shellstyle.dll in System32 keeps reverting back

[snipez]

Hi.

i've been trying to change the shellstyle.dll file for XP to look like Windows 7...so i create a copy of the file and replace it in both system32 folder and the folder for the theme.

the file size is 545KB...but it keeps reverting back to the original 425KB file within seconds after replacing it.

am i doing something wrong or am i forgetting something? i can't figure this out...

thanks in advance

[O.G]

You need to rename or move the file in the dllcache folder also or Windows will simply use it to replace changed system files.

[snipez]

  O.G said:

You need to rename or move the file in the dllcache folder also or Windows will simply use it to replace changed system files.

hi..thanks for that. are you referring to shell:\WINDOWS\system32\dllcache\ ? because it does not appear to be in there...

[Jamushroom Veteran]

From my knowledge, you have to replace the file in Save Mode. Reboot your PC and press F8 after the BIOS post screen to select the Save Mode. Replace shell32.dll within this mode and then reboot your PC like you do normally :)

[O.G]

The file may be hidden, so you need to unhide both "hidden files and folders" and "protected operating system files" via the folder options dialog. If the file keeps reverting then there must be a copy of it being held somewhere that windows is using to repair, this is usually the job of the dllcache, or the disc if windows can't find a copy in the dllcache. Otherwise, do a search and include hidden files and folders in the search, if that doesnt turn it up, then I don't know. You also shouldnt need safe mode. If you try to renmame/replace a file and Windows tells you its in use or just can't, you should be able to move the file to the desktop then move the replacement into the folder. Once you've rebooted you can then either delete the desktop file or stick it somewhere as a backup.

[Jamushroom Veteran]

If the file is in use by Windows and you can't rename it etc, you wont be able to move it either. Replacer makes it easy to replace files which are in use by Windows.

[snipez]

  O.G said:

The file may be hidden, so you need to unhide both "hidden files and folders" and "protected operating system files" via the folder options dialog. If the file keeps reverting then there must be a copy of it being held somewhere that windows is using to repair, this is usually the job of the dllcache, or the disc if windows can't find a copy in the dllcache. Otherwise, do a search and include hidden files and folders in the search, if that doesnt turn it up, then I don't know. You also shouldnt need safe mode. If you try to renmame/replace a file and Windows tells you its in use or just can't, you should be able to move the file to the desktop then move the replacement into the folder. Once you've rebooted you can then either delete the desktop file or stick it somewhere as a backup.

tried that...def. wasn't hidden and even renamed it, and magically within seconds the file regenerated itself...

i'll try in same mode later...i just didnt think youd need to...

it really doesn't make any sense at all...

[dis]

you don't need to replace the file in system32 folder. only in your theme's shell folder. (/shell/normalcolor/shellstyle.dll)

the shellstyle.dll in system32 folder is basically for the classic theme, or if your theme doesn't have shellstyle.dll (/shell/normalcolor/shellstyle.dll) in that case the one in system32 folder will be used.

btw if you still want to replace the dll in system32 folder, use replacer (google for replacer).

[Jamushroom Veteran]

Crap, here I was thinking the OP wanted to replace shell32.dll for some reason. I should know that shellstyle.dll should go into the theme folder because I create themes and I even make/mod shellstyles :pinch: