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(UPDATED) GET ORIGINAL VISTA SNIPPING TOOL, STICKY NOTES, INKBALL GAMES, TEXAS HOL'DEM + WINDOWS JOURNAL HERE ON XP(Get Vista / Windows 7 Snipping Tool on XP) Note: Btw to get more Vista and Windows 7 applications and features on XP then you can please also visit: List of Most Vista Applications and Features for Xp and 2003 (Created by me too): -> Very Recommended for every Xp / 2003 users to enhance and transform Windows Xp into Vista and Windows 7 completely, for both GUI and usability: http://www.wincert.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=4594 ========================================== Note: Recommended: About Inking/Handwriting with recognition technologies (also for speech one as well) in Desktop PC and Laptop -> To emulate Tablet PC Behavior in PC/Laptop: Although you can still use conventional/standard Mouse (with its limitation, of course), but to make handwriting and inking more easier and better in PC/Laptop (non-Tablet) with Xp Pro/Home/MCE, then you can better use Mouse Pen Tablet Hardware for PC (recommended, e.g the ones from Wacom and Genius) which you can get only for less than $60, much cheaper than real Tablet PC, but can "convert" your Desktop/Laptop to "Tablet" too These uploads can be updated/enhanced anytime by me without previous notice. So please don't hesitate to post/ask question here, i'd like to help/make it clear for you. It's also good to have some other Tablet PC components on Xp (Pro, Home, MCE etc) desktop like Vista and Windows 7 by default: http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=21199 Download Vista / Windows 7 Icons for TIP, Journal, Sticky Notes, Inkball (XP Tablet PC Applications): http://www.4shared.com/file/131121973/3bdfa356/Vista_7_Icons_for_TIP_Journal_Inkball_Sticky_Notes.html ================================================= It's also more helpful than mouse if you're a Graphic Designer (by using some apps such as Corel Painter or Photoshop etc), especially when you're working with PC/Conventional Laptop. Alternatively you can just switch between them (Mouse and Mouse Pen) i.e when you're working, so you can still enhance your PC more better by having both Mouse and Mouse Pen without missing the old Mouse in your Desktop/Laptop at all... ================================================= Hello everybody. Sorry for long time to upload, because i had some troble with my Internet Connection, now it's been fixed. OK, this is my first upload, please correct me if something wrong. They were previously some Windows Vista-only components but now have been ported successfully on Xp. They all are oginally ported from Windows Vista RTM-6.0.6000 (EDIT : except Snipping Tool that came from Vista Beta 2-6.0.5384.4), neither of Xp Tablet PC nor other resources.I tried them successfully on my Xp MCE 2005 SP2/SP3 and also works on other Xp editions such as Xp Pro and Home SP2/SP3 as well. please give them a try and let me know. further information about how to install is included on each zip package (How to install...txt) Requirements : Windows Xp All Versions (Home, Pro, MCE) Sp2/Sp3 (not tested yet on Server 2003. Please tell me here if you have, for update...) Prerequisites : 1. Alky 1.1 with Vista Premium/Ultimate license (bind to product key) and Vista DVD Media/Partition. Download Alky 1.1 for Xp : http://fromvistatoxp.com/builds/1.1/alky_1...8-000051_xp.rar Download Alky 1.1 for Windows Server 2003 : http://fromvistatoxp.com/builds/1.1/alky_1...-000051_2k3.rar Important: Because it's not like Windows Sidebar (doesnt require any specific Vista License),but Snipping Tool, inkball, and sticky notes (as well as Texas Hold'em for Ultimate license only) are only supported by Vista non Basic such as Ultimate and premium edition (Tablet PC component/support doesnt exist on Vista Basic). Please read Alky Guide on "C:\Program Files\Alky for Applications\Documentation\manual.pdf". I recommend only Vista Ultimate key as it can support more apps (like Texas Hold'em), and it's "more acceptable". Dont Worry, you dont have to provide something like new unused Vista Ultimate Key here, but only "Valid/Generic/OEM/Retail" key (even the "OEM" one is not unique and "easy" to get...i think you all should already know how to... Please do not ever talk about "warez" serial here and Google is your best friend for that...lol...so easy), because you're not required to activate new Vista OS here. No any legal issue. You should also have Vista DVD media or Vista partition. (EDIT : See below, you don't need them anymore!!) If you have installed Alky previously without Vista License, you have to uninstall it, then reinstall with Vista license (Serial and Vista DVD Media or partition) to re-register the binaries and drivers. Dont worry usually your system wont be messed up (thanks to Alky Team for their Good Installer) About Vista Serial, again, i recommend just using Vista Ultimate Serial (because it can support all included Texas Hold'em), just find it. and again, If you still dont have your own Ultimate key, I just tell you all for example even the Vista OEM Ultimate serial is not unique/personal! And Google is your friend...so easy...lol. etc. HOW TO INSTALL ALKY WITH VISTA SERIAL (BETTER WAY) : Thanks to Ricktendo for this info and uploading (See his original post below): You dont need a Vista DVD to install Alky with license, just create a "sources" folder in the root of one of your hard drives example D:\sources and put these two files in it: [b]pidgenx.dll pkeyconfig.xrm-ms[/b] Download them (thx alot to Ricktendo for uploading): 394 kb http://www.mediafire.com/?549xdtjmm9j Mirror: http://www.4shared.com/file/93026000/20f68f7f/sources.html Easy Steps To install Alky with Vista Serial: 1) Download from link above, then extract/create "sources" folder that contains two downloaded files above to any drive/partition you want (e.g.: "D:\"). If you copy them to "D:\" , so the full path becomes "D:\sources", according to Ricktendo's explanation above or his post below). Of course you can also copy them to "C:\", or "F:\" later, just for example guys. 2) Run Alky Installer (you have to remove previous Alky before re-installing), then check "Bind to product key". Select the drive/partition that you placed the folder (e.g.: D:\ like above) Enter your Vista "Valid" Serial (Bind to Product Key) and , start installing. 3) Reboot (optional but recommended to re-register new drivers/binaries, registry, Alky Shell Extension etc), done! No more Vista DVD hell needed! bye! (thx again to Ricktendo, very practical mate!) 2. Internet Explorer 7 or higher-> Optional but Recommended (for some minor dependencies) Download : http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;DisplayLang=en 3. .Net Framework 1.1 or Higher (2.0, 3.0 ...) Some of them/choose one (The latest .net framework 3.5 has included all) : Download .net framework 1.1 : http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;DisplayLang=en Download .net framework 2.0 : http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;DisplayLang=en Download .net framework 3.5: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;DisplayLang=en etc.... 4. Windows Journal Viewer 1.5 - Required For Snipping Tool, Sticky Notes, Inkball (Tablet PC inking API), Note: Usually you don't need it if you already have Office 2003 / 2007 suite installed. Thanks to Cihan -because some TPC "down level" API ("inking" feature on inkball, Snipping Tool etc) is needed by the Apps to work properly on "normal" Xp. (Attention: you dont need and can't install it on Xp Tablet PC) Download: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;DisplayLang=en ============================= 5. Optional: Email desktop application -> Optional (not required for installing and running Snipping Tool), only to take advantage of Send to E-mail Feature on Windows Journal (send journal to email recipient as attachment - optional feature), such as Windows Live Mail, OE/Outlook Express, Outlook, Thunderbird, AOL etc. (At least you have already had OE already installed as built in Xp OS by default.) 6. Optional (not required for installing and running Snipping Tool): TPR/TRP (Tablet PC Recognizer Pack/Tablet Recognizer Pack) for Tablet PC recognition support: TPR is also called Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 Recognizer Pack/TRP (Tablet PC Edition 2005 Recognizer Pack requires Tablet PC SDK 1.7 must be installed before) - For gesture and Handwriting recognition APIs or libraries: Chinese (Traditional), Chinese (Simplified), U.S. English, U.K. English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish (Multilanguages/MUI): Though it contains "Tablet PC" name, you can still install TPR on Windows 2000 and all Windows Xp editions. Download TPR from Microsoft (Multilanguages-80 Mb): http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;displaylang=en - TPR lite English-US -> only 3,1 Mb: MD5 :3685DF4F5C9F938012A6C48B73D808AF Download : http://www.4shared.com/file/61605471/ef2a9...ishUSSetup.html - TPR lite English-UK -> only 2,86 Mb: MD5 : F3BF28CBBAC7D02E2303851D3154D4F3 Download : http://www.4shared.com/file/61606098/1dc90...ishUKSetup.html =========================================================================== OK, HERE THEY ARE : - Note: Make sure you have installed all prerequisites above before running the apps! (Zipped by WinZip 11, MD5 checksum by MD5 Check): 1). ORIGINAL VISTA SNIPPING TOOL for Xp (En-US/English), 211 kb > Fixed/Updated! File : "Ported Vista Windows Snipping Tool for Xp.zip", MD5: 77ee71fa909c5285ef36127b9a7f79d7 Download: http://www.4shared.com/file/57116402/e6edd...ool_for_Xp.html Ported Xp Tablet PC 2005 SnippingTool SP2 (2.0.2005.225) for Xp Pro/Home/MCE (If you are really a Snipping Tool lover, just get all versions of Snipping Tools instead of only one...lol). Xp Tablet PC 2005 Snipping Tool for Xp (all) Snipping Tool Xp Tablet PC ported to Xp: MD5 :89420AD54B9BD5FF6A560ABF9B011846 , 3,47 mb, guide etc included Download: http://www.4shared.com/file/57776726/88e9d...ProHomeMCE.html Prerequisites for Xp Tablet PC Snipping Tool 2005: - Tablet PC SDK 1.7 (for providing some/more Tablet PC API supports on "normal" Xp) Download: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;displaylang=en - .Net Famework 1.1 or higher (see link above) - Windows Journal Viewer 1.5 (see link above) - Email Client apps (optional, see above) - > (Optional/not required) Plug in For both Vista and Xp Tablet PC Snipping Tools : Snipping Tool Plug in for Windows Live Writer : (Requires .net framework 2.0 and Windows Live Writer 2008 installed). Also You should have a Hotmail/Windows Live ID to use it: http://home.live.com/ Note: i haven't tested it yet, possibly it works, but there's no guarantee, if you really need it then just give it a try : * Download the Snipping Tool plug in for Windows Live Writer (on Windows Live Gallery): http://gallery.live.com/liveItemDetail.asp...p;pl=8&bt=9 * Download Windows Live Writer 2008 (as part of Windows Live Suite/just a downloader): http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;displaylang=en * Download Windows Live Writer as offline stand alone installer 2008 (with Windows Live PhotoGallery, Live Mail, Messenger, etc!) -recommended for fast and backup/no "Live Downloader" anymore: http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19984 Download .net framework 2.0 > See the link above (also as prerequisites of the plug in) 2). ORIGINAL VISTA STICKY NOTES for Xp (En-US/English), 187 Kb. This is the original Vista Sticky Notes ported to Xp. No more words but enjoy! File : "Ported Vista Windows Sticky Notes for Xp.zip", MD5: b4f61d65ae7caad3248525ed60be01be Download: http://www.4shared.com/file/57116688/cd656...tes_for_Xp.html - EXTRA : NEW!-ALTERNATIVE (SIMILAR) STICKY NOTES : (Doesnt need Alky installed). Xp Tablet PC Sticky Notes ported) to Xp non Tablet PC (Home/Pro/MCE), Only requires .net framework 1.1 or higher (see the link above). Very Similar UI (user interface) with Vista version, otherwise only have less feature than Vista one though. But Help files included (Vista version not). Just for alternative/as additional. If you dont have any trouble with Alky, just download the original and better Vista Sticky Notes instead! File : "Ported Xp TPC Sticky Notes for Xp All.zip", only 1,190 KB / 1,19 mb (included help files and inking libraries) MD5: A78AC8694FCDAA5EC969703997B182F8 Download: http://www.4shared.com/file/58945181/71b81...for_Xp_All.html Xp Sticky Notes Installer (Newer version) -only 779 Kb: MD5: 26EFA3DFE1CC5A3304C6A261E5D2AA38 Download: http://www.4shared.com/file/73813082/8f867...ler_For_Xp.html 3). ORIGINAL VISTA INKBALL GAMES RTM for Xp (En-US/English), 311 Kb File : "Ported Vista Inkball Games for Xp.zip", MD5: f3ba8c6a17930857eec10d103a790aca Download: http://www.4shared.com/file/57124892/d39c2...mes_for_Xp.html - EXTRA : NEW!