Vista Themes: How to install them properly !
I want to show you exactly how to properly install vista themes, since some people do not know how to do it. Although this seems to be a long post, there are just a few steps. I have described every step in detail. Should there be any question left, feel free to use the comment form!
1. It’s very simple. First of all find a good-looking vista theme on this site, I recommend to check out
- 7 free beautiful vista themes Part I
- 7 free beautiful vista themes Part II
- 7 free beautiful vista themes Part III
2. Now you will have to patch your UXTheme.dll with a little tool or manually. I have described this earlier here.
- Find out if you have installed SP1 already and then run the appropriate VistaGlazz Patcher:
- Without Service Pack: VistaGlazz Final 1.0 for SP0 .
- With Service Pack: VistaGlazzBeta3 for SP1.
3. Extract all the files of a vista theme you have downloaded. They are usually zipped with WinRAR. Usually WinRaR will automatically extract all files into a folder that has the name of the theme. Go to that folder.
Open it. Inside you should find several files.
a) If there is a sub-folder and a file called .theme then select all files and the subfolder via STRG+A.
b) If there is no .theme file, but a .msstyles, then go back one step and select the folder .
Copy the selected files into the clipboard via STR+C (= copy).
4. Locate the folder X:\Windows\Resources\Themes\
X: is the drive where you installed Vista. Once inside the folder simply press STR+V (= paste). Now the theme will be inside your “Themes” folder, awesome! Could look like that now:
Now there is not much left to do. Compare the three steps with the picture above!
- 1. This is the default Windows Vista Theme, make sure you always keep a copy of that folder!
- 2. Inside this folder there is a file called “themename”.msstyles, which you will have to double-click to apply the theme.
- 3. This is a “.theme” file, which you can double-click to apply the theme.
Detailed explanation:
- a) If there is a .theme file double-click on it.
- b) If there is no .theme file double-click on the theme folder. Once inside double-click on the file with the extension “.msstyles”.
(On the following screen, simply select the theme that you just installed and click on “Apply”.)
5. Enjoy your new Windows Vista Themes!
Great post. I really love how you put step-by-step directions that are so easy to follow. Thank you!
Thanks
I appreciate this tutorial
Glad I Stumbled Upon you! Thanks for the post real easy directions.
thanks for posting, these directions were spot on, very easy to follow
this information very useful, I have follow your guideline and make my self the changes on my vista
Does there have to be both a ‘Windows visual style file’ and a ‘Windows theme file’ for the theme to work properly?
Nope a “msstyles” file is enough to apply a theme. The theme file is not necessary.
Having a problem.. I pasted my folder(with a .msstyles file) into the Themes folder.
Now when i double click the msstyles file, the Appearance Settings window is opening and not the Themes window. My theme is also not listed the Themes window. I couldn’t apply my theme now. What to do with the .msstyles file?
It’s correct the Appearance Settings should open once you click on the .msstyles, then simply select the theme from the list.
If it’s not there you can try to replace the default aero theme (aero.msstyles) after you made a backup with your new theme. Simply copy the file into the folder and rename it to aero.msstyles.
Ur guidelines and ur patching software were great. keep the good work goin man. My new vista theme really rocks
Alright . Ive been at this for 2 days ive read many tut’s and done evry thing they have said ive downloaded 20 themes none are workiong now im sure its some dumb shit im fucking up on any help i dont know or understand exactly what to put where in the themes folder … shits driveing me crazy. and help pls LuXXStaR@LIVE.COM
I m using win xp, in that case how can I install VISTA theme.
If u ca pls give me the solution through my mail.
@rasel
You will need an exporter. Read the FAQ please there should be a link to it.
@JohnB
Where are you downloading the themes?
Make sure you download a Vista theme! After that open the Resource folder (see above) and double-click on either the theme or msstyles file. Also make sure that you extract the theme folder properly.
Resource Folder
- Theme Folder
– Files & Folders
Not like this
Resources
- Theme Folder
– Theme Folder
– Files & Folders
heads up people. if you aren’t admin or can’t get an admins permission to put the theme inside the folder, DO NOT use Linux to put it in there. it’s corrupts the themes fill and your stuck with classic
anybody know how to correct this? sytem restore won’t run because of the themes folder corruption and replacing the default themes after running vista glass failed as well.
murdockpt@yahoo.com
im having the same problem as lenin, i have a folder in my themes folder with a .msstlyes inside. once it is in the themes folder, it does not register in my appearances, i cant rename it, its not working
Just curious, is there another folder inside your theme folder? Have you tried to move the content of the “theme folder” including your .msstyles into the “Resources/Themes” folder?
I think the problem might be that most people UnRAR the folder and do not know that WinRAR is creating a folder. Obviously you have to move it outside that folder to make the theme work.
If it doesn’t work the theme might be corrupt. Maybe contact the theme author.
Let me know if you can fix it!
@murdockpt have you tried to activate the hidden admin account? It’s one of the most recent posts that explains how to do it.
Would it help if I upload the default Aero Theme? I think you need that one.
Iv’e tried about 3 themes and everytime i put them on it dosen’t look like the pictures of it lol, like it come outs windows classic border?
Hi, i kinda need help cuz the msstyle format does not work on my vista somehow. when i double click the file tt says neion.msstyle, the properties thing pops up yet, there’s no such theme for me to choose from the list. how can i fix it?
thanks!
I understand the directions…but I’m having trouble locating my themes folder on vista does someone want to add me on yahoo at xXxdarkglamxXx and help me learn a little more about this and vista? I am totally new at this. Thanx!
It didn’t work.. i did what you told me to do.. is there a program that i need to work those themes? i do have winRaR.. plz help.. my e-mail…… marc_toro123@hotmail.com
Can someone explain me why is it so hard to install this? I’m a software architect for 20 years and never seen anything like that. I would get fired if an installation of an image and some script was so complicated. No wonder Microsoft is collapsing as a company. Hire more geeks.
ya. dude thnks for this grt help.
need to learn from u. once again
thanks.dude
Great tutorial and answered just the questions I needed. Just one thing is not clear, If I have Vista Casa del Primo SP2, do I need to run VistaGlazz? You can email me if possible. Thanks for the tutorial.