Add some eye candy to Windows XP - Overclock.net

Megaman_90 · 01-16-09

Here is my first OCN contribution, enjoy.

Add some Eye-candy to Your Windows

If your a member of this site chances are you are a hardcore computer geek/master. No doubt a lot of you have built your own PCs. Some of you maybe even added cathode lights, LEDs and Mods to make your PC appear as awesome as it preforms. Why should the eye-candy end with the hardware? Why not make your OS interface look as good as your hardware? Through this little article I will show you how to add some cool effects and styles to your Windows XP.

Ok I think I will ask a question to start, do you find the default XP theme to be really ugly? I do. In fact I can't even use public computers without switching the theme to the "classic" setting. That aside, unlike Windows 95/98, XP and Vista have the ability to change their visual themes giving you a look that can be extremely new and different. However you will need to mod your "uxtheme.dll" file in order to accept third-party themes that you can download on the Internet. The easiest way to do this is to download the uxtheme multipatcher, this 1.2MB program will seamlessly(and automatically) mod your uxtheme.dll file so you can accept third-party themes. As a with any type of Windows modding, I recommended that you back-up your files before applying the patch, just as a precaution. I have had no problems with this patch, still...use at your own risk.

Installing your Themes

Alright now that we got the technical stuff out of the way, its time to give your Windows a new look. My favorite website to get themes would be Belchfire.net. They have thousands of user-generated themes in all sorts of categories...Take your pick. If your having a tough time picking a theme I suggest the PS3 or VX1 theme. Once you download your theme, extract the files into "C:\WINDOWS\Resources\themes\". Now go to properties, look under the theme tab, and apply your new theme! Some of these themes even include system sounds, icon sets, and screensavers. However, these sometimes have to be installed manually.

Other Stuff

Aside from visual Windows themes, there are some other cool things you can do to spruce up your desktop. My favorite is Objectdock, this program adds a fancy looking uber-customizable toolbar to your desktop. It does take some time to get used too, but once your accustom to it, it can pretty much replace any need for shortcuts on your desktop. Another cool little app is Lclock. This progam will add very customizable clock and pop-up calender to your system tray. There is also a program called bootskin, which can safely customize your startup screen.

Now just for fun, here are some of my desktops.

This is my current setup, the PS3 theme coupled with Objectdock and Lclock.

Here is what I had on my old IBM, VX theme with Lclock.

If you read through this whole thing....thank you! I hope you enjoyed my first OCN article, and found some use out of it. By the way, I cannot guarantee any of this will work with Vista...as I have never used Vista to test it.

=Megaman_90