-ALTERNATIVE (SIMILAR) INKBALL : (Doesnt need Alky installed) Xp Tablet PC Inkball Games (ported) for Xp non Tablet PC (Home/Pro/MCE) Sp2 (the UI/User Interface is very similar with Vista version except only the cursor). doesnt need Alky/Vista serial. It has also been customized to mimic Vista 100% nearly similar or similar, except the hidden cursor (Vista inkball shows it as pen). To To show cursor : just hit ALT key once on keyboard, then click on the game to see the cursor. For Xp inkball, Original inkball Help files also included! (Vista inkball not, since Vista help file is different with Xp...) Prerequisites : Windows Journal Viewer 1.5 and .net framework 1.1 (or higher). links: see above. MD 5: 3ECA1D37C289D45EF263AB28E7DA84EF Download (only 697 kb included inkball help files .chm) http://www.4shared.com/file/58746265/c2af8...mes_for_XP.html 4). ORIGINAL VISTA ULTIMATE EXTRA (by request): TEXAS HOLD'EM (6.0.6000.17015-RTM) for Xp > Fixed!, 12,77 Mb It also requires Alky with Vista Ultimate "valid" serial as well. Fixed, Works perfectly on Xp. other prerequisites (IE7 and .net framework 3.0) still required. MD5: D014FFD289C46CAF62E5132B0AB818C0 Download : http://www.4shared.com/file/57478308/3c253...dem_for_Xp.html NOTE : a 64 bit Xp user (Running Fool) has reported Texas Hold'Em may or may not work on Xp 64 bit. Problem is still unsolved (otherwise it does works very well on 32 bit Xp indeed). EDIT: If it still doesnt work especially for Xp 64 bit environment try to repatch all Holdem dlls by using Alky context menu extension "patch Vista library" then last holdem.exe by "patch and run vista executable", all should be placed in same folder/default directory (%ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Games\holdem). This should be necessary to repatch PE headers and register all dll's and executables in registry. If still doesnt, just try to copy XInput9_1_0.dll (or rewrite/delete the old one) from Vista 64 bit system32 (system64? lol) to holdem directory and repatch them again. (NEW) WINDOWS JOURNAL FOR XP: Windows Journal "ported" to Xp like Vista: http://www.wincert.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=4276 Please Note: Since some app files might have been "patched" or "compressed" (packed) to work properly on another Xp OS editions etc and it might be a necessary effort for that beside the installing code itself, then some "false alarm" or "false positive" may happen to some clean exe installers/apps /installation process (rare) although they are actually clean and safe and does not pose a threat to your system.. The term false positive is used when antivirus software wrongly classifies an innocuous ( inoffensive ) file as a virus. The incorrect detection may be due to heuristics or to an incorrect virus signature in a database.Usually some great and famous antiviruses (such as Kaspersky, AVG, Norman, McAfee, etc) won't have the such problem so far bcoz they will work better. If that happens, then you can simply ignore it and continue installing as it's guaranteed actually 100% safe and clean by me. But again, it's still 100% your own choice and right to decide. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/ ALKY FOR APPLICATION PREREQUISITES (As original From Alky: manual.pdf): -Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 SP1 Redistributable Package (x86) http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...4d-389c36f85647 -Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/default.mspx -Wireless LAN API (KB918997) (Windows XP users only) http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...71-158EFD1ADA50 -Windows Media Player 11 (Windows Sidebar users only) http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsme...d/download.aspx -Microsoft National Language Support Downlevel APIs (bundled; no separate installation required) COMMON VISTA/TABLET PC API AND LIBRARIES FOR "NORMAL XP" (Only for the ported apps here- thx to Sull for reminding me): - Windows Journal Viewer (for almost/all ported applications here) - (see link above) - .Net Framework (Tablet PC platform) - (see link above) - Tablet PC SDK 1.7 (only for Xp Tablet PC 2005 Snipping Tool ported to Xp) - (see link above) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sorry for "very crowded" post and my very bad english (i am Indonesian). Hopefully clear and useful/helpful and good luck. If you want to create add ons of them etc, please feel free to do it. Thank you so much for your help, I will appreciate it so much! And feel free to redistribute them/re-upload them/share the download links etc, As i hope more people can download and enjoy them on Xp... I also give special credit to Codename83 for reuploading them because we are here for sharing our stuffs/knowledge/etc with each other, for free. Again, thx alot mate! Awesome, you rocks!!! Go to the link below for all the following vista softwares ported to xp, Note: To everybody here please only download only the Snipping Tool from the Link on my first post (this one here), since it's already been little updated and i have no idea and can't make sure that he's included the updated version or not in his own package coz i can't contact him anyways. No problem with other apps. Thanks for your attention and understanding... I also give special credit to my friend and mentor fediaFedia, for sharing them on Deviantart http://fediafedia.deviantart.com/art/Desk-...d-apps-95652796 . Thx alot, i am always ur loyal fan and friend!! I will also upload some of my other vista tools here in afew days. WinCert Rocks! cya later. CREDIT TO: Microsoft, MSDN, MVP, Code Project, Alky team (Rafael, Zoronax, Falling Leaf...thx alot), WinBeta, Deviantart, My Indonesian Friends in customization and programming language VB .Net, C etc in Win-Powertoy Farid, Guntour, Rudy, Jenny, Lina, Bro' Rachman (thx alot), Ricktendo, Cihan, Fedia Fedia (all who inspired me, thx alot), My master: Vishal Gupta (thx alot, you rocks!), some of my friends on other forums (thx alot!), and absolutely Wincert for this great Forum., and many people i cant mention, etc. Again, Many Thanks to you all! See you on Wincert... Some Screenshots : Vista Snipping Tool in Xp : Vista Sticky Notes in Xp : Vista Inkball Games RTM in Xp : Vista Ultimate Extra Texas Hold'Em in Xp: Tablet PC 2005 Snipping Tool in Xp Pro/Home: (Better) 3rd Party Alternatives for Snipping Tool for Xp: "SnagIt" and other 3rd parties etc Note: i know it's better application (seems doesn't support "inking" though) but i personally think $ 49.95 is too expensive for screen capturing, unless you are using some other better features of it... and all about "Vista to Xp" port might be cooler! Cya and Long live Xp ! ====================================================================== Recommended Link! - Get Vista File Viewer ( Vista Explorer Preview Pane ) "ported" to Xp HERE - Get Windows Vista Journal ( Windows Journal ) ported to Xp HERE - Get Tablet PC Input Panel ported to Xp Pro, Home, MCE + Convert/Upgrade Xp Pro/Home/MCE to Xp Tablet PC 2005 : HERE - List : Most Vista Applications and Features for Xp (Microsoft and 3rd parties). All from Vista to Xp, included Vista Ports (Recommended for all Xp and 2003 users) HERE - VistaXp theme by KOL for Windows Xp -> full MSStyles + wallpapers, only 2,9 Mb The coolest and most famous Vista-like VS / theme skin for Windows Xp. Even better than both Zune and Royal ones. Credits to KOL, i hope it's OK here. Download VistaXp theme skin for Xp (full): http://www.4shared.com/file/66166941/89880...Windows_Xp.html Additional: If you want to get more Vista Games that ported to Xp, please visit : http://jonnyw1989.wordpress.com/2007/01/31...-for-xp-update/ (Note: All of them are from Vista Beta, but look and behave as similar as Vista RTM games. Only Chess Titan that still can't be ported to Xp yet since it also requires some DirectX 10 and Vista API only...maybe in the future we can...Ameen Bro' and Sis'...) - (New update for Vista Games for Xp -> More recommended): Download latest fixed version of Vista Games beta and RTM ported to Windows Xp: (Original Freecell, Mahjong/Shanghai, Solitaire, Spider Solitaire, Hearts, Purble Place, Mineweesper, Inkball etc + Texas Hold'em and Brutal Chess (Chess Titan alternative on Xp by far) + Window Journal Viewer as prerequisite for Inkball without WGA validation -> Usually not required if you already have Office Suite/Onenote 2003/2007 though + Latest Alky for Vista Applications and Games on Xp/2003 :(Btw i have removed ugly “Oct 4 2005″ on the title bar of some of these Vista games too!, "fixed" binary info from Oberon to MS etc) GUI etc: http://www.4shared.com/dir/14281223/d52c5e...mes_For_Xp.html To know that how to install/run original Vista Games RTM (Inkball and Hold'em), as well as Vista Snipping Tool, Sticky Notes which required Alky/VAIO with Vista Serial on Windows Xp etc: http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19718 Windows 7 games for Xp? Lol so far the games in latest Windows 7 Beta is similar with Vista's (except the internet versions/MSN e.g Internet Backgammon, Checkers, Spades), not sure about the final version/RTM or higher. Don’t worry you can also play them on Xp desktop online/offline by going to MSN online games: -> Requires min Xp SP2/3 and IE 6 SP1/IE 7/IE 8: - Internet BackGammon: http://zone.msn.com/en/backgammon/zpadefault.htm - Internet Checkers: http://zone.msn.com/en/checkers/zpadefault.htm - Internet Spades: http://zone.msn.com/en/spades/zpadefault.htm Download the free offline versions (Bicycle Games demos - Microsoft Games Studios) of them: - Download Offline Backgammon & Checkers: http://www.microsoft.com/games/bicycle/board/ - Download Offline Spades: http://www.microsoft.com/games/bicycle/card/ ========================================================= SPECIAL VISTA PACK FOR XP TABLET PC 2005 APPLICATIONS: This special pack is to change some Xp Tablet PC 2005 Applications (Tablet PC Input Panel/TIP, Journal, Inkball, Sticky Notes) look like the ones in Vista Ultimate/Premium/Enterprise (or even maybe on Windows 7) "little" xD. Working on original Windows Xp Tablet PC 2005 and the "converted versions" of it (e.g Xp Pro/Home which have been "converted" yet to Tablet PC 2005 OS) all. Btw you can also get "vistaized" Inkball game and Sticky Notes working fine "portably" on Xp Pro/Non tablet PC only by installing Windows Journal Viewer and .Net framework 1.1. If you don't have Xp Tablet PC 2005 OS but still want some of its components on Xp Pro/Home by default (just like Windows Vista/Seven) Google it or you can read my threads (Wincert and WinMatrix) about how to easily convert Xp Pro/Home/MCE to Tablet PC 2005 or have some components of it etc: http://www.wincert.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=5023 and you can also do the same with MCE 2005 on Xp Pro/Home/Tablet PC (Windows Media Center): http://www.wincert.