com/

There is just 1 download on this link.

Is it freeware as there is no info with it. (just a download)

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/212050-storm/page/4/#findComment-584495993
Share on other sites

yup it's completely free. Also you'll need the searchbar desklet found here ? http://www.aqua-soft.org/board/index.php?showtopic=20080

Thanks again for the advice.

Well, things not looking so good here.

I downloaded and installed "AveDesk_1.0_install.exe" from that link I posted.

I also downloaded the "Searchbar.zip" from that link you posted.

So far, not good. In part I guess due to no instructions so trying to guess it all.

Avedesk is running on my system tray ok.

I've no idea where it should go, but dragged the contents of searchbar.zip into the desklets folder when AveDesk is installed.

I open avedesk and select desklet add. I see searchbar is there, select to add it, and ok.

I then get some text "searchbar" at the top of the screen !!!!!! eh ?

I can manually add an image, but it's all the wrong shape. Surley I should not have to mess about like this.

I did manage to get a search text area, but it didn't do anything..

Anyone talk me thru this ? Not exactly user friendly:((

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/212050-storm/page/4/#findComment-584496194
Share on other sites

Just as a follow up.

I found the link I posted was to AveDesk v1.0

I've since found AveDesk x1.1 which corrects some of the problems.

The graphics load correctly.

To be honest, after using the search plugin (desklet) It's pretty useless. A nice idea that could grow, but just doing a google search in a web page is 10 million times better, so don't think I'm going to bother with that.

Just got IconPackager and found Snow E.

Think I'll have to tidy my desktop as it's all a mix of old and new now.

The Snow E icons only cover some of the main icon types. I have a mix of old and new now.

Edited by tempy
Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/212050-storm/page/4/#findComment-584496545
Share on other sites

This Storm theme is still my favorite.

I did try the SNOW E icon set, but there were a few things I was not 100% happy about with them (lack of a zipped folder icon) and the shortcut tabs over drive icons kinda overshadowed them.

I ended up using the icon set called Layout_IP which is similar in grey but has a few icons that SnowE were missing.

(also a different backdrop)

Anyhow, all looking much nicer now. But have one annoyance.

I can't seem to get rid of the Microsoft logo in the top right hand corner of my folders.

I've got my folders almost exactly the same as the original screenshot in this thread, apart from this one point.

Can anyone help me get rid of it.

Many thanks

Here's a screen grab showing what I mean.

icon.gif

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/212050-storm/page/4/#findComment-584501136
Share on other sites

Downloaded Toolbar control

Not quite sure which part of it will remove this icon.

Note: I'd rather not loose the icon on my IE windows (like to see it animated so a web page it coming down stream)

I just want to remove from my normal folder windows.

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/212050-storm/page/4/#findComment-584501229
Share on other sites

I had the same problem genocider had with the disappearing text and additionally had other errors such as extended text input boxes and extended tabs as well. Normally when these things happen a simple restart corrects them, but I've restarted my machine 5 times now and I STILL have the same errors, even when applying a different theme and restarting!! Look at the pic I've attached to see what I mean about the tabs-they should be in 1 row, not 2. I've seen this happen before with other visual styles and I have no idea why it happens, but it doesn't happen as soon as the VS is applied, I don't even know what triggers it but it happened while this theme was applied and I haven't been able to correct it since, which makes me very leary about this particular theme because I've always been able to correct the problem with a restart until now.

Does anyone have any idea what causes this??

post-36-1094688686.jpg

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/212050-storm/page/4/#findComment-584523570
Share on other sites

