Changing Windows Vista to Look Like Windows XP
DESCRIPTION
I now use Windows 7 which runs just as good as Xp.
I had switched from Vista to Xp because its so much faster.
This Instructable will explain the process of changing Windows Vista and making it look like Windows XP. This covers changing the log-in screen, the computers theme, changing the mouse cursor style, and customizing other little features. Let me know if I miss something and comment, as this is my first instructable.
Attached is the official Windows XP Bliss wallpaper.
Windows Vista doesn't allow you to change the theme to ones non certified by Microsoft. To work around this, you have to replace the system theme .dll files. This can easily be done by using VistaGlazz from Code Gazer.
1. Download and Install VistaGlazz.
2. Launch VistaGlazz and choose the first option, patch system files.
3. Reboot your computer at the prompt.
4.Download the Luna(XP) theme from deviantART user =Satukoro
5. Copy/Extract the Luna Blue Folder to C:\Windows\Resources\Themes
6. Right-click on the desktop and choose personalize.
7. Select Windows Color and Apperance.
8. Choose Luna -Blue and select apply.
You now should have a similar desktop to the one in the second picture. The first picture shows the desktop before applying the theme.
Using a program called LogonStudio Vista, you can use any image as the background for the login screen.
1. Download and Install LogonStudio Vista.
2. Download and save the attached file called Windows XP.logonvista
3. Open LogonStudio. Choose load and find the windows xp.logonvista file.
4. Press the apply button. It will lock the computer to show you the new backround.
This is a Windows Xp background that I modified to fit the Windows Vista logon screen.
Attachments
The Windows XP cursor and the hour glass is easily brought back.
1. Right-click the desktop and choose Personalize.
2. Click Mouse Pointers.
3. Choose "None" from the menu.
4. Click Apply.
In Windows Xp's Windows Explorer, the folder name and icon was displayed in the title bar.
Bring them back by using a program called Aero Bar.
1. Download the attached file AeroBarIco.exe
2. Save in Startup folder in Start Menu.
3. Double Click it to run.
Placing it in the Startup folder starts it when windows starts, not needing to run it everytime.
Attachments
User Account Control may be one of the most annoying features of Vista. Using a program called Tweak UAC, you can choose the level of annoyance.
1. Download and run Tweak UAC.
2. Choose your level. I personally use Quiet Mode, which doesn't prompt adminstrative accounts at all, but leaves it on for other accounts.