List of Software you might need for Customizing Your OS

[Mr GRiM]

This is a list of software for Customizing your Windows OS, first post will be updated as we go.

1. IconPackager (http://www.stardock.com/products/iconpackager/)
IconPackager is a program that allows users to change nearly all of their Windows icons at once by applying "packages" of icons. A package of icons contains icons to replace most of the common icons on your Windows PC.
http://software-files.download.com/sd/TMPO6yFvjiFME6BCtI8By-sXD9XKfc6fDuKj91fLCd5SgLkOQb3Cj2r3Jnr-CpmYmd41rUlNRP9QiFL7DURW87pGlHDfqbtU/software/11008169/10031210/3/iconpackager_public.exe?lop=link&ptype=1901&ontid=2195&siteId=4&edId=3&spi=7c73e3c4ecfae40878c8bc733aaba231&pid=11008169&psid=10031210

2. WindowBlinds (http://www.stardock.com/products/windowblinds/)
WindowBlinds is a one-of-a-kind utility that allows Windows users to completely change the look and feel of the Windows interface by applying a new skin.
Supports Windows 7, Vista, and XP
http://www.stardock.com/products/windowblinds/purchase.asp

3. Desk Scapes (http://www.stardock.com/products/deskscapes/)
Stardock DeskScapes is a program that allows users to have animated wallpaper on their Windows XP or Vista desktop. It supports playing video as animated wallpaper, dynamically generated content as animated wallpaper, and more.
http://storage.stardock.com/files/deskscapes_public.exe
For Vista Ultamate
http://stardock.cachefly.net/dream/StardockDeskScapes.exe

4. Adobe CS4 (30 day Trial) (http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/family/)
Adobe Photoshop CS4 software is a powerful, professional-quality image editor
https://www.adobe.com/cfusion/tdrc/index.cfm?loc=en&product=photoshop

5. Restorator (http://www.bome.com/Restorator/download.html)
Restorator is an award-winning utility to edit windows resources in applications and their components, e.g. files with .exe, .dll, .res, .rc, .dcr, extension (see PE files and RES files).

Change, add, remove resources such as text, images, icons, sounds, videos, version, dialogs and menus in almost all programs.

Restorator is used for translation/localization, customization, design improvement and development.

This resource editor comes with an intuitive user-interface, complete documentation with many examples and prompt user support in the discussion forums or via email.
http://www.bome.com/Restorator/Restorator2007_Trial_1747.exe

6. Paint.NET (http://blog.getpaint.net/)
Paint.NET is designed to be accessible and simple for most users while still allowing powerful and sophisticated operations to be performed on an image.
http://www.getpaint.net/files/zip/preview/Paint.NET.3.50.3509.39233.Install.zip 3.5 Alpha Build.

7.IcoFX (http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&q=icofx&sourceid=navclient-ff&rlz=1B3MOZA_enAU340AU334&ie=UTF-8)
IcoFX is an award winning freeware icon editor. It is an all-in-one solution for icon creation, extraction and editing. It is designed to work with Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Macintosh icons supporting transparency.
http://icofx.ro/files/icofxsetup.exe

8. IconViewer (http://www.botproductions.com/iconview/download.html)
IconViewer is a freeware product developed by Bot Productions. It is a utility that allows you to view the icons contained within files, such as executable files and dynamic link libraries (DLLs).
http://www.botproductions.com/iconview/download.html

9. Resourcer (http://www.codeplex.com/anolis)
A ResHacker clone developed as a testbed for Anolis.Core and to replace ResHacker (because ResHacker doesn't support x64, XN Resource Editor (ResHacker's spiritual sequel) doesn't support multiple-language resources and crashes a lot, and other utilities rest cost actual money. It has a powerful yet simplified UI that doesn't duplicate commands or confuse the users with special-case handlers (which ResHacker and XN have in spades).
http://www.codeplex.com/anolis

10. VistaGlazz (http://www.codegazer.com/vistaglazz/downloads/)
VistaGlazz 2.0: Windows 7 & XP SP3
We’ve been working on a new product for quite some time and we would like to present it to you on this fine day. Also, we’d like to quit work and drink cocktails on a tropical island for the rest of our lives. Anyway, this is all not going to happen. Or at least, not today.
Don’t worry though, we’ve heard your requests for a SevenGlazz, and we’re proud to present VistaGlazz 2! We’re emotionally attached to the old name ;)
The new VistaGlazz supports the KB971029 update, but also enables style customization for Windows XP SP3 and Windows 7 (both 32 and 64 bit)!
http://www.codegazer.com/downloads/VistaGlazzSetup.exe