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=5602 Yeah, the versions of above Tablet PC applications in Vista only have little different GUIs, especially icon (and toolbar on Journal). So you can change/replace them for having the same icons with Vista's ones. This pack even will add some additional components which are some Vista-like Tablet PC control panel applets (Vista Tablet PC and Pen applets) on Xp control panel, yeah just really like Vista xD (as well as my Tablet PC Input Panel Installer for Xp Pro, Home, MCE etc on Wincert and WinMatrix forums). Completely with guide (included) for more info...: - Download Vista Pack for Xp Tablet PC 2005 Applications: Name: Vista Pack for Xp Tablet PC Applications.zip Size: only 2,38 Mb MD5 check: 1ee15a35a8397b36ded9ba6c0a420f0e http://www.4shared.com/file/100354314/1eb8...plications.html Download Vista / Windows 7 Icons for TIP, Journal, Sticky Notes, Inkball (XP Tablet PC Applications): http://www.4shared.com/file/131121973/3bdfa356/Vista_7_Icons_for_TIP_Journal_Inkball_Sticky_Notes.html - NEW: ADDED HERE: Finally just get Vista/Windows 7 Chess Titans on XP (working): It needs .Net Framework 3.5 SP1 http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=ab99342f-5d1a-413d-8319-81da479ab0d7&displaylang=en (or higher) installed first on XP before you can play it. You can also play it on other supported Windows OSes such as Windows Server 2003, Vista Basic or even Windows 7 Basic etc as well. Screenshot of Chess Titans on XP desktop: GET VISTA/7 CHESS TITANS GAME ON XP or http://www.4shared.com/file/L1ewiGU9/Chess_Titans_game_for_XP_All.html ===================================================================== ANOTHER GUIDE: ONE GOOD EXAMPLE OF CUSTOMIZING/ENHANCING XP TO MAKE IT LOOK AND BEHAVE LIKE VISTA (ALSO WINDOWS 7) (In A Simplest/Minimalistic Way Without Being 100% Vista “Copycat” Lol)... Important Note: You can always customize your Windows Xp less or more or as much as you want, that’s why it’s called “personal desktop” anyways. You’re not required to make it 100% look or behave like Vista, but still “enhance” it instead (Usability is still more important than eye candy anyways IMHO)…Some further tweaks maybe required as well. You can also find/get some links for these items mainly from the main list above of course (“List of Most Vista/Windows 7 Applications and Features for Xp”) or just google them as usual etc. PS: On Windows 7 Beta, even some Vista native applications (e.g Windows Meeting Space and PhotoGallery) have been removed (get the replacements from both Windows Live and Office Live). Any effort to get them all is still relevant since Windows 7 is an enhanced version of Vista... - DESKTOP/SHELL GUI: Bootscreen: Just Standard Xp or another one with Tuneup Utilities (better than “empty”black Vista BS imo) Logon Screen: One from Xpize with Tuneup Utilities Themes/VS: VistaXp by KOL Wallpapers: Original Vista Wals Screensavers: Original Vista SS ported to Xp Most Shell Icons: Get them from VTP 9 (selective install) Vista Start Menu: Customize Xp Start Menu Without Vistart and Any Third Party: http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=20450 ANIMATED GUI (DWM Emulation): Shadow: Y’z Shadow Transparency: Border Skin (optional, too bad transparency sucks on Xp, mainly with topdesk) Animated Icon: Uber Icon (optional) Animated window: Window FX Flip3d: Topdesk and Vista Flip3d icon Taskbar Thumbnail: Visual Tooltip Transparent window and always on top: PowerMenu (optional) WINDOWS EXPLORER FEATURES: Explorer Breadcrumb Addressbar: Folder Pilot or QTTabbar or Minimalist Explorer Breadcrumb Vista Favorite Links: FindeXer Vista Live Icon/Thumbnail and Metadata: Get More Thumbnail and Metadata on Xp Vista Viewer Pane and Search: Get Vista Explorer Preview Pane and Search on Xp Vista Command Prompt on Context Menu: Command Prompt PowerToy Vista New Window on Context Menu: Add New Window on Context Menu ORIGINAL VISTA APPLICATIONS: IE7: IE7 or IE8 WMP 11: WMP 11 with Vista WMP 11 Skin or Windows 7 WMP 12 Skin either Windows PhotoGallery: Windows Live Photo Gallery Windows Mail: Windows Live Mail Windows Calendar: Windows Live Mail or/and MS Works Calendar Windows Movie Maker: Windows Movie Maker with Vista Skin by fediaFedia Windows DVD Maker: Microsoft PhotoStory 3 with Sonic DVD Burning Plug In or Better to get Sonic RecordNow with/without DVD Studio or Nero Explorer DVD Burning: ISO powertoy and IMAPI V2 Windows Notepad, Paint, Calculator: Vista ones ported to Xp Windows Defender: Windows Defender for Windows Xp Windows Search: Windows Search 4.0 for Xp Windows Sidebar: Windows Sidebar ported to Xp by Ricktendo Windows Media Center: MCE 2005 or Windows Media Center for Xp with Vista Skin Windows Meeting Space: Just Net Meeting or Microsoft SharedView Tablet PC Applications: Snipping Tool: Vista Snipping Tool ported to Xp Sticky Notes: Sticky Notes ported to Xp Windows Journal: Windows Journal ported to Xp Windows Tablet PC Input Panel: Tablet PC Input Panel for Windows Xp Windows Vista Games: Vista Games ported to Xp DirectX10, .Net Framework 3.0, IMAPI V2 etc: They all have been ported to Windows Xp as well (read the list/google...) Etc. Again sorry for not being so complete, instead this is just one example (from my previous desktop), and you can always customize your Xp much more better completely just like/following the entire list or another alternative source of course, still your own choice and taste…anyhow it’s still recommended to only get the most wanted or needed/favorite features for you (remember that more apps=more resources), do it selectively. Anyway good luck and again Long Live Xp indeed… cya PS: Please also continue to read my Post #2 below for more info...

Border Skin Border Skin is a free portable software to skins the windows borders by skins composed of png images with the support of several aero features like Blur, Reflection and Breadcrumbs . Author Mohamed Kamal Version 0.2.9 Change Log Here: [link] More Info, Download Here: [Link] Older Versions Here: [link] Border Skin Resources For More Border Skin Resources: [link]

(UPDATED) List of Most Vista and / or Windows 7 Applications, Tools, and Features for Xp / 2003 (MS and Third Parties, Staying Up to Date) Transform Windows XP into Windows 7 in Both GUI and Usability / Functionality, Anyway Long Live XP! : Just Make Windows XP Stay Up to date after Vista and Windows 7 Coming out and until the M$ support ends (2014), By Creating Your Custom Windows XP "Ultimate" or "Special Edition" Just By Using Some Skins, Applications, and Tweaks Etc For Free (While Even Some of Them May Still Be Working on Vista and Windows 7 Too As Well Then...).. (Courtesy: Wiki) GET VISTA/7 CHESS TITANS GAME ON XP -> You can also visit similar thread here (another forum) for comparison, other infos etc : http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?/topic/20480-list-of-most-vista-applications-and-features-for-xp/ 1. Official Vista to Xp applications from Microsoft (Down level)->Credits to MS : A. Vista WPF and WCF (Codename: Avalon and Indigo)-> It's .Net Framework 3.0/3.5 for Xp now (as most Vista apps/OS based on new .Net Framework) -> required to install most future Vista-only apps to Xp! (included 3rd parties i.e. Yahoo Messenger for Vista etc): -> Very recommended Download .Net framework 3.5: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;DisplayLang=en - Some/Other Vista built In binaries/dependencies for Xp (please also see about Alky in this thread): PS: They might also be needed by some Vista apps that ported to Xp: * Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable Packages: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;displaylang=en * Windows Imaging Components (already built in both Vista and Xp SP3) required for some apps/features i.e Windows Live PhotoGallery and Pro Photo Tools in Xp Sp2: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;displaylang=en * Updated IMAPI V2 for Xp (Vista DVD Burning API for Xp) (same link with below): http://support.microsoft.com/kb/932716 * MSXML 6.0 SP1: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;displaylang=en * Wireless LAN API (built in Vista and 2003): http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;displaylang=en * Windows Installer 4.5: New Windows Installer for down level OS (Xp/2003) as well as new .Net Framework 3.0-> Recommended: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;displaylang=en * Windows Powershell: -> as it's built in Windows Server 2008 Longhorn/Windows 7 (as optional component), Powershell is new generation command line shell and scripting language (for advanced users/Professional only): http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003...l/download.mspx * Windows Script 5.7: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;displaylang=en * XML Lite (See also MSXML below): http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;displaylang=en B. Internet Explorer 7 (IE7) for Windows Xp: -> Very Recommended/Critical Update since update IE for safety and reliablity: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/ie/getitnow.mspx Note: IE 8 Beta has also come there. I just strongly recommend to install only full version (IE7 for now) for stability and reliabilty, unless you are a beta tester... C. Windows Media Player 11 (WMP 11) for Windows Xp: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsme...11/default.aspx D. Windows Defender for Windows Xp : http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;displaylang=en Another Anti-Malware Stuff from MS (updated once a month/monthly) for Xp and Vista, 2003, 2008 (Also supports Windows 2000): Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;displaylang=en E. Windows Search 4.0 (Original Vista Desktop Search engine for Windows Xp) : http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/...ch/default.mspx F. Windows Cardspace (part of Vista and .Net framework 3.0/3.5 or higher for Windows Xp). You can get it on Xp by installing .Net Framework 3.0 (. net Framework 3.5 has included better/updated version): Download .net framework 3.5: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;DisplayLang=en G. Updated MSCONFIG.EXE for Windows Xp (with tools tab like built in Vista version): http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;DisplayLang=en H. Updated Microsoft Management Console (MMC) 3.0 for Windows Xp (as well as MMC 3.0 built in Vista): http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;displaylang=en 2. Some Vista features Above May Also have been parts of Windows Xp SP3 and updates : - I.e. MMC 3.0 (Link above), -Network Access Protection, -Windows Imaging Components, New WPA (All Built in Vista) etc. If you prefer to stick with SP2, at least please always update your Windows->Recommended A. Download Windows Xp SP3 - (better through Windows Update): http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;DisplayLang=en 3. Vista new fonts for Xp (official/legal Microsoft Installers!): Segoe UI, Cambria, Colibri, Corbel etc A. Segoe UI font installer for Windows Xp (also apart of Windows Live Wave 3 installers): http://download.microsoft.com/download/7/6...N/SegoeFont.cab B. Office 2007 Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel and Powerpoint Formats (install this to get more Vista fonts: Calibri, Cambria, Candara, Consolas, Constantia, Corbel etc): http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;displaylang=en 4. Some Microsoft Xp Powertoys/apps have already been included in Vista as new standard OS GUI/features, finally: - Download all Xp Powertoys (final/RTM) here: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/Downloa...ppowertoys.mspx - Download all cancelled Xp PowerToys here + other old useful apps for Windows/Xp: http://depositfiles.com/en/files/1o2gt6mpp & http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm A. Open Command Window Here and Open in new Window, open file location etc on context menu extension for Windows Xp (Vista only context menu items for XP): http://www.4shared.com/file/128294377/ae8d1459/Vista-only_Context_Menu_items_for_XP.html and Command Window PowerToy: http://download.microsoft.com/download/whi...wertoySetup.exe B. Clear Type Tuner for Windows Xp (built in Vista): http://download.microsoft.com/download/b/7...85aad/setup.exe C. Alt+Tab Thumbnail Preview for Windows Xp (TaskSwitch)-(built in Vista): http://download.microsoft.com/download/whi...wertoySetup.exe E. Microsoft Time Zone Premium-free (The function is built in Vista Clock): http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;displaylang=en F. Microsoft PhotoStory 3 for Windows (Some functions are built in Vista PhotoGallery, Slideshow, and Windows DVD Maker): -> You can burn dvd using Sonic DVD plugin below like Xp MCE, Movie Maker, and Vista DVD Maker http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/d...ry/default.mspx You can also create slideshows by using: WindowsLive PhotoGallery (link below) as well as built in Xp feature. Other apps for SlideShow (resemble one in Vista): - MS PowerToy CD Slide Show Generator: Burn Slideshow in CD (for Xp and Windows 9x): http://download.microsoft.com/download/whi...wertoySetup.exe - HTML Slideshow: create HTML slideshow from images and publish it: http://download.microsoft.com/download/f/c...deShowSetup.exe Moving Desktop ("poor" version of "DreamScene"?). Though not similar, you can get some "Motion