Customizing Windows 7? Visual styles, etc.

[dt]

When will this sort of thing become available? Or at least, how is it done? I have seen a few screenshots of desktops in which either the start button or the entire taskbar has a different picture or background and was wondering how this is done... Also, how do Win7 VS's differ from Vista VS's?

Thanks :)

[-KJ]

  dt said:

When will this sort of thing become available? Or at least, how is it done? I have seen a few screenshots of desktops in which either the start button or the entire taskbar has a different picture or background and was wondering how this is done... Also, how do Win7 VS's differ from Vista VS's?

Thanks :)

These aren't official Microsoft themes, they are custom themes that are applied after patching some system files.

When will this sort of thing become available? Not quite sure what you mean, but there are themes out there for Windows 7, just not a whole lot.

You can create Windows 7 themes with Vista Style Builder (compiles .msstyles file that anyone with a patched system can use; supports Windows 7), or WindowBlinds (compiles proprietary theme files only to be used with the program). Both are shareware, however, and WindowBlinds is in beta.

I personally haven't checked out the differences, but PandaX, who helped Ave (Vista Style Builder author), have told me that the Start orb is now in explorer.exe and that the Start menu is bugged. But other than that, there shouldn't be too much of a difference. :)

[omganinja]

Once it is officially released people will probably start making aero clones again, just like what happened with vista. I myself may start theming again for windows 7, just like I did for Vista, simple, minimalistic, non transparent themes. I've already customised my 7 theme slightly, just removed the streaks in the glass and the blur outline from around the caption buttons when you rollover them (with dual monitors, blur from a maximised window's X button on the left monitor appeared on the left of the right monitor)

[Pam14160]

I wish Stardock would release Windowblinds 7 beta for testing to those who do not have an account with them. It would be nice to try out the WB 7 to determine if it is something some people would like to buy. Use WB 6 with XP, but since Vista I let the account die out. Oh, well may be when it goes retail they will allow people to download it for testing purposes. :rolleyes:

[thefonz]

My current Vista Ultimate install looks like the Windows 98 theme. Simple and fast.

That way I get the efficiency of Vista and none of the associated clutter. Win!

[Panda X]

I've been working on one.

[VAVA Mk2]

  Panda X said:

I've been working on one.

"No sir, I don't like it." - Mr. Horse, Ren amd Stimpy

[Panda X]

  VAVA Mk2 said:

"No sir, I don't like it." - Mr. Horse, Ren amd Stimpy

You don't have to.

[omganinja]

  Panda X said:

I've been working on one.

<image snipped>

  omganinja said:

Once it is officially released people will probably start making aero clones again, just like what happened with vista.

Looks like I spoke too soon.

Edited July 30, 2009 by omganinja

[Neoauld]

  Panda X said:

I've been working on one.

well i dont know about the process of making these

but i really like what i see so far, is it intended to be a basic/non transparent theme, or is it something you do first before making transparent

i think either way id use it!

[callummr]

  Panda X said:

I've been working on one.

Assuming it's a WIP (mainly with taskbar highlights etc), it looks like it's coming along very nicely and something I'd try for sure. Nice job.