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Make Windows XP look like Windows Vista
You might think I’m crazy, but possibly my favorite thing about Vista is that it’s black and glossy. You’ve got to admit that Vista is an attractive looking OS! In comparison, Windows XP just looks terrible. The first thing I usually do is switch the default blue theme to the silver one. Even still, I have often longed for something better.
Recently, I came across BricoPack Vista Inspirat Ultimate 2. Quite the mouthful, but it’s really quite simple – download and install it, and it transforms your desktop into a Vista theme. Normally I wouldn’t give something like this a second glance, but I was feeling particularly curious one day, so I tried it. Of course, I created a restore point first, and I strongly recommend you do the same (here are the instructions). I didn’t run into any problems though.
I have to say, I love what Vista Inspirat did. My taskbar and windows are black and look like Vista. The “Start” menu has been replaced with the Windows orb. The icons, cursors, and sounds all mimic Vista. Two small programs run in the background to provide extra effects – Y’z Shadow adds a nice border and drop shadow to windows, and UberIcon provides some nifty animation for navigation. And best of all, I haven’t noticed any performance issues. The only two problems I have are that the user icon doesn’t show up in the start menu (it’s just a white box, big deal) and that “screen artifacts” appear somewhat more regularly (you know, parts of a window not refreshing right away). Otherwise it’s great!
One thing to note is that Vista Inspirat includes a utility called RocketDock, but it is an out-of-date version. I’d definitely upgrade to the latest version as it is more stable and includes some useful new features. RocketDock is pure eye-candy:
Looks like Mac OS X! It works quite well as an application launcher though. All you need to do is drag shortcuts or files to the dock.
One other thing you might need is the UxTheme Patcher, which enables you to install custom themes like Vista Inspirat. I say might need, because I already had it installed, so am not sure if it is strictly required. Here’s the download if you have Windows XP SP3.
Have fun, but be careful – backup anything important and make a restore point first!
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Tags: bricopack, rocketdock, software, themes, user interface, vista inspirat, windows vista, windows xp
Categories: Uncategorized | 12 Comments »
August 20th, 2008 at 9:20 am
Perhaps I’m weird then, but the first thing I do with a new Vista install (one my machines) is make it look like XP….
See:
http://img362.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ssbt7.gif
August 20th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Ah yes, classic mode. I don’t even use that mode on XP! To each his own
August 20th, 2008 at 9:38 am
Yeh, I guess it’s more Windows 95 that XP
August 21st, 2008 at 7:12 am
Have you ever heard of Window Blinds from Stardock? They’ve been around customizing Windows XP forever.. http://www.stardock.com/products/?tab=mydesktop
August 21st, 2008 at 8:00 am
I have Eric…but never tried it for some reason. Perhaps I should give it a go!
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:56 am
I’ve been looking for a program like this for a long time, I started with TrueTransparency, and Vsita Start Menu, and none of them were half as good as this!
September 18th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
can this work on service pack 3?
September 18th, 2008 at 11:05 pm
I have it working on SP3, yes. You just need to download the right UX patcher.
October 1st, 2008 at 11:04 pm
RocketDock is the best but I agree on upgrading to latest one as well.
Its the number one tool to keep my desktop clean & uncluttered, yet keep me productive with the use of its separators
BTW, Here is a great video tutorial on how to install, setup, beautify & organize RocketDock: RocketDock, Increase Productivity And Coolness Factor To Your Desktop
May 7th, 2010 at 11:24 am
[...] Make Windows XP look like Windows Vista By Mack D. Male You might think I’m crazy, but possibly my favorite thing about Vista is that it’s black and glossy. You’ve got to admit that Vista is an attractive looking OS! In comparison, Windows XP just looks terrible. The first thing I usually do … MasterMaq’s Blog – http://blog.mastermaq.ca [...]
May 9th, 2010 at 12:07 pm
Windows Vista is good but it can hog your CPU and Memory.;;~
May 9th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
Windows Vista is good but it can hog your CPU and Memory.`*: