Thanks, Mr. Grim. Actually, I had already replaced the Taskband images you cited. I double-checked, replaced again and no joy. It didn't work.

I have been using PNGs exported from Cryer's Windows 7 Basic Black, which has the black taskbar in Basic mode that I want..

Here is my source file:
https://cryer.deviantart.com/art/Wind...lack-166606584

Are the PNGs in Cryer's file defectiive? Do I need to export from a better black theme? This Steam theme has a grey that I like even better than black and may be better made than Cryer's:

https://yorgash.deviantart.com/art/St...ws-7-449032822

FYI, I haven't recolored any PNGs myself (although I am OK with Photoshop CS5) because I don't know what steps to perform. If I am to make my own, is there a video guide you know of? I know that I need to learn at least what color should be applied to which pixels in a PNG with various tones and how big the new PNG files should be (original size or larger) ?

One final thought...is it possible the taskband inherits properties from another area that I haven't changed?