11. Logon Screen Rotator (2.1.0.2) (http://www.lukepaynesoftware.com/lsr/index.html)
Windows 7 Logon Screen Rotator is a free application that will change the logon background image to an image of your choosing and also at a time you select. Current options include: each day, each logon and each computer lock.
You may choose individual images or folders of images (which will be monitored by the application for changes) for the program to select random images from.
If you only wish to change the image once, this is also possible.
http://www.lukepaynesoftware.com/lsr/updates/2.1.0.2.zip

12. WinBubble 1.76, "Customization and Tweaks, Not Just for Geek's But For ALL" (Free) (http://unlockforus.blogspot.com/2007/11/winbubbles-features-gap.html)
Two Clicks, "Check and Apply"

In just two clicks, WinBubble will help you to Customize and Tweak your Windows Vista easily. Its features cover Customization, Security and Optimization.
http://unlockforus.blogspot.com/2008/11/download.html

13. Resource Hacker 3.5.2 beta (http://www.angusj.com/resourcehacker/reshack_setup.exe)
"Resource Hacker is a freeware utility to view, modify, rename, add,
delete and extract resources in 32bit Windows executables and resource
files (*.res). It incorporates an internal resource script compiler
and decompiler and works on Win95, Win98, WinME, WinNT, Win2000 and
WinXP (...).
I've just updated Resource HackerTM to open (ie decompile/recompile)
these files too. This new version also displays PNG image
resources.(...)"
http://www.angusj.com/resourcehacker/reshack_setup.exe

14. CursorFX (http://www.stardock.com/products/cursorfx/)
CursorFX users can create and use cursors that look and feel far superior to anything you've ever seen before! Best of all, it's really easy to create your own super-charged cursors! It integrates into the standard Mouse interface of Windows and is easy to turn on and off as you need.

15. Librarian: A Library Manager for Windows 7 (http://www.askvg.com/librarian-a-library-manager-for-windows-7/)
Librarian is an excellent piece of software created by our friend "Happy Bulldozer aka hb860". It allows you easily tweak Libraries in Windows 7.

It is a multi-language application which allows you to:

* Create a new library with any folder(s) inside
* Change library's icon through standard Windows dialog
* Rename library
* Change content type of new or current library
* Change "default save location" option
* Change "Show in Navigation Pane" option
* Show library as XML
http://virtualcustoms.net/download/file.php?id=1042

16. Axialis CursorWorkshop (http://www.axialis.com/cursorworkshop)
Create hi-quality cursors for Windows® and web sites

With CursorWorkshop™ make your own hi-quality static and animated cursors for Windows and Web sites.

The new generation of cursors uses variable transparency (alpha channel). This feature permits creating beautiful cursors with smooth borders and shadows. You need a professional tool to create such cursors. Axialis CursorWorkshop™ has been designed with one goal in mind: "Quality".

Enjoy the powerful editor which permits creating the various image formats of a cursor from an original drawing without quality loss.

The cursors can be created to customize Windows or enhance applications. You can also add your own cursors in your web sites.

Download a 30 Day Trial
http://www.axialis.com/download/cw.html

17. Axialis IconWorkshop™ (http://www.axialis.com/iconworkshop/)
Create hi-quality icons for all systems: Windows, MacOS, Unix

With IconWorkshop™ make your own icons for Windows®, MacOS® and Unix®. It creates Windows® icons up to 256x256 for Windows Vista™ and Macintosh® icons up to 512x512 for Leopard (MacOS® 10.5). Unix® uses PNG icons. IconWorkshop creates PNG images with alpha channel in a few clicks including from existing Windows® and Mac OS® icons.

The new generation of icons uses variable transparency (alpha channel). This feature permits creating beautiful icons with smooth borders and shadows. You need a professional tool to create such icons. Axialis IconWorkshop™ has been designed with one goal in mind: "Icon Quality".

Enjoy the powerful editor which permits creating the various image formats of an icon from an original drawing without quality loss.

Download a 30 day trial
http://www.axialis.com/download/iw.html

18. Axialis Screensaver Producer (http://www.axialis.com/ssp/)
Create all kinds of screensavers from Sprites

Creating state-of-art screensavers with sprites (animated objects moving on screen) has never been easier. For example, you'll be able to create in minutes a cool screensaver with your company logo bouncing on screen.

Images with transparency (including alpha-channel) are supported. Several options are available: Bouncing on the screen borders, realistic collisions between objects and more...

