How to Apply Custom Themes in Windows 7

[Mr GRiM]

How to Apply Custom Themes in Windows 7

For a video tutorial on how to do this please visit this thread: http://virtualcustoms.net/showthread.php/37747-How-to-patch-windows-7-to-allow-3rd-party-themes-and-apply-themes-video-tutorial
This will show you how to apply a custom theme from deviantART as your theme in Windows 7.

Here's How:

1. First you will need to click on the Download button below to download and install either the 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) patcher (auto installer) for your 32-bit or 64-bit Windows 7.

http://virtualcustoms.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=58272&d=1347120511


2. When downloaded, unrar the file using WinRar or similar, and run the exe.

3. Select your user interface language

http://i53.tinypic.com/aysytz.png (http://i53.tinypic.com/aysytz.png)

4. Click OK


5. Then click yes when this box appear.

http://i55.tinypic.com/1zqg5rl.png (http://i55.tinypic.com/1zqg5rl.png)

6. Then you need to patch these 3 files (As you see i already have mine patched) Click the patch outside each file, after patching them all reboot.

http://i52.tinypic.com/2jcaw6c.png (http://i52.tinypic.com/2jcaw6c.png)

7. Now you need a custom theme, there's a lot of those here on the site so just find one you like http://virtualcustoms.net/virtualcustoms/images/smilies/61576.gif (http://virtualcustoms.net/virtualcustoms/images/smilies/61576.gif)


You can also find more themes on Deviantart, but make sure they work with windows 7.
They need to be unzipped first.

8. Now navigate to the Windows folder, find the folder called resources and click on the themes folder. (C:\Windows\Resources\Themes)

These are the files that has to be placed in the folder:
http://i53.tinypic.com/2wlzhis.png (http://i53.tinypic.com/2wlzhis.png)

9. Then paste the folder and theme provided, then the theme should appear in your personalization menu

Note: The files are not named the same in all themes. It’s different from theme to theme. What you need to place in the resources folder is a .theme file and the folder with the same name (the folder is where the msstyles is in)
Also, in most themes there are only 2 files (a folder and a theme file), but in some cases there can be more. The process is the same though, you will just have more variants of the theme available via the personalization menu.

Good luck http://virtualcustoms.net/virtualcustoms/images/smilies/507376.gif (http://virtualcustoms.net/virtualcustoms/images/smilies/507376.gif)

[Cashis]

:D Nice job mate. :)

[Twisted-Devil]

Nice turtorial m8 :)

[rottweilerjocke]

Ok thx for all helpfull tip.. but the problem for is.. the toolbar below dosen´t change its the same boring window 7 or vista,,

[Starbuckpga]

***Careful with Windows 7 Enterprise***

I download the patch utility. Patched all three files, rebooted, then on the login screen it says please wait, so I do, then about 20 seconds later screen goes black, then comes back and it will do this over and over again. The blue default login screen for Windows 7 is visible for 5 seconds, then screen goes black for 2 seconds, and a repeat cycle. Could not get logged into Windows to undo changes.

Luckily I had a restore point and restored my system back using Ghost 15. So I tried again to see if that was the actual issue causing it, sure enough same thing happened again. So if you have Windows 7 Enterprise installed, this will crash the system and does not work.

Any alternatives to try by chance? Thanks.

[Mr GRiM]

***Careful with Windows 7 Enterprise***

I download the patch utility. Patched all three files, rebooted, then on the login screen it says please wait, so I do, then about 20 seconds later screen goes black, then comes back and it will do this over and over again. The blue default login screen for Windows 7 is visible for 5 seconds, then screen goes black for 2 seconds, and a repeat cycle. Could not get logged into Windows to undo changes.

Luckily I had a restore point and restored my system back using Ghost 15. So I tried again to see if that was the actual issue causing it, sure enough same thing happened again. So if you have Windows 7 Enterprise installed, this will crash the system and does not work.

Any alternatives to try by chance? Thanks.

You could try VistaGlazz but I don't know how much luck you will have with that because I think it changes the same system files, or there is another method to custom themes that doesn't involve changing any system files.