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Flip 8, Z Fold Wide: Everything you need to know The ONLY thing I need to know is the price, which I know will be way higher than I (and most people) are willing to pay for a phone... so basically nothing here I need to know. PS: Nice job getting that Apple reference to a non-existent and unrevealed product as "competition" in there. Cheque is in the mail.
    • Well I really think the repasting helped if your higher clocks have returned, maybe the next thing to look at is if there is a problem with your case airflow? I guess this because your 3080 has returned to optimal state, but is still staying too warm, which might suggest it was thermal throttling before you repasted, of which the only logical conclusion could be outside factors.
    • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Flip 8, Z Fold Wide: Everything you need to know by Hamid Ganji Galaxy Z Fold 7 - Image via Samsung The next generation of Samsung foldables is set to be unveiled next month at the second Unpacked event of the year. Samsung’s 2026 foldables are not expected to offer significant upgrades over their predecessors, with the Korean firm instead focusing on design refinements and conventional upgrades such as faster processors and better cameras. However, Samsung is reportedly planning to unveil an all-new passport-style foldable this year to rival Apple’s first foldable iPhone, which is expected to debut this September. Here’s a roundup of everything we know about Samsung’s upcoming foldable devices ahead of their official debut. When can we expect Samsung’s new foldables? The Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 series were unveiled in July, and Samsung is expected to maintain this timeframe in 2026. Based on previous reports from Korean sources, Samsung will hold its Unpacked event on July 22 in London, UK, to pull back the curtain on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series. The devices are also expected to hit the shelves a few weeks after launch. However, Samsung has yet to announce an official date. A new naming scheme? One of the most interesting changes we might see this year is a new naming scheme for Samsung’s latest foldables. SamMobile reported that since Samsung is expected to unveil three foldables this year, it has adopted a new naming strategy to simplify product identification for customers. Accordingly, the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 will reportedly be called the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and will serve as the direct successor to last year’s Galaxy Z Fold 7. The “Ultra” suffix suggests the phone could feature higher-end specifications, such as additional rear camera modules. Samsung’s new passport-style foldable is expected to carry the Galaxy Z Fold 8 name without any suffix. This model is reportedly equipped with two rear cameras. No major changes are expected for the Flip model. Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Z Flip 8 anticipated specs Rumors over the past few months suggest Samsung is preparing several upgrades for its upcoming foldables, although the devices may continue to rely on larger batteries and faster charging speeds rather than dramatic design changes. The primary focus this year is expected to be the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and its wide-screen design. Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra official CAD renders - Image via AndroidHeadlines Here are the anticipated specifications for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra based on previous leaks: 6.5-inch outer display and 8-inch inner display, 120Hz refresh rate, and 2,600 nits peak brightness Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, paired with 12GB or 16GB of RAM and 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage 4.1mm thickness when unfolded and a weight of 210g 200MP main camera, 50MP ultrawide camera, 10MP or 12MP telephoto camera, 10MP cover camera, and 10MP selfie camera 5,000mAh battery with 45W wired charging Android 17 and One UI 9 As for the Galaxy Z Flip 8, the device is not expected to be a major departure from its predecessor, although it could become slightly slimmer. Expected specifications include: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 or Exynos 2600 processor 12GB of RAM with 256GB and 512GB storage options 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X inner dispaly and 4.1-inch Super AMOLED outer dispaly 50MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide camera, and 10MP selfie camera 4,300mAh battery with 25W wired charging Android 17 and One UI 9 Samsung’s foldables are also expected to launch with Gemini Intelligence, Google’s AI suite for automating tasks in Android ecosystem. Moreover, given current memory and component costs, some Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Z Flip 8 variants could see a price hike. Galaxy Z Fold 8 adopts a wide-screen design The centerpiece of the upcoming Unpacked event could be the Galaxy Z Fold 8, previously rumored as the Galaxy Z Fold Wide. This model adopts a passport-style form factor and is expected to compete directly with Apple’s iPhone Fold. Galaxy Z Fold 8 official CAD renders - Image via AndroidHeadlines Here’s what to expect: 7.6-inch primary OLED display and 5.4-inch cover display, 120Hz refresh rate, 2,600 nits peak brightness, and 4:3 aspect ratio Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, 12GB or 16GB of RAM, and 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage options 4,800mAh battery with 45W wired charging 50MP main camera, 50MP ultrawide camera, and 10MP selfie camera Android 17 and One UI 9 The three new foldable phones are unlikely to be the only devices unveiled at Samsung’s Unpacked event. The company is also expected to introduce the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and the Galaxy Watch 9 series.
    • Thanks
  • Recent Achievements

    • Week One Done
      rolfus earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • One Month Later
      Leroy Jethro Gibbs earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Conversation Starter
      flexorcist earned a badge
      Conversation Starter
    • One Month Later
      AndreaB earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • One Month Later
      agatameier earned a badge
      One Month Later
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      504
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      196
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      140
    4. 4
      ATLien_0
      88
    5. 5
      Steven P.
      81
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!