Install themes in XP for free

**HorseArcher** · August 05, 2008, 06:15 PM

Here is how you do it:

1. Download and install UXtheme patcher
2. Download a Windows Theme below
3. Unzip to C:\WINDOWS\Resources\Themes
4. Right click Desktop / Properties / Appearance
5. Choose your theme and apply
6. All themes are from our friend Kol at Studiotwentyeight.net

from here:
http://www.studio7designs.com/windows-themes/

you also can get many more themes here

If you want standard themes (easy install, no need the themepatcher) check these freebies available straight from Microsoft:

XP Royale Theme:

http://www.softpedia.com/get/Desktop...ir-Theme.shtml

Windows XP Zune theme

http://www.downloadsquad.com/2006/11...xp-zune-theme/

**dwringer** · August 05, 2008, 06:19 PM

That's brilliant, I always thought it was pretty lame how little XP implemented the ability to get new themes.

Now I wanna go back to XP just for that ;p

**Wheelchair** · August 05, 2008, 11:42 PM

I've been using Zune for a few months now, Its Seksi.

**Cyrus the Virus** · August 06, 2008, 02:15 PM

Thanks Archer, will check it out.

**Dictatorfish** · August 06, 2008, 05:46 PM

Just a word of warning to you all, the UXtheme patcher in HorseArcher's step 1. is for Windows XP SP2 only. If you've updated to SP3 already, then you'll need to look for a patcher for that version of Windows. However, it's pretty easy to Google up.

Anyway, I didn't even realise I could do this until this thread, so +1 rep to HA. I just installed Concave VS by George Harrison and it looks freaking awesome!

**tco** · August 07, 2008, 01:49 PM

Cool, thanks HA. I will definitely use this when I get my computer with Xp

**Serious J** · August 07, 2008, 01:58 PM

Yeah, I've been using the UXtheme patcher for a while and it's quite a treat. There are a ton of good free themes out there that you can use with it.

**Каие** · August 07, 2008, 02:08 PM

Brilliant, thanks for the tips Archer.

**Odovacar** · August 07, 2008, 03:39 PM

Very great! I was just looking for this!
But which dll. do I need to update uxtheme.dll on my Sp3??

I have several on Rafael's site, Sp3 RC1, RC2?

http://www.withinwindows.com/uxtheme-patches/

**Serious J** · August 07, 2008, 03:55 PM

Here's a good site with a ton of free xp themes that work with the patcher. http://customize.org/xpthemes

Site is a bit slow, but has a good selection.

**Odovacar** · August 07, 2008, 05:43 PM

Most of them doesnt really work because some colours are just leaved s they were, and I get some dd. files and other files which i duno where to put..

It would be nice if the creators would make instructions to install.

**Nicholas H.C** · August 08, 2008, 04:36 PM

I use an windows vista theme

**Yojimbo** · August 09, 2008, 04:54 AM

this one is best http://www.istartedsomething.com/20061029/royale-noir/

just put it in C:\WINDOWS\Resources\Themes run the msstyles file then select noir from the drop down list.

I love to skin and customise everything the msn skin is Intuos the Firefox skin is Aquatint black glass my icons are cherry blossoms as I love anything Japanese and other icons, the mouse cursor is a sabre and the other cursors are diffrent and the wallpaper is from Elfen lied an anime.