VistaGlazz [dl:3lrdrd13]http://www.codegazer.com/vistaglazz/[/dl:3lrdrd13]

Enable Without Changing System Files Tutorial (http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/34579-enabling-custom-themes-windows-7-a.html)

[venom30]

***Careful with Windows 7 Enterprise***

I download the patch utility. Patched all three files, rebooted, then on the login screen it says please wait, so I do, then about 20 seconds later screen goes black, then comes back and it will do this over and over again. The blue default login screen for Windows 7 is visible for 5 seconds, then screen goes black for 2 seconds, and a repeat cycle. Could not get logged into Windows to undo changes.

Luckily I had a restore point and restored my system back using Ghost 15. So I tried again to see if that was the actual issue causing it, sure enough same thing happened again. So if you have Windows 7 Enterprise installed, this will crash the system and does not work.

Any alternatives to try by chance? Thanks.



http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/34579-enabling-custom-themes-windows-7-a.html

I got the same problem llike Starbuckpga(i got Win7 Ultimate though). So i tried Mr GRiM's Link, but i didn't help either. When somebody knows something else, tell me please.

[skofild]

CAN YOU HELP ME.....HOW TO UNINSTALL THE THEME IN WINDOWS 7 PLEASE :idk:

[imported_corek]

Hi and thanks for the "How To". But were do you find these 3 files SiCo,SiCo small, SiCo Big. I don't understand what to do here. I go to Themes\resources and then what.

[EpicSmallz]

Every time I install a theme, everything goes to windows classic except for the background. What do I do?
NVM, I fixed it.
I thought I patched all of the files, but only 1 of them was.

[pankin]

where are these sico files???

[ArmaTheGreek]

I uninstalled a theme but the folder icons remained the same and it does not go back to it's original or default icon. Everything went back to normal except for the folder icon. Any suggestion guys?

[bgjerlow designs]

ArmaTheGreek » Fri Sep 10, 2010 6:12 am
I uninstalled a theme but the folder icons remained the same and it does not go back to it's original or default icon. Everything went back to normal except for the folder icon. Any suggestion guys?
How did you uninstall?

[ArmaTheGreek]

Hi, I used se7en theme source patcher v0.2 to install themes and clicked on restore and restart my system I think twice then everything seems back to normal except for the icon which is still black, some folder I can change them manually back to default by going to properties but some doesn't have customize option.

[bgjerlow designs]

Hi, I used se7en theme source patcher v0.2 to install themes and clicked on restore and restart my system I think twice then everything seems back to normal except for the icon which is still black, some folder I can change them manually back to default by going to properties but some doesn't have customize option.
I'm sorry but i have no knowledge regarding 7tsp. You could either try to contact Fixit (memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=11260 (http://virtualcustoms.net/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=11260)) the author of 7tsp, via a private message or post in this thread viewtopic.php?f=105&t=2018&start=0 (http://virtualcustoms.net/viewtopic.php?f=105&t=2018&start=0)

Hopefully someone with more knowledge of 7tsp will assist you asap :)

[ArmaTheGreek]

Thank sergio! Ok I will contact fixit. thanks again :)

[bgjerlow designs]

Thank sergio! Ok I will contact fixit. thanks again :)
You're welcome ;)

[Mazda]

Thanks, this little apps helped me a lot !!!!!!

[Eyael]

hello guys !

first, i've to say u're themes are awesome !

but, i've downloaded some themes, i've put them in the correct window folder.

Then, i've applied them, and for all themes, all is ok : background, buttons, icons.... all except the toolbar on the bottom.
i've always the traditionnal toolbar of windows, even the colors have changed, but not the style.
Can u help me ? i've the same problem with all themes (for exemple Cogg and Call of duty)

sorry for my english :P

Thanks

[SilentShadow]

Some themes don't have custom taskbars... so first make sure the theme does have a custom style taskbar first

[Mr GRiM]

hello guys !

first, i've to say u're themes are awesome !

but, i've downloaded some themes, i've put them in the correct window folder.