Download a 30 day trial
http://www.axialis.com/download/ssp.html

19. DAZ Studio 3 (http://www.daz3d.com/i/software/daz_studio3?_m=d)
DAZ Studio is a free, feature rich 3D figure design and 3D animation tool that enables anyone to create stunning digital imagery. This is the perfect tool to design unique digital art and animation using virtual people, animals, props, vehicles, accessories, environments and more. Simply select your subject and/or setting, arrange accessories, setup lighting, and begin creating beautiful artwork.
http://www.daz3d.com/i/software/daz_studio3/download?_m=d

20. Gimp 2.6 (http://www.gimp.org)
GIMP is the GNU Image Manipulation Program. It is a freely distributed piece of software for such tasks as photo retouching, image composition and image authoring. It works on many operating systems, in many languages. (more... (http://www.gimp.org/about/introduction.html))
http://transact.dl.sourceforge.net/project/gimp-win/GIMP%20%2B%20GTK%2B%20%28stable%20release%29/GIMP%202.6.8%20%2B%20GTK%2B%202.16.6/gimp-2.6.8-i686-setup.exe

[Generator2013]

There's a free alternative to Restorator called 'Resourcer' by Anolis which is very easy to use and works without any problems as from its last update. My Restorator refuses to open some stuff inside my Explorer.exe but this works a absolute charm. It also has the ability to be controlled via batch scripts (which gives me idea's for new installers minus the hefty dll files being included :p ) and it's also open-source too.

Might be a good addition for the list Mark. ;)

http://www.codeplex.com/anolis

[Mr GRiM]

Thanks Sean, looks like a good program and supports x64, added to the list.

[rsvr85]

I reckon Logon Screen Rotator (2.1.0.2) (http://www.lukepaynesoftware.com/lsr/index.html) is worthy of a mention.
Windows 7 RC (7100) & above only.

[Mr GRiM]

I reckon Logon Screen Rotator (2.1.0.2) (http://www.lukepaynesoftware.com/lsr/index.html) is worthy of a mention.
Windows 7 RC (7100) & above only.


Thanks I will add it to the list, by the way you now have access to the chat box on the bottom of the home page ;)

[k_super]

Thank!!!

[Cashis]

Desktop Icon Toy 4.0 (http://www.idesksoft.com/)

Found this one a little while ago before the Official release of win7 and now they have updated it to 4.0 so it's improving, but i got to admit it really isn't for everyone and once you have installed it and had a play around and chucked your icons around ya get over it rather quickly (well i did).And also it cost dollars aswell however they do give out a free trial, so give it a shot if ya bored. :roflmao:

[Mbrys331]

Logon Screen Rotator (2.1.0.2)

It's the best software that I have ever seen!

thank you

[dreamer567]

Thank you ALL for the useful software posts, very helpful ! :party2:

[Psych0t1c]

Any of you guys know a good mouse pointer editing software?

[nofx1994]

i use cursor fx to do all my cursors and you can also make your own cursors

http://www.stardock.com/products/cursorfx/

[Mr GRiM]

i use cursor fx to do all my cursors and you can also make your own cursors

http://www.stardock.com/products/cursorfx/

First post updated, thank you, I also added a link I found to download 150 themes for it.

[Psych0t1c]

i use cursor fx to do all my cursors and you can also make your own cursors

http://www.stardock.com/products/cursorfx/

Cool, thanks man.

[nofx1994]

i use cursor fx to do all my cursors and you can also make your own cursors

http://www.stardock.com/products/cursorfx/

First post updated, thank you, I also added a link I found to download 150 themes for it.


your welcome to the link and thanks for the 150 cursors i only have a few but this adds the my collection

[Psych0t1c]

Anyone use that new sid in the cursorfx folder? If so how long did it take for it to complete?

[Mr GRiM]

Don't use the CursorFX in the download unless you know what your doing as you might have to reinstall your OS if you do.

[starfox444]

Don't you need uxstyle or something similar for third party themes on win 7? Surprised that it's not listed.

[Mr GRiM]

Don't you need uxstyle or something similar for third party themes on win 7? Surprised that it's not listed.

VistaGlazz does the same thing ;) 37375

[yusrEx]

thanks 4 da list all..nice :cool:

[nofx1994]

Don't use the CursorFX in the download unless you know what your doing as you might have to reinstall your OS if you do.
I have never had any issues using cursor fx i have been using it since i was on xp and works great

[Mr GRiM]

Don't use the CursorFX in the download unless you know what your doing as you might have to reinstall your OS if you do.
I have never had any issues using cursor fx i have been using it since i was on xp and works great

Sorry I should have edited that, I was talking about in the download link I had up before for the themes, it had a cracked version of the program with it but the install method was a bit risky.

[nofx1994]

Don't use the CursorFX in the download unless you know what your doing as you might have to reinstall your OS if you do.
I have never had any issues using cursor fx i have been using it since i was on xp and works great

Sorry I should have edited that, I was talking about in the download link I had up before for the themes, it had a cracked version of the program with it but the install method was a bit risky.

