Windows Themes - Help

You need WindowBlinds.
Version 5 to be exact to make sure you get the upmost and have your desktop looking as close to that picture as possible. Previous versions doesn't have certain support, but they might still work.
 
shows what happened when I managed to get version 5 running here. For any unknown file extension you can try double clicking on the file itself and wait for the pop up window to ask if you want to search the web for the appropiate program to open it with. The file's format is most likely one where WindowBlinds will set it as the background by it's own tools found in the settings for skins option.
 
sm100378 said:
Hi,

I am trying to install the GT3 windows them, located here:

http://www.wincustomize.com/ViewSkin.aspx?SkinID=4617&LibID=1


However, when I download the winrar zip, then pull the files, I get a folder and a file, and in the folder is just letters of the alphabet and the one file is an unknown extension. Any ideas on how to install this?

Thank you in advance!
Click to expand...

@sm100378: I downloaded the skin from the link you gave and when I unzipped the file, I have the .wba file for windowblinds and a folder with a lot of .bmp files. I don't see what you mean with the letters of the alphabet.

Anyway, if you have WindowBlinds installed, then the .wba file should be shown to belong to that program and when double-clicking it, WindowBlinds will ask you to confirm if you want to install that skin (as PC eye in this thread already mentioned).

I tried using WindowBlinds (free version) in the past on many occasions (over a period of a few years) but I always kept having problems with it until my computer finally just about crashed (black screen and bye-bye). I managed to go back to a winxp restore point, uninstalled windowblinds and have had no problems since then. I don't plan on messing with that again.

If WindowBlinds doesn't work for you, there are other ways of installing visual styles; however, there are not as many out there as there are for WindowBlinds. I wish WB had worked for me because there are some cool styles out there. I was hesitant to spend the 20 bucks on it if the free versions weren't even working properly.


@Mods: Is patching the uxtheme.dll to allow third-party msstyles something that can be talked about here? It seems like it would be ok, but I just wanted to ask beforehand. I know Microsoft has been asked this question more than once as to whether or not future versions of this dll will allow more flexibility for third-party msstyles. Of course the MS answer was vague.
 
Themepatcher is fine for patching the uxtheme's and it's fine to talk about it here. Had done numerously in the past and nothing happened.
 
I've used the WindowBlinds free version and the version 5 and didn't have any problems (except occasional skin incompatibility). I love WindowBlinds :)
 
At least someone is having good results with it. When run here briefly as you saw the skins could be only be used for windows and not the desktop. That may have more to do with firewall and other settings for the ATI model video card used here. Generally I keep the desktop basic to free up memory for other things. Icons on task bars get hidden as well. WindowBlinds did look like a good program for a customized desktop appearance however. The back drop and task bar posted where created by WindowBlinds when the skins wouldn't go on. But that was probably a minor glitch.
 
Everytime I reboot/turn on my computer the one and only pop up screen I receive on my desktop is the windowblinds notification of days left and about upgrading.

1) What happens after the "free trial"?

2) Is there a way to not have the pop up screen appear and not upgrade and continue to use WB after the 60 days?


Thanks!
 
I'm not really sure what happens after the 60-day trial of WindowBlinds 5 BUT I do know that you can still continue using older versions of WindowBlinds (3 or 4, I think) after the free trial. The pop-up won't go away, though.

Older versions wouldn't support fancy effects like glass or glow, but they work with many other good skins.
 
As in most cases once the amount of time specified runs out you either buy the full retail package or uninstall the product. The idea of shareware like this is to allow you the chance to give it try to see if you will later buy the full version. In some softwares you can download another trial after a period of time. But the one thing commonly looked for here when not planning a retail package is to run a good search for freewares that have no expiration date as long you agree to the terms of use. If you want this program to last then the best thing is to shop around for the best price on the full version.
 
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