Desktop (Allows you to switch the background image periodically.) by installing this cancelled PowerToy : - Background Switcher as part of (cancelled) Xp PowerToy 1.0. only 41 Kb: MD5:A20BD0CB04047F9E6C9A9246F3080A7C http://www.4shared.com/file/66756604/72be6...oys_for_Xp.html G. Microsoft Digital Right Management (DRM). I know it's crap, (included in WMP 10-11 in Vista and Xp) : http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;DisplayLang=en H. XPS Viewer (Built in Vista) you will also get this by installing IE7/IE8 for Windows Xp (Link above). Also it's recommended to install/update if you have not: MSXML 6.0 for Xp and updates http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;displaylang=en - Microsoft XML Paper Specification Essentials Pack: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=B8DCFFDD-E3A5-44CC-8021-7649FD37FFEE&displaylang=en I. Network Diagnostics Tool for Xp (the down level version of Vista one): http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;DisplayLang=en J. Link Layer Topology Discovery (LLTD) Responder (built in Vista): http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;displaylang=en K. SyncToy and Microsoft ActiveSync (Built in Vista Windows Mobile Device Center and Synchronization): - SyncToy 2.0: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;displaylang=en - Microsoft ActiveSync 4.5: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/en-...vice-synch.mspx L. Vista CD Autoplay Manager applet (previously part of TweakUI for Windows Xp): - Download TweakUI powertoy for Xp Here:-> Has many other features, very recommended for all Xp! http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/Downloads/powertoys/Xppowertoys.mspx Add Tweak UI applet to Control Panel: http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/xp_addtweak.htm K. Vista Speech Recognition for Xp (convert speech to text, very cool and useful Vista feature: http://thirderror.com/speech-recognition-for-xp/ - Download Vista Speech Recognition Control Panel Applet for Xp: http://www.4shared.com/file/72957425/fbcd4295/Vista_Speech_Recognition_Control_Panel_Applet_for_Xp.html Download Microsoft Speech SDK 5.1 (please also visit the link above for more information): Note: Name of the Speech SDK file/installer: SpeechSDK51.exe http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=5E86EC97-40A7-453F-B0EE-6583171B4530&displaylang=en and http://www.microsoft.com/MSagent/downloads/user.aspx - Vista Voice Recognition to Command in Your Xp PC: e-Speaking: (May need MS Speech 5.1 SDK) http://www.e-speaking.com/ L. Other MS Applications that resemble Vista features (Vista Meeting Space for Xp): - Microsoft Shared View: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=bbdbd839-9597-4133-9b86-6d440fe9522b&displaylang=en - Live Meeting 2007: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/help/HA101733831033.aspx M. Windows Steady State for Xp: Some features are included in Vista User Account and Vista Parental Control + Many features: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=D077A52D-93E9-4B02-BD95-9D770CCDB431&displaylang=en - Windows Live Family Safety - some Vista (internet) parental control features for Xp: http://www.microsoft.com/protect/products/...milysafety.mspx - And/or use ClockLock: http://download.cnet.com/ClockLock/3000-2132_4-10540128.html (Note: .Net Framework is required) N. Windows Easy Transfer: Transfer data from your computer to another Vista based computer (Built in Vista): http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=2B6F1631-973A-45C7-A4EC-4928FA173266&displaylang=en O. Microsoft Virtual PC 2007: Create virtual PC in Xp OS for free. This feature already built in Vista Ultimate/Business (optional): http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=28C97D22-6EB8-4A09-A7F7-F6C7A1F000B5&displaylang=en P. QuickView and Folder Content Previewer ported to Windows Xp (Additional): The best and simplest original Microsoft file viewer in Windows 9X fixed and ported back to Xp and even Vista by me: . You can use it as companion with Vista Explorer previewer (preview pane) as context menu viewer: http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19748 5. Some MS Windows Live Applications as successors/replacements for standard Vista app (Credit to MS and Live Team) : You can get them on Xp: Windows Live Mail (successor of Windows Mail), Windows Live PhotoGallery (successor of Windows PhotoGallery), and Windows Live Messenger (successor of Windows/MSN Messenger) + some other Windows Live applications: http://download.live.com/ Note: - You can also get offline installers of latest live apps above (Windows Live 2008 + 2009 final version - offline installers) here (Credits to MS, Live Team, Amirz) : http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19984 6. Original Vista applications that ported to Xp as well (Credits to MS and these people, thx alot for their hard work! ) - Some of them also require Alky and/or some dependencies - prerequisites Links above : - Vista new APIs (Application Programming Interface) in Xp: Some Vista apps that ported to Xp may need this well-known binary installer as well: Alky (formerly VAIOXp)-> Implementing Vista only APIs in down level OS such as Xp and 2003: Visit the Website FYI and Download Alky for Xp and 2003 fromVistatoXp : http://www.fromvistatoxp.com/ A. Original Windows Sidebar ported to Xp/2003 (Credit to Rafael, Zoronax, Alky team, Ricktendo) : http://www.wincert.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=1442 Note: Sidebar Requires: IE7, WMP 11, .Net Framework 3.0, MSXML 6.0, WLAN API hotfix, C++ Redistributable package. B. Windows Vista Games (Beta) + Vista Games Explorer for Xp (Credit to Raphael, Jonny) : http://jonnyw1989.wordpress.com/2007/01/31/windows-vista-games-for-xp-update/ Download all latest updated Vista / Windows 7 games for XP here: http://www.4shared.com/dir/14281223/d52c5ee5/All_Vista_Games_For_Xp.html - Download latest fixed versions of all Vista Games beta and RTM for Xp: Wincert FTP: http://www.hr-host.com/wincert/Amirz/Vista_Games_For_Xp_and_2003_Installer_(All).zip and/or also 4shared: http://www.4shared.com/dir/14281223/d52c5ee5/All_Vista_Games_For_Xp.html (Included Freecell, Mahjong/Shanghai, Solitaire, Spider Solitaire, Hearts, Purble Place, Mineweesper, Inkball etc)... - Chess Titans for XP : http://www.4shared.com/file/KgAuJSze/Chess_Titans_game_for_XP_All.html or http://depositfiles.com/files/fcv2ewok6 - Mahjong Titans for XP : http://www.4shared.com/file/-Alu9YpR/Mahjong_Titans_game_for_XP.html - Vista Chess (Substitute) for Xp/Linux: Brutal Chess (Thx to fediaFedia): Download Brutal Chess Installer (Windows, Linux): -> http://sourceforge.net/projects/brutalchess Portable version here: http://www.4shared.com/file/67840613/cf7e8d98/Brutal_Chess_Game_Portable.html - Vista Games Explorer (credits to Rak****) -> Links to all Vista Games for Xp above: http://rak****s.wordpress.com/2007/06/24/vista-game-explorer-for-xp/ C. Some Windows Vista Applications (NotePad, Paint, Calculator) for Xp (Credit to Rafael, Zoronax, Alky team, Ricktendo) : http://www.wincert.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=682 - Alternative: Vista (Skinned) NotePad, Paint, Calculator for Xp: MD 5: 9F0D9CF10A7721CBEF51B59B31B0FA17 http://www.4shared.com/file/66763214/6947f508/Vista-Like_Application_for_XP__Accessories_.html Note: They all have been included in most Vista Transformation packs (VTP, Bricopack, VistaMizer etc) with more apps. D. Windows Vista Screensavers for Xp (Aurora, Mistify, Bubble, Ribbons) (Credit to Rafael, Timbertide WinMatrix) : http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=12202 - Download all Vista RTM version screensavers (Alky): http://www.4shared.com/file/92814596/b911686a/Vista_RTM_Screensavers__Bubbles_Aurora_Mystify_Ribbons_Energy__for_Xp.html - Other Vista Screensavers for Xp : http://www.4shared.com/file/69333606/3c62b036/Vista_Energy_Screensaver_ported_to_XP__Flowbubbles_Screensaver.html New: Windows Logo Screensaver Vista - Credits to jeremyddual-Deviantart: http://jeremyddual.deviantart.com/art/Windows-Logo-Screensaver-Vista-97710548 E. Windows Vista Snipping Tool, Inkball, Sticky Notes, Texas Hold'Em for Xp (Vista TPC & Ultimate extra) (Credit to Rafael, Zoronax, Alky team, Amirz) : - New: Windows Logo Screensaver Vista - Credits to jeremyddual-Deviantart: http://jeremyddual.deviantart.com/art/Windows-Logo-Screensaver-Vista-97710548 F. Windows Journal for Xp (Credits to Raphael, Amirz) : http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19894 G. Windows Mail for Xp (Credits to Alky team, Cihan AeroXP) : Edit: Don't know, but what's different with OE (look)? I think Windows Live Mail is much better: http://www.aeroxp.org/board/index.php?showtopic=9541 - Download Windows Mail for Xp (credits to Cihan): http://www.4shared.com/file/90064563/870fcf7e/Windows_Mail_for_Xp.html H. Windows Vista Movie Maker for Xp: C. Vista GUI for Windows Xp Movie Maker (Credits to fediaFedia WinMatrix Deviantart) : http://fediafedia.deviantart.com/art/Vista-s-movieMaker-for-XP-76165507?offset=10 D. Original Vista Wallpapers, Music, Videos, MCE recorded TV files etc for Xp: http://www.4shared.com/dir/15132099/900f5dbb/Original_Vista_and_Windows_7_Files__Music_Pictures_Wallpapers_Videos__for_Xp.html E. Original Vista apps Icons for Xp (Credits to fediaFedia WinMatrix Deviantart) : http://fediafedia.deviantart.com/art/20-Vista-RTM-high-px-ico-png-59907934 F. Vista Sounds + Cursor for Xp (Credits to Joshoon) : http://joshoon.deviantart.com/art/Vista-Final-Sounds-Cursors-44430059 G. Original Vista User Account Pictures for Xp (Credits to joshu4) : http://joshu4.deviantart.com/art/Vista-account-photo-s-for-XP-71132548 H. Vista Cursor for Xp - Credits to fabiano80-WinMatrix http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=11302 I. Vista Sounds for Xp - Credits to ~joshoon-Deviantart: http://joshoon.deviantart.com/art/Vista-Final-Sounds-Cursors-44430059 - Vista Ultimate Extra : Vista Ultimate Glass, Pearl, And Tinker Sounds Installer For XP (all Windows versions): MD5: D7FAB293D3060ED53EB76D0463B95B73 , 12,48 mB: http://www.4shared.com/file/67526011/334829a4/Vista_Ultimate_Glass_Pearl_And_Tinker_Sounds_For_XP.html J. Windows Picture and Fax Viewer for Xp (Vista Style) -credits to fediaFedia-WinMatrix/Deviantart: 11. Some Vista Like Skin/VS for Xp (Official black ones, From MS): A. MS Zune: http://www.softpedia.com/get/Desktop-Enhancements/Themes/Microsoft-Zune-Theme.shtml B. Royal Noir: http://www.softpedia.com/get/Desktop-Enhancements/Themes/Royale-Noir-Theme.shtml C. Royal (MCE, Blue): http://www.softpedia.com/get/Desktop-Enhancements/Themes/Royale-Theme-for-WinXP.shtml D. Xp Embedded (Blue) Thx to Vishal Gupta and WinMatrix: http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=20401 E. Extra: The best Vista Skin for XP Ever: Vista Xp by Kol (Credits to him): http://www.4shared.com/file/66166941/8988090c/VistaXp_Theme_for_Windows_Xp_by_KOL.html - WinMatrix Visual Styles and themes (Also please visit other great forums on WinMatrix.com): http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showforum=57 12. Very Recommended: The Best Tutorial About Transforming Xp to Vista, Ever!: (Thx alot to my Best Friends and Gurus: fediaFedia and Vishal Gupta for their kind permissions, you guys rock!) : A. Xp to Vista Tutorial by fediaFedia Deviantart/WinMatrix, credits to him: http://fediafedia.deviantart.com/art/Windows-XP-to-Vista-tutorial-59987691 Added: Make Firefox like IE7 (as a loyal FF user, thx alot fediaFedia for this): http://fediafedia.deviantart.com/art/Firefox-to-IE7-look-tutorial-71478905 B. Transform Windows XP into Windows Vista (without any 3rd party software) by Vishal Gupta, WinMatrix/Deviantart, MS-MVP, etc, credits to him: http://www.askvg.com/transform-your-windows-xp-in-windows-vista-without-any-customization-pack/'>http://www.askvg.com/transform-your-windows-xp-in-windows-vista-without-any-customization-pack/ C. Explore all about Windows Xp Customizations (Thanks to WinMatrix) -> Best and recommended: http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showforum=3 13. Some Xp to Vista Transformation Packs : "You can transform Xp to Vista without installing any pack like them" (Manually). However, in some cases they can still be useful (Especially to "common" people) as long as you select only components you need when installing them i.e. Icon only etc... A. Vista Transformation Pack/VTP (only future 9.0 very compatible with Xp SP3) thx to WindowsX: http://www.jcxp.