Then, i've applied them, and for all themes, all is ok : background, buttons, icons.... all except the toolbar on the bottom.
i've always the traditionnal toolbar of windows, even the colors have changed, but not the style.
Can u help me ? i've the same problem with all themes (for exemple Cogg and Call of duty)

sorry for my english :P

Thanks

Are you able to use Aero transparency or are you running your themes in Basic, most of my themes are made to be used with Basic as well as Aero but sadly most themers do not skin those parts for basic so start menus and taskbars will still appear as default.

Try using Deathstar, Concept Design or Annihilator and see how you go with those.

[Eyael]

Hey !
thanks man, it was that the pb,
i've successfully installed the theme annihilator with 7tsp, it's awesome, and my toolbar has now the right style !!!

Do you if there is a tutorial somewhere explaining the differents steps to do my own theme ?

thanks again !

[bgjerlow designs]

Hey !
thanks man, it was that the pb,
i've successfully installed the theme annihilator with 7tsp, it's awesome, and my toolbar has now the right style !!!

Do you if there is a tutorial somewhere explaining the differents steps to do my own theme ?

thanks again !
Well, we have 2 of those. One is via using Restorator, and another one is by using this software: http://www.vistastylebuilder.com/windows7.html
You can't change things as font colors, background colors etc. using the restorator method though, so i advice you to try WSB/VSB

http://virtualcustoms.net/showthread.php/27561-Theme-Customize-custom-themes
http://virtualcustoms.net/showthread.php/28810-Complete-Guide-to-Theme-Building

[selluminis]

okay, i have patched the 3 files it says to patch. I have downloaded armageddon: clash of the titans from razorsedge. I cannot find any of the file it is saying to find in the contents of the download. I have pasted the theme folder into thems and it will only change the wallpaper. What can I be missing?

[selluminis]

okay, update. i got the windows to all change. none of the icons have changed nor do i have the dock or anything else. where do I put those folders to get them to work?

[danilobeba]

I did everyting you said..its better now..but stil its not full trans..why? :crying: :crying:

[bgjerlow designs]

I did everyting you said..its better now..but stil its not full trans..why? :crying: :crying:
Cuz you need a 3rd party application like fullglass.exe to do that ;)
See this thread, it pretty much tells you what to do: http://virtualcustoms.net/showthread.php/27857-Full-Glass-Windows-Seven

[danilobeba]

I did everyting you said..its better now..but stil its not full trans..why? :crying: :crying:


Cuz you need a 3rd party application like fullglass.exe to do that ;)
See this thread, it pretty much tells you what to do: http://virtualcustoms.net/showthread.php/27857-Full-Glass-Windows-Seven
THANK YOU MAN VERY MUCH!! :happy:

[danilobeba]

I did everyting you said..its better now..but stil its not full trans..why? :crying: :crying:


Cuz you need a 3rd party application like fullglass.exe to do that ;)
See this thread, it pretty much tells you what to do: http://virtualcustoms.net/showthread.php/27857-Full-Glass-Windows-Seven


THANK YOU MAN VERY MUCH!! :happy:
Bro..can you tell me why when i open mozzila or some other browser...he is not transparent? :unhappy:

[bgjerlow designs]

I did everyting you said..its better now..but stil its not full trans..why? :crying: :crying:


Cuz you need a 3rd party application like fullglass.exe to do that ;)
See this thread, it pretty much tells you what to do: http://virtualcustoms.net/showthread.php/27857-Full-Glass-Windows-Seven


THANK YOU MAN VERY MUCH!! :happy:


Bro..can you tell me why when i open mozzila or some other browser...he is not transparent? :unhappy:
Fullglass.exe only effects the Windows theme, not applications like Firefox or Photoshop ;)

[Xeno Templar]

great, easy to follow "how to" guide, thank you

[ezfanpage]

Hai guys,

First of all i just want to say great job in all the customize theme.
You guys really rocks and your contribution are highly appreciated.

Anyway i wanted to ask 1 question as i'm having problem at the moment.
I already download Concave Theme by Grim and i also have download the UniversalThemePatcher.
All the files have been copied to the right destination.