No problem mr grim I just thought you was talking about the other one

[osman_2626]

Thanks ..
all good programs from each other

[Mr GRiM]

Am I allowed to post cracked software
*cough* PS CS4 extended, win 7 style builder, restorator 2007, hmm what else *cough*

Sorry not here you cant.

[xDCx]

K so i installed the IcoFX and boy am i lost. i have no idea how to use it. Ive never used anything like this. Im hoping to maybe learn how. So if anyone has any tips to get me started it would be very helpful. Thanks

[Mr GRiM]

K so i installed the IcoFX and boy am i lost. i have no idea how to use it. Ive never used anything like this. Im hoping to maybe learn how. So if anyone has any tips to get me started it would be very helpful. Thanks

They have some really nice tutorials on their site if you want to check them out, far better support then some paid programs have by the looks of it. http://icofx.ro/tutorials/tutorial1.html

[osman_2626]

VistaGlazz not understand
could not find what works: (

[Mr GRiM]

VistaGlazz not understand could not find what works: (


VistaGlazz is an alternative way to enable Custom Themes so if you have already patched your system files with something else you will not need it.

[osman_2626]

Daz Studio3 serial ?
cd key ?

[Mr GRiM]

Please do not ask for serials/keys on this site thank you.

[Neofolis]

Is it worth mentioning any of the shell replacements available, like Litestep. I realise they are more like replacing Windows than customizing it, but they still allow you to customize the appearance and functionality of a Windows based system.

[alienfear]

and Here's More Customizing Your OS:

Your Home for Windows 7 themes, Vista themes, and XP themes, skins Wallpapers, dreamscenes, icons,
and everything you need to customize your pc.
www.wincustomize.com (http://www.wincustomize.com)

[Mr GRiM]

and Here's More Customizing Your OS:

Your Home for Windows 7 themes, Vista themes, and XP themes, skins Wallpapers, dreamscenes, icons,
and everything you need to customize your pc.
http://www.wincustomize.com


Your much more likely to break your windows 7 with their crapware, I have tried many of their products and they always cause problems for me and end up with me doing a fresh install or System restore if I am lucky enough to find out in time.

[sete]

Thank you for all these good product!! :cool:

[IRISH VANDAL]

Hello,
WOW, Great work to all at VirtualCustoms. I am a novice to say the least and have tweaked and tweaked with what little i knew about. This just put the shine in the game. And Mr. GRiM, mad kudos. Ur themes, icons and desktops are ice cream. Cant figure out how u Glass the Explorer the way you do. I cant find anything on Glass'ing the start menu, etc. If u got links to toolz or tut's i would be :f: . Again, great work.
This is one suggestion I didnt see up.

Display Fusion - http://www.displayfusion.com/
Handlez dual monitor wallpaperz plus........
Maybe u guyz know of something better. Makes me happy.

I throw this next one up only cause i have used it since WinRC and has never let me down in any fashion. But, i will be testing out Logon Screen Rotator.

LogonStudio - http://www.stardock.com/products/logonstudio/

Hope its worthy. lol. look forward to testing some of this out and polishing my Win7 to the fullest.

Sin,
IRISH VANDAL

[IRISH VANDAL]

and Here's More Customizing Your OS:

Your Home for Windows 7 themes, Vista themes, and XP themes, skins Wallpapers, dreamscenes, icons,
and everything you need to customize your pc.
http://www.wincustomize.com


Your much more likely to break your windows 7 with their crapware, I have tried many of their products and they always cause problems for me and end up with me doing a fresh install or System restore if I am lucky enough to find out in time.

I honestly do not like co-signing onto ppl much but I have to agree as well. The only things that seems to be worthy are wallz and only after a very scrutinized scan. Just keep searchin around and u will find little jewelz like VC here. Wish I had found VC like, years ago. lol.

[ArtemisFowlXX]

Thanks for these great softwares! They helped me alot! :happy:

[raziell]

Thanks..:cheeky:

[RedDesires]

What a wonderful and yet simply explained list of assets. Looks like Red is going to get some new "toys" to play with, hehe. Thank you for taking the time out and explaining this for us new peoples :)

[jhgenius01]

This list is getting a little old though, 5 years ago can make a difference.
I'd like to add a few points.

Someone made a Resource Hacker FX that fixes many of the issues in Resource Hacker's final release:
http://rammichael.com/resource-hacker-fx
This is what I like to use.

Also, IcoFx no longer exists as free software, I'd get the last free version v1.6.4. Search it up from somewhere.

If there was one program I'd put on there that isn't there already, it's Rainmeter. Far more dynamic than Windows Gadgets, it can really add a whole lot of data, buttons etc to your desktop.

[Magengar]

Resource Hacker has just been updated to version 4.2.5 (17 Aug 2015), in case anyone is interested...

http://www.angusj.com/resourcehacker/