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=23824 C. BricoPack Vista Inspirate 2.0 Ultimate (Compatible with Xp SP3): http://www.crystalxp.net/galerie/en.id.130.htm D. VistaMizer (Not rather compatible with Xp SP3): http://www.softpedia.com/get/Desktop-Enhancements/Themes/VistaMizer.shtml 14. Vista Features and functions : A. Vista Applications (Ports), Tools, and Games for Xp (IE7, WMP11, Mail etc) -> See Above B. Windows Shell - BootScreen: Stardock Bootskin (free): http://www.stardock.com/products/bootskin/ TuneUp Styler (part of Tuneup Utilities - Shareware) so many functions-> My Choice: http://www.tune-up.com/products/tuneup-utilities/ Change XP BootScreen, Logon Screen, and also Hibernate Screen!: http://amirsyahrani.deviantart.com/art/Hibernate-Screen-on-XP-171307647 http://www.4shared.com/file/128810473/b2263935/VistaXP_Ultimate_Boot__LogonScreens_etc.html - Change XP BootScreen, Logon Screen, and also Hibernate Screen completely!: http://www.4shared.com/file/128810473/b2263935/VistaXP_Ultimate_Boot__LogonScreens_etc.html - Logon Screen : Stardock Logon Studio (free) change logon screen: http://www.stardock.com/products/logonstudio/ TuneUp Styler (part of Tuneup Utilities - Shareware) so many functions-> My Choice: http://www.tune-up.com/products/tuneup-utilities/ - Theme: Uxtheme Patch (Credits to Raphael, Liskiller WinMatrix -Free) : http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=18059 TuneUp Styler (part of Tuneup Utilities - Shareware) so many functions-> My Choice: http://www.tune-up.com/products/tuneup-utilities/ - Icon (Packer): Stardock Icon Packager (shareware): http://www.stardock.com/products/iconpackager/ TuneUp Styler (part of Tuneup Utilities - Shareware) so many functions-> My Choice: http://www.tune-up.com/products/tuneup-utilities/ Vista Drive Icon for XP: Changes the drive icons shown in Windows "My Computer", to a nearly Vista drive icon, with "measure"-> My choice: http://www.softpedia.com/get/Desktop-Enhancements/Icons-Related/Vista-Drive-Icon.shtml - Download the best version of Vista Drive Icon for XP here: http://www.4shared.com/file/209516526/fad32fc6/Vista_Drive_Icon_for_XP__Best_.html C. Vista Desktop Window Manager in Xp (DWM): - Transparency and Shadow etc (also animation): Window Blinds 6 (shareware) for blurred Vista Skin and best skinning engine etc: http://www.stardock.com/products/windowblinds/ Window FX (shareware) also for transparency, shadow, anymation etc: http://www.stardock.com/products/windowfx/ TrueTransparency (free) -> My Choice, credits to Lefreut - WM: http://www.crystalxp.net/galerie/en.id.5139-truetransparency-lefreut-explorer-tools.htm Yz Shadow (free) for Transparency, shadow-> My Choice: http://www.crystalxp.net/galerie/en.id.9607-yz-shadow-thevineskid-explorer-tools.htm (Updated) Fast Aero (free) for blurred border -> My Choice, credits to timbertide and lol13lol, WinMatrix: http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=14079 Border Skin (best) -> My Choice, credits to Mohamed Komalo, WM: http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=23691 Transbar (Transparent Taskbar)->My Choice: http://home.no/aksoftware/ PowerMenu (free) for transparency, Window always on top, Minimize to tray etc-> My Choice: http://www.abstractpath.com/powermenu/ Transparent/Blurred Taskbar + 7 Superbar for Windows XP (just by using hacked msstyle binary, without installing any 3rd party): -> Thanks to PeterRollar: http://peterrollar.deviantart.com/art/perfect-clear-taskbar-win7-xp-136791727 UberIcon (Not related with Vista Animation, but still good!) http://www.crystalxp.net/galerie/en.id.85-ubericon-skunkie-explorer-tools.htm Nimi (animation and transparency) credits to SamiWiecieKto, WM: http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=23239 Mouseover Icon Effect Xp (Vista Icon effect for Xp), credits to ~Desktop-Squared, Deviantart: http://desktop-squared.deviantart.com/art/Mouseover-Icon-Effect-for-XP-77728307 IColor Folder (Vista/Longhorn Folder for Xp though you can still get it from icon pack, fully customizable, good!) http://icolorfolder.sourceforge.net/?page_id=33 - Vista Taskbar Thumbnails: Visual Tooltip-> My Choice: http://www.crystalxp.net/galerie/en.id.197-visual-tooltip-chsalmon-explorer-tools.htm Visual Tasktip: http://www.visualtasktips.com/ Window FX (shareware) also for transparency, shadow, anymation etc: http://www.stardock.com/products/windowfx/ - Vista Alt+Tab Thumbnail Switcher: As said before: MS Powertoys Alt+Tab Switcher for Xp: http://download.microsoft.com/download/whistler/Install/2/WXP/EN-US/TaskswitchPowertoySetup.exe TaskSwitchXp 2.0 ->My Choice, better: http://www.ntwind.com/software/taskswitchxp/download.html - Window Flip 3d (Win+Tab): TopDesk->The best Choice: Original Vista Flip 3d icon for TopDesk: http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19627 WinFlip: http://www.crystalxp.net/galerie/en.id.12609-winflip-legace-explorer-tools.htm Shock3D: http://www.docs.kr/entry/Download-Shock-4Way3D-en D. Vista Start Menu for Xp: - Vistart: http://www.lee-soft.com/vistart/ - Vista Start Menu Emulator: http://www.crystalxp.net/galerie/en.id.4774-vse---vista-start-menu-emulator-geeq-explorer-tools.htm - Viorb (Vista Orbit Ball for Xp): Recommended for most Vista VS (MSStyles) for Xp. Included in some packs i.e VTP 8.0: http://lee-soft.com/viorb/index.html - Vista Start Menu Pro - The best replacement for Vista / windows 7 start menu on XP so far, with support for Windows Search (just like Vista / 7) etc, much better than Vistart IMHO: Download and more info: http://www.vistastartmenu.com/ - Also please visit my thread about "How to make Xp start menu behave like Vista and Windows 7 without Vistart" i.e to get Searchbar on Xp Start Menu etc : http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=20450 - Also please visit Vishal Gupta's tutorial about "Change look n' feel of Xp start menu (without 3rd party software)" http://www.askvg.com/change-look-n-feel-of-windows-xp-start-menu/'>http://www.askvg.com/change-look-n-feel-of-windows-xp-start-menu/ E. Vista Explorer Window - Real Vista Glass Explorer / Browser for Xp-> Visplore: http://lee-soft.com/visplore/ - The Best 3rd Party Explorer Replacement: Dopus (AKA Directory Opus): Better than Windows Explorer even Vista's Explorer: Download and try http://www.gpsoft.com.au/ - Vista Favorite Link: Findexer: http://tomseffect.com/ - Vista BreadCrumb Address: Folder Pilot-> Older but still best, my choice : QTAddressBar (free), Great and recommended: http://qttabbar.wikidot.com/ Minimalist Explorer Breadcrumb: Cool app, free http://minimalist.com/software/ExplorerBreadcrumbs/ - Vista Explorer Searchbar, Command Bar and / or Toolbar B/F button: Styler (free) the searchbar is fake. But still looks good (for GUI reason only): http://www.crystalxp.net/galerie/en.id.551-styler-1-401.html - Vista "Slide" button for Thumbnail: QTTabbar (Free), Explorer Tab (like Mozilla), tooltip preview etc Recommended: http://qttabbar.wikidot.com/ - Vista Live Icon and thumbnail preview (part of Vista DWM): You can get some features ("down level/less) in Xp by visiting my thread on WinMatrix here: http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19751 - Vista Metadata pane (Viewer/Editor): (It's actually updated Xp webview/Details pane + Status bar + Summary context menu. You can get some features ("down level/less) in Xp by visiting my thread on WinMatrix here: http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19751 - Vista Exporer Preview Pane on Xp (Vista File Viewer): You can get some features ("down level/less) in Xp by visiting my thread on WinMatrix here: http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19634 - Original Vista Explorer Search (Engine and Features) on Xp (Vista Desktop Search): Microsoft has launched Windows Search 4.0 for Xp. Also see my threads thread: http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19634 Direct Download Windows Search 4.0 for Xp: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/desktopsearch/default.mspx - Vista / 7 style Thumbnail borders/appearance for multimedia files in Windows XP Explorer (or downlevel OSes): Seems i have still no found any perfect tool yet for that, but maybe installing Microsoft Windows Live PhotoGallery and/or Captrue Thumbnailer Lite on XP can be other good options/approach AFAIK: - Windows Live PhotoGallery (freeware): http://download.live.com/photogallery - Captrue Thumbnailer Lite (shareware): http://www.captrue.com/thumbnailerlite.html Or just google for more options and free alternatives of them for you etc... 15. Additional: Miscellaneous and functions (Some Xp Equivalent 3rd parties of Vista Features): A. Vista UAC for Xp: http://www.jcxp.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=29598 -> Download: http://www.4shared.com/file/93141554/85ec6374/UAC_for_Xp.html http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=37&t=20011&st=0#entry185066 - Vista / Windows 7 UAC features + "Run as administrator" context menu on XP just like Vista/Seven(functional): http://rudy-xp.deviantart.com/art/Vista-and-Windows-7-UAC-for-XP-170656130 http://www.4shared.com/file/hNOsRb0v/Vista__Windows_7_UAC_features_.html - WinGuard Pro: http://www.winguardpro.com/ B. Vista Bitlocker (Encryption): - TrueCrypt (Free): http://www.truecrypt.org/ - PGP Desktop (both shareware and free): http://www.pgp.com/ C. Vista Firewall: - Zone Alarm Firewall (Free): http://www.zonealarm.com/store/content/home.jsp and All Internet Security Suites (AVG, Kaspersky, McAfee, Windows Live OneCare etc) D. Vista Ready Boost: - E-Booster for Xp (shareware): http://www.eboostr.com/download/ E. Vista Superfetch: (Actually Xp already has built in "Prefetch", not same with Vista Superfetch, but still powerful too), alternatively just use some 3rd party for enhancing the feature: - SystemBoosterXp: http://www.disktrix.com/SBIntroduction.htm you can download it directly for free Here F. Vista Ultimate Extra: Dream Scene (Motion Desktop) - DreamRender (Freeware): http://www.dreamrender.com/ - Dreamscapes (Freeware) (Thx to Island Dog-WinMatrix): http://dream.wincustomize.com/ - Desktop Effects (Thx to timbertide-WinMatrix): http://www.desktopfx.net/ G. Better Vista Task Manager for Xp and Vista: - Process Explorer: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896653.aspx - Vista Style Task Manager for Xp and Vista (Blue)-credits to Lsdmeasap-Keznews : http://stevejobs.blogs.keznews.com/2007/06/06/blue-task-manager-for-xp-and-vista/ - Vista style CAD (Ctrl + Alt + Del screen instead of opening Task Manager): for XP (Credits to flawless02, Deviantart). almost perfectly functional: http://flawless02.deviantart.com/art/CAD-2009-EDITION-v1-5-for-XP-132794740 http://flawless02.deviantart.com/art/CAD-2009-EDTION-v1-6-For-XP-147097700 H. Windows Vista Sideshow for Xp: http://www.4shared.com/file/118786005/44af2a80/Vista_Sideshow_for_Xp.html and http://www.gadgetdisplay.com/buy/ I. Vista Windows Fax and Scan: Snappy Fax: http://www.snappysoftware.com/ J. Replacement for Vista Volume Mixer (Per application) on Xp (3rd party): - Indie Volume (Functional): http://www.indievolume.com/index.php, - Just Style/Mod (Picassa243, Dev): http://picassa243.deviantart.com/art/Vista-Volume-Mod-for-XP-v2-2-80422211 A. Tweaking and fixing Xp (Kelly Corner): http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp.htm B. Tweak Xp: http://www.tweakxp.com/ C. Tweaking with Vishal Gupta: http://www.askvg.com/ 17. Get Vista-only Control Panel Applets for XP (Functional): I.e Color, Windows Defender, Sync Center, Parental Control, Iscsi, Backup etc (Transformation packs such as VTP and Bricopack patch only some available Xp Control Panel applets): http://www.4shared.com/file/128466735/dde6a4ea/Vista_-_only_Control_Panel_Applets_for_XP__All_.html - Download Folder2MyPC to create your own applet: http://eng.softq.org/Folder2mypc 18. Create Custom Xp OS Set-Up DVD/CD (like OEM) with add ons by using NLite: -> Very useful (Y) as you can customize Xp OS setup (and installation result) like Vista one, from beginning to ending, and so on... - Tutorial (Thanks to MSFN) -> Multilanguage!: http://unattended.msfn.org/unattended.xp/ - Wincert Add on Forum (Thanks to Wincert): http://www.wincert.net/forum/index.php?showforum=88 19. Applying Webview in Windows Xp (Active Desktop/Windows 98/ME-like Webview for Xp, Recommended "Classical" GUI feature for Xp): http://www.wincert.