But the problem is when i want to click for the Personalize Menu, i notice i don't have that option.
Tried couple of time right clicked my mouse but i only can see Screen Resolution and Gadgets but NOT Personalize Menu.

I'm using Windows 7 Home Basic Edition, does that got to do anything with this?
If yes, how can i use the Concave theme without need to upgrade my Windows?
But if i still need to upgrade to any version such as Professional or Business, please advice me how to do so.

Looking forward for your help and i really appreciate the time for you to read this.

Thanks in advance.

Cheers!

[bgjerlow designs]

Hai guys,

First of all i just want to say great job in all the customize theme.
You guys really rocks and your contribution are highly appreciated.

Anyway i wanted to ask 1 question as i'm having problem at the moment.
I already download Concave Theme by Grim and i also have download the UniversalThemePatcher.
All the files have been copied to the right destination.

But the problem is when i want to click for the Personalize Menu, i notice i don't have that option.
Tried couple of time right clicked my mouse but i only can see Screen Resolution and Gadgets but NOT Personalize Menu.

I'm using Windows 7 Home Basic Edition, does that got to do anything with this?
If yes, how can i use the Concave theme without need to upgrade my Windows?
But if i still need to upgrade to any version such as Professional or Business, please advice me how to do so.

Looking forward for your help and i really appreciate the time for you to read this.

Thanks in advance.

Cheers!


Yeah, the Home Basic edition is one of the most stripped versions of Windows 7, so it doesn't come with Aero and the personalization menu (and many other things)

Your best bet would be to upgrade to home premium or higher. You can do it very easily though via Windows Anytime Upgrade: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/wind ... me-upgrade (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows7/products/features/windows-anytime-upgrade)

If i remember right, Windows Anytime Upgrade is also a lot cheaper than if you have to go out in a store and buy a new complete version of Windows 7.

[ezfanpage]

Yeah, the Home Basic edition is one of the most stripped versions of Windows 7, so it doesn't come with Aero and the personalization menu (and many other things)

Your best bet would be to upgrade to home premium or higher. You can do it very easily though via Windows Anytime Upgrade: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/wind ... me-upgrade (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows7/products/features/windows-anytime-upgrade)

If i remember right, Windows Anytime Upgrade is also a lot cheaper than if you have to go out in a store and buy a new complete version of Windows 7.

Ok this is weird...
I installed Tune Up Utilities for my laptop (in the W7 Home Basic of course) and i play around with it for 10 minutes.
Then i saw there is a function in the Tune Up for Windows Appearance Setup and i simply click it.
Come to my shock i saw there is 2 files inside which is Aero and Concave, hence i simple click on Concave.

Wallaaa...and now my Windows Theme have been changed to Concave Theme (by Mr. Grimm) but except for the background picture.
But that is ok because the background picture can easily be change in the Window background setting...anyway its working with Tune Up Utilities.
I got all the Concave Theme with the black design and later i wanted to try other team by you guys.

Now the only problem is i need to change the icon set which i downloaded from Mr.Grimm which is the Blue Glass Set.
Would you be kind enough to guide me on how to change my current dull icon to the Blue Glass Icon Set?

Your help would really be appreciated and thanks in advance for the time to read my post.

Cheers.

[bgjerlow designs]

Yeah, the Home Basic edition is one of the most stripped versions of Windows 7, so it doesn't come with Aero and the personalization menu (and many other things)

Your best bet would be to upgrade to home premium or higher. You can do it very easily though via Windows Anytime Upgrade: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/wind ... me-upgrade (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows7/products/features/windows-anytime-upgrade)

If i remember right, Windows Anytime Upgrade is also a lot cheaper than if you have to go out in a store and buy a new complete version of Windows 7.


Ok this is weird...
I installed Tune Up Utilities for my laptop (in the W7 Home Basic of course) and i play around with it for 10 minutes.
Then i saw there is a function in the Tune Up for Windows Appearance Setup and i simply click it.
Come to my shock i saw there is 2 files inside which is Aero and Concave, hence i simple click on Concave.

