I Need A Program Like StyleXP but Free

[xxyx]

I downloaded StyleXP, used it, loved it, bla bla. Then my trial ran out and I simply do not want to pay to have it (I am such a bum!). I was wondering if anyone knew of any other programs that enable you to use visual styles (not just themes) but is totally free and trial-less.

I guess there is a program to use Windows Blinds but I saw a discussion on the advantages and disadvantages, but it seemed very complicated to use. Fixing patches, .msstyles this and that. :(

Thanks for any help, it's appreciated. :)

[bob_loblaw]

Use UXTheme Patcher. It's stickied on the forum but it's an old version so search google for UXTheme Patcher version 5 or something like that.

[martin10018]

Or google for "Styler" (the homepage is down) which is also free.

[synchro]

Hows about this?

https://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=283284

[xxyx]

  synchro said:

Hows about this?

https://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=283284

Holy crap, I used NeoTheme v2 and it did not work. When I went to "install visual style" it said it was already installed, when I went to apply it I got this thing that popped up six or seven times, and it scared the crap out of me because I don't know what it was doing to my laptop.

Sorry I can't explain the popup more, it was a black box with a message popping up with it saying basically that's a no-no. It came up almost ten times, and it would of continued if I hadn't closed out NeoTheme (which was hard to do since I didn't have enough time to click the x almost).

I'll try UXTheme Patcher but I'm hesitant, I don't understand why I need patchers or patching to use visual styles when StyleXP (from the knowledge i have of it, which isn't much!!) didn't do that....

I'm so confused, sorry I can't explain all of this better.

Oh, I also downloaded Samstyle Visual Manager but that seems to not accept my visual styles either. I got all the styles from DeviantArt and they worked perfectly fine with StyleXP so they shouldn't be having a problem now... right?

  martin10018 said:

Or google for "Styler" (the homepage is down) which is also free.

I typed in "styler visual" and got Visual Styler, however, all of them are trials. I want a program I can use for a long time for free. But thanks. :)

[NienorGT]

UXTheme patchers patch a file in XP's system files called UXtheme.dll to enable unsigned themes not made from Microsoft to run.

The pop up said that the xp system files as been modified and ask you to re-put the CD of XP for replacing original files.

just says NO and it will be ok. Don't worry.

[dreamz Veteran]

how about reading the stickies?

https://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=339820

https://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=140707

[xxyx]

Thank you so much! I installed UXTheme and used Samstyle Visual Manager and everything works fine. The reason I used Samstyle was because I'm afraid that NeoTheme will still give me those scary pop-ups, but now that UXTheme is installed do I not have to worry about them?

Another question, with Samstyle I have to log off and log back in (switching users doesn't work) for the styles to be there. Does NeoTheme apply the styles without having to log off and back in?

Thank you all, really, you saved me. :D

[xxyx]

Oh! I figured out if I go to the resources folder (under windows, I'm sure you guys know what I'm talking about :D) and just double click on the visual style it opens up in display properties and I can use it from there without having to log off and in.

But once again, thanks for all your help. :blush:

[NienorGT]

Yea, you don't need any Visual style manager, Windows as it's own, it just won't "always" refresh itself since it's basically not designed to have new styles.

[rado354]

Well, I just patched my Windows installation CD so now I can use 3rd party Visual Styles since the first boot (or even totally replace the default theme on the CD) ;)

[xxyx]

  rado354 said:

Well, I just patched my Windows installation CD so now I can use 3rd party Visual Styles since the first boot (or even totally replace the default theme on the CD) ;)

I don't know what that means..... ?u｀*

[+Frank B. Subscriber²]

  xxyx said:

I don't know what that means..... ?u｀*

Quite simple: You can 'slipstream' patches like the uxtheme patch into your Windows CD. This way the desired functionality is available right after you have installed Windows - in this case the ability to use non-Microsoft visual styles.

[xxyx]

  Mephistopheles said:

Quite simple: You can 'slipstream' patches like the uxtheme patch into your Windows CD. This way the desired functionality is available right after you have installed Windows - in this case the ability to use non-Microsoft visual styles.

Ohhh, thanks. :)

[Rafael]

I plan on releasing an application soon entitled "OpenStyler" that should render Uxtheme patches obsolete. Stay tuned.

[dreamz Veteran]

  Rafael said:

I plan on releasing an application soon entitled "OpenStyler" that should render Uxtheme patches obsolete. Stay tuned.

what will it do exactly? how will it work?

[SMELTN]

  Rafael said:

I plan on releasing an application soon entitled "OpenStyler" that should render Uxtheme patches obsolete. Stay tuned.

sounds interesting. I to would like to know more about it

[Kraftman]

OpenStyler:

http://anti-tgtsoft.com/?p=8

[Rafael]

Patches Uxtheme in memory using my open-source library above. Basically a free StyleXP clone/alternative.