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=4192 20. You can also visit my 4Shared Sharing Dowload Page to download more Vista and Windows 7 stuffs for Xp for free (recommended) : http://www.4shared.com/dir/6883450/cb252562/sharing.html 21. Windows 7 Applications and Features for Xp: http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=21246 (or read Post 3# below...) 22. Power replacements for built-in Windows utilities (recommended, thanks to LifeHacker): http://lifehacker.com/software/geek-to-live/power-replacements-for-built+in-windows-utilities-287966.php + Download some free cool apps/tools from my 4Shared Page: http://www.4shared.com/dir/6883450/cb252562/sharing.html 23. Download: List of most free and useful Microsoft applications for Windows and Office (Credits to Blake Handler, Windows Live): http://bhandler.spaces.live.com/default.aspx?wa=wsignin1.0&sa=849910657 , Special for Windows XP Here: http://bhandler.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!70F64BC910C9F7F3!1231.entry - Great Windows Explorer Tools: credits to Amirz, Deviantart: http://amirsyahrani.deviantart.com/art/Great-Windows-Explorer-Tools-142913425 - Also MDGx - Free PowerToys & Tweaking Tools for Windows XP, Vista, 7, All: http://www.mdgx.com/toy.htm 24. Winmatrix Link: http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=20480 If you know more apps/features for Xp to Vista/Windows 7 transformation, please don't hesitate to post here. Thanks! Do you still want More? Then Google is your best friend too hehe... Finally, Long Live Xp! -> Please Still Continue to Read My Post #3 Below and Also The Next Ones For More Info, Applications, Tools, Guides, and Tweaks etc to Transform XP into Windows 7 and so on... PS: Please feel free to redistribute them/re-upload/share all the download links and pages etc here without any permission from me...

Vista / Windows 7 Media Center Style Skin (GUI Resource) For Xp MCE 2005 (Windows Media Center Application) (Plus Xp Pro/Home to Xp Tablet PC 2005 Converter Etc) PS: Important/Very Recommended-> Make Windows XP Stay Up to date after Vista and Windows 7 Coming out...Before/After Reading This Topic, It's Very Very Recommended to Also Visit My Another Thread Below: "List of Most Vista and Windows 7 Applications, Tools, and features for Xp" here: or http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?/topic/20480-list-of-most-vista-applications-and-features-for-xp/ -> very recommended to visit especially for all Xp users, especially for the best Xp-Vista-Windows 7 transformation ever... :thumbsup_anim: Anyway long live Windows XP! There you can get most great applications and features (GUI and usability), and even some Vista/Windows 7 applications ported to Xp! etc for free (will always keep updating) to optimally make Windows Xp like Vista and/or Windows 7/both in recommended way, not only GUI but also the function, to enhance and customize Xp so it will serve us longer and longer in better way as well as Vista and Windows 7... (Btw Microsoft will still keep supporting all Windows Xp versions until 2014, bcoz they do know many people and companies will still use Xp on their old and new machines for years even after Windows 7 out, yeah Xp will still exist for years in both legal and illegal ways lol, and it's really a happy fact for many people/Xp users included me). Sorry for my bad English, anyways good luck. ============================================================== Hello Everybody, (Btw i have released this on Deviantart too: http://amirsyahrani.deviantart.com/art/Vis...-2005-111784108 and included in my another thread "List of Most Vista (& Windows 7) Applications and Tools for Xp" too: http://www.wincert.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=4594 (it's recommended to visit them too)... (Note: Windows 7 MCE GUI looks not much different with Vista version for me, except "the first setting page" when you configured MCE/WMP at first time).Well, if you already have Xp MCE 2005 or the converted Xp Pro/Home etc with Media Center application, and you'd like to make it like Vista/Windows 7 version (yeah, that's way it's called "Windows Customization" ), then you can also use this MCE skin (or theme) that i created for Xp MCE 2005. Unlike other MCE skins, this one change all media center features to be like Vista (Icons, GUI, infotip, splash, overlay background, file association and so on). Although it's not perfect yet, but hey still better than nothing at all for me. I have also patched ehshell.exe, ehui.dll, and ehdrop.dll (full) beside ehres.dll. Features: - Full patched MCE files resources: ehres.dll, ehdrop.dll, ehui.dll, ehshell.exe, RegisterMCEApp.exe (not only ehres.dll)- Full Vista Media Center GUI element/resources (Window, overlay background,icon, layout i.e as you can see the layout of back button and Windows ball which nearly similar with Vista MCE, item names, etc) like Vista.- Vista MCE + Some Associated Media Center File Type icons (dvr-ms, mcl, etc) etc like Vista. - Change Media Center window and taskbar name from only "Media Center" to "Windows Media Center" and its icon similar with Vista. - Change Media Center shortcuts from "Media Center" to "Windows Media Center" with comment/tooltip similar with Vista. - Etc (Guide/Note included) - Some minor GUI layouts will depend on your monitor resolution (best/optimized for 1024x768/1200x800 or better than "standard" 800x600). Updating your driver will give better result. - Screenshot : - Screenshot of My Xp "MultiMedia Center" Desktop Lol Too busy... : )* Some goodies that were included on the desktop: - MS Windows Media Center v4.0 Build 5.1.2715.2883 UR2 (Xp MCE 2005) with this Vista Skin Resource - MS - Aquarium Wallpaper (Default MS Xp MCE 2005 Plus! wallpaper) - MS - Windows Media Player 11 for Xp with - WMP 11 Vista Skin Resource for WMP 11 Xp (Credits to ~pierdelp, Deviantart) : http://pierdelp.deviantart.com/art/WMP11-S...for-XP-52704429 - VistaXp VS by Kol (Credits to Kol): http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=20424 - Transbar (Transparent Taskbar on Xp): http://www.home.no/aksoftware/ - Original Microsoft Windows Vista Sidebar for Xp + Gadgets by Ricktendo64 (Credits to MS, Rafael, Zoronax, VAIO/Alky, (for porting it to Xp), Ricktendo64 (for creating Sidebar installer/add on) + MS too): http://www.wincert.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=1442 - Tablet PC Input Panel for Xp Pro, Home, MCE, 2003 (Installer by me): http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=21199 - Windows Dancer for Xp, Vista, Windows 7 (Installer by me): http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=22526 - Original Vista / 7 style Flip 3d Icon (QuickLaunch) for Topdesk / Winflip etc by me: http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19627 - Btw there's also a WMP 12 (Windows 7 Media Player) Skin Resource for WMP 11 Xp (Credits to Bogo and fediaFedia): http://fediafedia.deviantart.com/art/Win7-...or-XP-106429599 (Full credits to all authors) Important Note: Important Note: This skin is only for Windows Media Center application in Windows Xp Media Center 2005 OS build 5.1.2715.2883 - Post Update Rollup 2 (for MCE Latest Build 5.1.2715.3011, also please read below). Please check the Media Center version by opening Media Center application -> Software version or manually right clicking the ehshell.exe -> file version. It should be version 5.1.2715.2883 (do not replace if different or usually it won't work!). If your MCE version is lower, to update MCE to latest version 5.1.2715.2883, then you must have to install Update Rollup 2 for MCE 2005 KB900325 and April 2006 Update Rollup KB914548 for Xp Media Center 2005 which you can download them all from Microsoft for free (WGA validation required). - Download Update Rollup 2 for MCE 2005 KB900325 : http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;displaylang=en - Download April 2006 Update Rollup KB914548 : http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;displaylang=en - Download Vista Skin for Xp MCE 2005 (Build 5.1.2715.2883): File Name: Vista Skin For Xp MCE 2005.zip Size: 9,73 Mb http://www.4shared.com/file/83004700/39da028f/Vista_Skin_For_Xp_MCE_2005.html ====== UPDATED: -> Vista Skin For The Latest Xp MCE 2005 (Build 5.1.2715.3011): (Please check your MCE version first before downloading) -> Thanx to our friend kth7 - WinMatrix for the info (please read his post below). I have updated/added new link of Vista /7 skin for MCE version 5.1.2715.3011 - Update rollup October 2006 (lol i thought it was included in Xp SP3, in fact it wasn't, even update rollup 2 is not too. Strange, seems that Xp SP3 only included MCE 2004 files as i have extracted medctr.cab and only found lower versions than UR2). UR2 (2006) > SP3 (2007)? Lol Note: You can check which is your MCE version number you're running only by opening Media Center inside "Software Version Page" in Media Center 2005: Settings > General > About Media Center > Software Version. It's not same with the Windows OS version (some info i.e. OS / Applications name, major & minor version numbers, Service Packs/RTM if available, etc...) which you can just check it on e.g System Properties or Help menu (Btw just FYI to open "About Windows" dialog box on any Windows OS (98 or higher as far as i know): Run > type "winver" without quotes > Enter). If your MCE version is lower, to update MCE to latest version 5.1.2715.3011, then you must have to install Update Rollup 2 for MCE 2005 KB900325 and April 2006 Update Rollup KB914548, and KB925766 for Xp Media Center 2005 which you can download them all from Microsoft for free (WGA validation required). - Download Update Rollup 2 for MCE 2005 KB900325 : http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;displaylang=en - Download April 2006 Update Rollup KB914548 : http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;displaylang=en - Download update Rollup October 2006 KB925766 : http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925766 and some other latest updates. Note: Again They are not included in SP3 for Xp, you have to download and install them all manually. - Download Vista Skin For Xp MCE 2005 (Build 5.1.2715.3011): File Name: Vista Skin For Xp MCE 2005 (Build 5.1.2715.3011).zip Size: 9,73 Mb http://www.4shared.com/file/88509509/e32273d1/Vista_Skin_For_Xp_MCE_2005__Build_5127153011_.html Updated: - Vista-style CD/Flash Drive Autoplay Handler (Icon & Strings) for Xp MCE 2005 (Icon and string) I have already included it (it's only a .reg file) on both Skin and Installer above/below, but if you had already previously download it, then just apply this registry entries: Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\AutoplayHandlers\CancelAutoplay\CLSID] "52D96F1B-33C6-40b6-9421-6652744B81A1"="" "621B5925-3992-4654-B2A3-00FF2D4015FC"="" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\AutoplayHandlers\EventHandlers\PlayCDAudioOnArrival] "EHomeMusicDropTarget"="" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\AutoplayHandlers\EventHandlers\PlayDVDMovieOnArrival] "EHomeVideoDropTarget"="" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\AutoplayHandlers\EventHandlers\PlayVideoFilesOnArrival] "EHomeVideosHandler"="" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\AutoplayHandlers\EventHandlers\ShowPicturesOnArrival] "EHomePhotosHandler"="" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\AutoplayHandlers\Handlers\EHomeMusicDropTarget] @="" "Action"="Play Audio CD" "DefaultIcon"="%WinDir%\\ehome\\ehdrop.dll,-201" "FriendlyName"="eHome UserXP" "InvokeProgId"="EHomeDropTarget.EHomeMusicDropTarget" "InvokeVerb"="play" "Provider"="Windows Media Center" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\AutoplayHandlers\Handlers\EHomePhotosHandler] @="" "Action"="View pictures" "DefaultIcon"="%WinDir%\\ehome\\ehdrop.dll,-201" "FriendlyName"="eHome UserXP" "InvokeProgId"="EHomeDropTarget.EHomePhotosHandler" "InvokeVerb"="play" "Provider"="Windows Media Center" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\AutoplayHandlers\Handlers\EHomeVideoDropTarget] @="" "Action"="Play DVD Video" "DefaultIcon"="%WinDir%\\ehome\\ehdrop.dll,-205" "FriendlyName"="eHome UserXP" "InvokeProgId"="EHomeDropTarget.EHomeVideoDropTarget" "InvokeVerb"="play" "Provider"="Windows Media Center" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\AutoplayHandlers\Handlers\EHomeVideosHandler] @="" "Action"="View videos" "DefaultIcon"="%WinDir%\\ehome\\ehdrop.dll,-201" "FriendlyName"="eHome UserXP" "InvokeProgId"="EHomeDropTarget.EHomeVideosHandler" "InvokeVerb"="play" "Provider"="Windows Media Center" Copy and paste it on Notepad then save it as .reg extension (e.g MCE.reg). Apply/double click it to merge into registry. For any version of MCE 2005 with or without this skin (again, i have already included it on both Vista Skin and Windows Media Center installer above/below). You can also edit the tip string yourself if you want. ========================================= To Convert Xp Pro, Home, Tablet PC OSes to Xp MCE 2005: Using these: - MCE 2005 Add On for Xp -> Full Credits to Ricktendo64 (Wincert) : http://www.wincert.