Wallaaa...and now my Windows Theme have been changed to Concave Theme (by Mr. Grimm) but except for the background picture.
But that is ok because the background picture can easily be change in the Window background setting...anyway its working with Tune Up Utilities.
I got all the Concave Theme with the black design and later i wanted to try other team by you guys.

Now the only problem is i need to change the icon set which i downloaded from Mr.Grimm which is the Blue Glass Set.
Would you be kind enough to guide me on how to change my current dull icon to the Blue Glass Icon Set?

Your help would really be appreciated and thanks in advance for the time to read my post.

Cheers.
Well that's good news then. I have never used TuneUp myself for applying themes, so didn't know it was possible.

Anyways, your best bet for the icons would to either use the installer for it, or the installer for 7tsp. I'm not sure they work with SP1 though, you'll have to ask Mr. GRiM about that.

[HaCkthEplAneT]

the 7tsp packs will work with sp1 without a hitch. the other packs with the "command line" installer will probably not work since the file version is different. i would use the 7tsp packs that way you don't muck up your system.

[_Deano_]

av been using cmd installers with sp1 had no problems :)

edit: just installed X64_Black_Glass_Icons_Installer cmd , with sp1 works fine

[HaCkthEplAneT]

av been using cmd installers with sp1 had no problems :)

edit: just installed X64_Black_Glass_Icons_Installer cmd , with sp1 works fine

i have had the command line installers work as well on sp1 ;) but this might not be the case for everyone. imo 7tsp is the safer way to go. and thats my personal preference as well. i am not saying that it won't work, but the chance of it not working is a lot greater than using 7tsp. :)

[_Deano_]

av always found cmd way alot easier :laughing:

[pijatron]

this is why i love this comunity .....

[IN3IRTIA]

Thanks alot for this, i just got a new computer and completely forgot the name of the program for this

[spenny57]

thank you good Sunday ......

Translated

Please Post In English Or Provide The Translation

Thanks

VC Staff

[Exile]

recently just joined up and was somewhat confused, but this tutorial has made it easier to understand how to apply the custom themes so thank you :)

[opheliacroses]

Thank you very much

[IceBabee]

Great tutorial.......! Thank you for posting it :)

[shaunfree]

thanks mr grim 4 info very helpful

[easymorte]

SOOOO GLAD i found this site!!!!!!

[holycowbatman]

Any chance someone would be willing to help me? Have followed all the steps but only the cursors and some icons are loading from the Caselabs theme :(

[Harvey Sewdin]

Any chance someone would be willing to help me? Have followed all the steps but only the cursors and some icons are loading from the Caselabs theme :(


Can you check all the steps again to be sure. Have you patched your system files and installed theme resource changer? Here's a video tutorial if that helps:
http://virtualcustoms.net/showthread.php/37747-How-to-patch-windows-7-to-allow-3rd-party-themes-and-apply-themes-video-tutorial

If it still doesn't work, a screenshot would be helpful.

Also, make sure to use the Windows 7 version of the theme on Windows 7.
The 8/8.1 version won't work on Win7.

[holycowbatman]

Can you check all the steps again to be sure. Have you patched your system files and installed theme resource changer? Here's a video tutorial if that helps:


If it still doesn't work, a screenshot would be helpful.

Also, make sure to use the Windows 7 version of the theme on Windows 7.
The 8/8.1 version won't work on Win7.
Definitely will try to install again after I clean all the files. Included the the location of the files in the screenshot and the patcher information. I'll follow up if I do anything that makes it work but as of now just the icons and cursor kick in when applying themes.

[Korlion123]

Looks interesting

[SadMah]

Hello Mr GRiM,
would you be kind enough to help me as follows:
After applying "Mechanoid" theme, the STAR button is not correctly positioned as screenshot attached.

Thanks in advance.78172

[Levi Vladimir]

Try to install this theme - http://virtualcustoms.net/showthread.php/33491-Mechanoid-Theme?highlight=Mechanoid .
Has the button size changed?

[SadMah]

Sorry.... it's still the same.
I'm using Win 7 Home Pre 64bit.