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=4652 - MCE 2005 Installer (MCE Converter) for Xp -> Full Credits to Orbit30 (Wincert) : Convert Xp To Xp MCE 2005 OS without reinstalling Windows.(You still need Bart PE disk/load hive function from another OS to change MCE registry installed = 1 later + some next processes) http://skitechnology.pointclark.net/downlo...E_Installer.rar. I will also upload my own MCE installer later here to Wincert FTP Server (have limited bandwidth now, sorry) Edit: Already Done! (read below): ====================================================== Windows Media Center Installer for Xp Pro, Home, Tablet PC, 2003, All Editions (Lite, Installer, Uninstallable): (I know people can convert Xp Pro/Home to Xp MCE 2005 in another way (or some Xp MCE 2005 torrents, maybe? Lol), but i'm here to make the process faster, easier, better, and shorter, not complicated especially for most end users). If you only have Xp Pro, Home, Tablet or Server 2003 without Media Center 2005, but you want to have Windows Media Center application like the ones in Xp MCE 2005, Vista, and Windows 7, then you can install it by using Windows Media Center installer that i created. Only in 2 minutes, you'll get a working Windows Media Center application with full Vista GUI in your Xp Pro/Home/2003 plus some MCE powertoys, and it's uninstallable without messing up your system. Without any long and complicated steps and process at all. Again, unlike other usual ways, this installer will act like 3rd parties, that means it's uninstallable and it won't hack any system file. It's also faster as you don't have to get "long time and complicated process" such as finding and extracting medctr.cab reformatting Windows OS, hacking registry, or booting with Bart PE CD etc etc. (That's why i created this installer: to make the whole process instant easier and fast for most end users, without affecting the Xp/OS itself) without converting it to Xp MCE 2005 OS as you can see the system properties won't change (the Vista skin would be installed by default). Features: - Full Vista GUI (even also some icons, tooltip, taskbar icon and windows name etc - Already included the above skin - Instant/fast. Easy-Uninstallable (clean) without hacking any system file/changing/converting the OS.- Smaller size - Installs only Windows Media Center application, no any complicated process anymore. - Etc + Included All above Vista MCE Skin features. Prerequisites (For Windows Xp Pro, Home, Tablet PC with SP2 or SP3 and Windows Server 2003): (user with administration rights who can install Windows Media Center). 1. Windows Media Player (WMP) version 10 or 11 -> Required. 2. .Net Framework 1.1 with SP1 (or maybe higher) -> Required. (Note: MCE add ons (Alarm Clock and Playlist Editor) need .Net Framework 2.0 (or higher) to work. It's recommended to install it too). Note: Btw I have eliminate dependencies on .Net Framework 1.0 by changing/tweaking the runtime code, so you can only install .net Framework 1.1 (or maybe higher) -> so far so good. If there are still some errors, just use .net clean up tool (included) and/or you can install both .Net Framework 1.0 SP3 and .Net Framework 1.1 SP1 (like original Xp MCE) 3. Optional: Supported DVD/MPEG-2 Decoder for MCE (With DVD-Rom/Writer) and some 3rd party codecs -> Optional but recommended - Download Windows Media Center Installer for Xp Pro, Home, Tablet PC, 2003, All Editions (Instant Installer, Uninstallable): File Name: Windows Media Center for Xp Pro, Home, and 2003 Installer.zip Size: 52,62 Mb http://www.4shared.com/file/81804447/ba587f35/Windows_Media_Center_for_Xp_Pro_Home_and_2003_Installer.html - Some antivirus and antispyware programs (rare) may flag the softwares as being infected/malware, although the application is perfectly safe and does not pose a threat to your system. This is called a "false positive". The term false positive is used when antivirus software wrongly classifies an innocuous ( inoffensive ) file as a virus. The incorrect detection may be due to heuristics or to an incorrect virus signature in a database. ========================================= - Convert Xp Pro/Home/Tablet PC 2005 to Xp MCE 2005 without reinstalling the OS: If you really want to convert Xp to real Xp MCE 2005 OS without reinstalling/reformatting the OS (it will be recognized as original MCE 2005 by MS and updated!) Some files already included in the package (mediactr.cab, inf so on). You can download my package below (1.)Install Microsoft .NET Framework 1.0 Install Microsoft .NET Framework 1.0.3705 and It's SP3. Copy "Copy2Gac.exe" to "C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v1.0.3705" (Optional) Install Microsoft .Net Framework 1.1 and its SP1. Install WMP 10 or 11 and Supported MCE DVD Decoder such as ones from NVIDIA, Sonic, or WinDVD. (2.)modify MCE registry Open regedit.exe, goto HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\WPA, create key named “MediaCenter”. Create DWORD Value named “Installed” in key and valued “1”. “Installed” value in “MediaCenter” of XP (VLK Ver) OS must be String Value but DWORD value. And “Installed” value in “MediaCenter” key in all server 2003 OS must be string values. Because there are no WinXP MCE VLK and Win 2003 MCE versions. You can’t login if these values are DWORD! If there is “Installed” valued “0” in “MediaCenter” in your Windows XP, you can not modify it in current OS. You must use “load HIVE” function in another OS (in another PC/partition) like this: Click HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE. From the File menu, choose Load Hive, Navigate to the registry location on your OS such as c:\windows\system32\config\system,name it “temp”. after you modified the value to “1”,click temp,choose “unload HIVE” to save it. You can also use Bart PE bootable disc or my fave: ERD Commander 2005 CD (google or download Here ) (3.)install Media Center Get medctroc.inf, plusoc.inf, sonic.inf (all included) .copy them to C:\windows\inf\ ; then Run following commands to install Media Center Open Command Prompt (Run -> Type "CMD" without Quotes) or directly double click"MCE.cmd" to run the MCE commands (included). Install Media Center (Need MEDIACTR.CAB): rundll32 setupapi.dll,InstallHinfSection Freestyle 128 medctroc.inf Install Windows Digital Media Enhancement (Need plus.cab): rundll32 setupapi.dll,InstallHinfSection PlusGold 128 plusoc.inf rundll32 setupapi.dll,InstallHinfSection PlusSpac 128 plusoc.inf rundll32 setupapi.dll,InstallHinfSection PlusDavn 128 plusoc.inf rundll32 setupapi.dll,InstallHinfSection PlusNatr 128 plusoc.inf rundll32 setupapi.dll,InstallHinfSection PlusMpix 128 plusoc.inf rundll32 setupapi.dll,InstallHinfSection PlusDancer 128 plusoc.inf rundll32 setupapi.dll,InstallHinfSection PlusParty 128 plusoc.inf rundll32 setupapi.dll,InstallHinfSection PlusAudio 128 plusoc.inf rundll32 setupapi.dll,InstallHinfSection PlusCDLM 128 plusoc.inf rundll32 setupapi.dll,InstallHinfSection PlusTheme 128 plusoc.inf Install Sonic DVD and CD Burning (Need sonic.cab): rundll32 setupapi.dll,InstallHinfSection SonicDVDandCDBurning 128 sonic.inf Note: After executing command, it will open new dialog window and ask you to navigate/browse to where you placed mediactr.cab, sonic.cab, and plus.cab. Follow and do it. 4) update your MCE 2005 to UR2 (Update Rollup 2). Download it from Microsoft Download Center for free (also with other higher MCE updates if available). NOTE: 1.Please open full Video and Audio acceleration in Windows Server 2003 Create a folder named "ehome" if it doesnt exist on Server 2003. Copy "CUSTSAT.dll" to it. 2.this way also can be applied to Windows XP/2003 x64 Edition, Both “Installed” must be string values 3.if you have MCE remote control,MCE remote keyboard U can use Drives for XP in Windows Server 2003. 4.Can not install MCE upgrades in Windows Server 2003 because the OS is not WinXP,and there're some other problems by this cause. 5.Can not install Update Rollup 2 for MCE2005 when "Installed" is string value.so when you use XP VOL, you can expand "WindowsXPMediaCenter2005-KB900325-XXX.exe",and install upgrades listed in "paths.ini" manual. Thanks to neo.JoeJoe - Download Xp to Xp MCE 2005 OS transformation package (no need to reinstall the OS), guide included: Name : Convert_Xp_to_Xp_MCE_2005.zip Size : 165 Mb http://depositfiles.com/en/files/e36w3x9ja Mirror: http://www.4shared.com/dir/15813189/6da56300/Convert_Xp_to_Xp_MCE_2005_Pack.html After you have converted Xp to Xp MCE 2005, then please download and install: - Download Update Rollup 2 for MCE 2005 KB900325 : http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;displaylang=en - Download April 2006 Update Rollup KB914548 : http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;displaylang=en - Download Vista Skin for Xp MCE 2005: File Name: Vista Skin For Xp MCE 2005.zip Size: 9,73 Mb http://www.4shared.com/file/83004700/39da028f/Vista_Skin_For_Xp_MCE_2005.html Updated MCE version + skin: - Download update Rollup October 2006 KB925766 : http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925766 and some other latest updates. Note: Again They are not included in SP3 for Xp, you have to download and install them all manually. - Download Vista Skin For Xp MCE 2005 (Build 5.1.2715.3011): File Name: Vista Skin For Xp MCE 2005 (Build 5.1.2715.3011).zip Size: 9,73 Mb http://www.4shared.com/file/88509509/e32273d1/Vista_Skin_For_Xp_MCE_2005__Build_5127153011_.html Note: The process is not reversible/uninstallable though... ============================================== (Since Windows 7 has included all tablet PC features as well as Vista and Xp Tablet PC..) - Convert Xp Pro/Home/MCE 2005 to Xp Tablet PC 2005 OS without reinstalling the OS: If you really want to convert Xp to real Xp Tablet PC 2005 OS without reinstalling/reformatting the OS (it will be recognized as original MCE 2005 by MS and updated!). Useful i.e you have Tablet PC with Vista installed but still want to: dual boot it with Xp but you only have original Xp Pro. Just convert it to Xp Tablet PC for free. 1) Install: -Microsoft .NET Framework 1.0 -Install Microsoft .NET Framework 1.0.3705 and It's SP3. -Copy "Copy2Gac.exe" to "C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v1.0.3705" -Install Microsoft .Net Framework 1.1 and its SP1. 2) Navigate : HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\WPA and create a key named TabletPC now add a string value named "Installed" and set as 1 Or directly double click "TabletPC.reg" to merge it into registry->Optional though to finally convert the OS to Xp Tablet PC 2005 as you can see the System Properties changed. But finally the system will still be Tablet PC 2005 OS after some MS updates and boots though. Install Tablet PC 2005 U can replace above commands for MCE or add both MCE+TPC with these commands Get tabletpc.inf (included) .copy to C:\windows\inf\ ; then Run following commands to install Tablet PC components: Open Command Prompt (Run -> Type "CMD" without Quotes) or directly double click"TABLETPC.cmd" to run the Tablet PC commands (included). rundll32 setupapi.dll,InstallHinfSection TPG 128 tabletpc.inf rundll32 setupapi.dll,InstallHinfSection System 128 tabletpc.inf rundll32 setupapi.dll,InstallHinfSection OOBE 128 tabletpc.inf rundll32 setupapi.dll,InstallHinfSection Notebook 128 tabletpc.inf rundll32 setupapi.dll,InstallHinfSection StickyNotes 128 tabletpc.inf rundll32 setupapi.dll,InstallHinfSection AllShortcuts 128 tabletpc.inf rundll32 setupapi.dll,InstallHinfSection SRInstall 128 tabletpc.inf rundll32 setupapi.dll,InstallHinfSection AllReg 128 tabletpc.inf C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v1.0.3705\Copy2Gac.exe /i /a /p:"C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Ink\1.7\" Note: After executing command, it will open new dialog window and ask you to navigate/browse to where you placed TabletPC.cab. Follow and do it. To make Tablet PC Input Panel etc working/updated, just download and reinstall SP2/SP3 on Xp. Done. Thanks to neo.JoeJoe - Download Xp to Xp Tablet PC 2005 OS transformation package (no need to reinstall the OS), guide included: Name : Convert_Xp_to_Xp_Tablet_PC_2005.zip Size : 71 Mb http://depositfiles.com/en/files/173n1c4m1 Mirror: http://www.4shared.com/file/105884214/df15e439/Convert_Xp_to_Xp_Tablet_PC_2005.html After that, please download and/or reinstall SP2 or SP3 for Xp (SP3 is recommended since it's the last one) (i.e to fix/update Tablet PC Input Panel version etc) or using Windows Update. Xp SP2: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=049C9DBE-3B8E-4F30-8245-9E368D3CDB5A&displaylang=en Xp SP3: http://www.microsoft.com/DownLoads/details.aspx?FamilyID=5b33b5a8-5e76-401f-be08-1e1555d4f3d4&displaylang=en Download Vista Pack for Xp Tablet PC 2005: http://www.4shared.com/file/100354314/1eb8...plications.html -> Make Tablet PC applications (Windows Journal, Inkball, Sticky Notes etc) look like the ones in Vista / Windows 7 Note: The process is not reversible/uninstallable though... ========================================= 3) Other MCE Stuffs for Xp, Vista, Windows 7 (Windows All) : For Xp, 2003, Vista, 2008, Windows 7: If you still wanted to get some MCE goodies which were available with Xp MCE 2005 (Windows Plus! MCE, Dancer, Screensavers etc) on Xp, please visit my previous thread for more info (recommended) : http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=22526 - Screenshot : Or use these direct links: Download Links: 1) Windows Dancer only : Size: only 7,77 Mb http://www.4shared.com/file/87536799/d8ef0699/Windows_Dancer_for_Xp_Vista_and_Windows_7.html - Screenshot : Download Scooby Doo Dancer Port (Windows Dancer must be installed first): File Name: Scooby Doo for Windows Dancer MCE 2005.zip MD5: d64acf7889e72c39439c004ca6877dfb Size: Only 2,17 Mb http://www.4shared.com/file/87847524/f02cd...r_MCE_2005.html 2) Windows Plus! Digital Media Enhancements - Full Package :(contains Windows Dancer, Windows Audio Converter, Windows CD Label Maker, and Windows Party Mode): Size: only 23,5 Mb http://www.4shared.com/file/81824918/258856d2/Windows_Plus_MCE_2005_for_Xp_Pro_Home_Tablet_Vista.html 3) Additional stuffs from Xp MCE 2005 - All Original Screensavers : (patched/ported to other Windows OSes, yeah actually you couldn't run them on other OSes without patching them too as well as the apps): Aquarium, Davinci, Nature, and Space, Require minimal 128 Mb supported DirectX9 VGA card. Btw Aquarium has been my favorite Windows screensaver (till now) Size: only 9,7 Mb http://www.4shared.com/file/83009263/228ee85/Xp_MCE_2005_Screensavers___Aquarium_Da_Vinci_Nature_and_Space__.html - Screenshot of Aquarium Screensaver ported from Xp MCE 2005 to Xp, Vista, 7 (My Fave) : 4) Original MCE 2005 Themes (Skin, Cursors, Wallpapers etc) for Xp/2003 All: Size: 24,9 Mb http://www.4shared.com/file/83016102/4430fe2a/Xp_MCE_2005_Themes_Skin_Screensavers_Wallpapers_etc.html 5) Vista Movie Maker 2.6 for Xp enhanced with Plus! MCE 2005 Movie Maker addon, ability to edit dvr-ms files etc-> You can also install it on Vista (e.g Vista Basic) and Windows 7 too. Size: only 5,17 Mb http://www.4shared.com/file/64569368/9b981595/Vista_Movie_Maker_26_for_Xp.html 6) Media Center Solitaire Powertoys game ported to Xp Pro and Vista:(thanks to Cephead - WinMatrix)-> Actually you don't need to have MCE for playing it, full screen Windows game with MCE background: Size: 2,24 Mb http://www.4shared.com/file/92046211/6459a4d2/Media_Center_Solitaire_Game_Ported_to_Xp_Pro_and_Vista.html - Screenshot of Media Center Solitaire: 7) Original Vista Sample MCE Recorded TV (dvr-ms: Apollo 13, Jewels of Caribbean, Vertigo): http://www.4shared.com/dir/15141313/1ad0f3...ple_Media_.html ========================================= Added: How to Patch the files and Create a Skin for your Xp MCE 2005 (Simplest Guide): So i'm just sharing my little knowledge and experience here. You can also make your own resource skin especially if i.e your MCE 2005 has different version/language or you want something "different" or maybe even better than mine here Btw please don't forget to share it on Wincert too, Thanx alot List of Patched Files (MCE executables and resource libraries) : - ehshell.exe (main MCE executable, icon and string) - RegisterMCEApp.exe (MCE app registration) - ehres.dll (MCE GUI resource and string) - ehdrop.dll (MCE drop target module, some file type icon and handler) - ehui.dll (MCE rendering engine, MCE icon on tasknar minimized window) Tools: - Resource Hacker or any binary res editor - MyThemesStudio app and themes 4 advanced MCE ehres.dll editor (optional) - Adobe Photoshop, icon 2 PNG converter or vice versa etc - Powerful text file editor (UltraEdit) or at least Notepad - .Net framework 1.1 or higher installed - Ildasm.exe (MS IL disassembler) from .Net Framework SDK/Visual Studio - Ilasm (MS IL assembler) - sn.exe (.Net Strong Name Validation tool) - MSVCR71.dll (MS C runtime library) for runtime dependency - Replacer or WFP switcher (you can do it in safe mode too) Patching ehres.dll, ehui.dll, ehdrop dll: You can patch/hack (decompile) them as common resource libraries using Reshack to replace some their resources (icon, WAV, bitmap, png, string etc). Take them from Vista/7 ehres.dll or my patched files as your skin templates. Edit (you can edit them i.e PNG by using Photoshop etc) and replace, compile and save them. ehres.dll -> Most MCE GUI window resource icon and string, ehdrop.dll -> file type icon association (you can edit them in registry though) ehui.dll -> MCE icon on taskbar mode (minimized window) and systray You can also edit some resource as you want, i.e some PNGs by photoshop. Patching ehshell.exe and RegisterMCEapp.exe: Since they are also .net assemblies, you can't treat them as usual PE win32 executables or libraries in usual way, bcoz their code can be tampered too and won't work anymore. You need ilasm to dissambly them before, edit. and re-assembly. Decompile ehshell.exe (as .net resource) by using ildasm.exe: 1) Open ildasm.exe (it should be in one directory with msvcr71.dll). 2) Copy the "ehshell.exe" file from "C:\Windows\eHome" directory to a temporary directory )i.e C:\temp). 3) By using ildasm Open the "ehshell.exe" file from wherever you put it. Go to File > Dump and in the options dialog that appears afterwards make sure only 'Dump IL Code' and 'Expand try/catch' and "show progress Bar" (optional) checkboxes are checked. Click ok and save the resulting IL file in a separate directory as "ehshell.il", wait for finishing. 4) Go to temp directory, you will find 2 new files: ehshell.il (Intermediate Language/IL Program logic, Its size should be about 30MB or more (depends on the file version).) and ehshell.res (resource) please uncheck "Hide extensions for known files" before in Windows Explorer to recognize/separate them easier). 5) Open ehshell.res by using resource hacker (or whatever resource editor you have) as .res file/all files not PE, In resouce tree, replace the icon resouce with Vista one (you can take it from original Vista ehshell.exe) etc and change/rename the resource named "0" below the ?? (Icon group resource) and call it NEUTRALSTRINGS.XML after that save it back. 6) Open ehshell.il by using any text file editor (e.g. Notepad, Wordpad, or powerful UltraEdit -> My favorite), and only find (by using find/search function) string "Media Center" (with quotes!) and change them all (manually one by one - its recommended dont use replace all function) to "Windows Media Center" (This will change the taskbar title bar (minimized window) from "Media Center" to "Windows Media Center" like Vista. By patching ehui.dll too, you also get Vista icon on it. That's it Save it back as previous/default (UTF-8 format, never use ANSI) 7) Recompile ehshell.exe: Open command prompt (run-> type "cmd") and execute ilasm (should be in same directory/folder with ehshell.res, ehshell.il, and msvcr71.dll) with this command line parameter: ilasm /resource:ehshell.res /exe ehshell.il or simply create, copy, and execute a .bat file in the same folder then execute it After long time assembly process (few minutes) about 30Mb in size, Please make sure you have seen the created ehshell.exe with new Vista Icon (or refresh the folder). (Note: This icon is useful to get "100% Vista Flavor" though it may not be much useful in MCE UI (you can still manipulate the old Xp MCE Icon shortcut with Vista before) But if you use e.g Application launcher Gadget for Vista Sidebar ported to Xp, you'll find it's useful since it links only to executables, not their shortcuts, and i love to see All/most MCE executables automatically becomes Vista icon in my ehome directory. To be perfect 8) Last steps/finishing: Copy all patched MCE files (ehshell.exe, ehres.exe, ehdrop.exe, ehui.dll) + sn.exe + msvcr71.dll in safe mode or using Replacer etc to ehome directory (%WinDir%\eHome) and replace the old files (dont forget to create back-up of them b4!). Then same simple step above to disable strong name validation error: open command prompt and execute sn.exe by using this command in ehome folder (to disable .net assembly strong name validation for ehshell.exe, or it won't work since it's been hacked by us!): cd %windir%\ehome sn -Vr ehshell.exe or only sn -Vr * (for all .net executables, but i prevented this selectively because of security issue, you can find other executables later) or simply create the bat file with that, copy, and execute it in the directory You can do the same way with registerMCEapp.exe (it's optional though, or unnecessary) Or you can also create a reg file that contains this entry for them (would give similar result): Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\StrongName\Verification\ehshell,31BF3856AD364E35] [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\StrongName\Verification\RegisterMCEApp,31BF3856AD364E35] 9) After that, copy "Windows Media Center" shortcut (Windows Media Center.lnk) to: Start Menu : %AllUsersProfile%\Start Menu or default value "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu" All Programs : %AllUsersProfile%\Start Menu\Programs or default value "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs" Media Center Program Folder: %AllUsersProfile%\Start Menu\Programs\Accessories\Media Center or default value "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Accessories\Media Center" QuickLaunch : %UserProfile%\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch or default value "C:\Documents and Settings\[Your user name]\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch" (You must have to show hidden files and folders before: Windows Explorer->Tools->Folder Options->View, then check "Show hidden files and folders". You can restore them back to default setting later.) Desktop (optional/additional) : %AllUsersProfile%\Desktop or %UserProfile%\Desktop default value "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Desktop" or "C:\Documents and Settings\[Your user name]\Desktop" You can also create the Vista Windows Media Center Shortcuts by yourself there in every place above: Right Click empty area -> New -> Shorcut (or right click ehshell.exe, "create shortcut" then edit it as below): Name : Windows Media Center (will be Windows Media Center.lnk) Location (Target) : %windir%\ehome\ehshell.exe (or C:\Windows\ehome\ehshell.exe by default) Start in : %windir%\ehome Comment : Opens your home entertainment option for digital and on-demand media, including TV, movies, music and pictures. Run : Normal Window (by default) Note: Comment infotip resource is also from ehres.dll (ehres.dll,-116) in MCE setup (in medctroc.inf) Then also delete all old MCE shortcuts (Media Center.lnk) there. Congrats, now you also have Vista-like shortcut (Windows Media Center.lnk) with its name and comment/infotip to launch Windows Media Center, with Vista taste/flavor. Icon should be automatically linked to default ehshell.exe by default (ehshell.exe,0). 10) Optional: "Optimizing MCE" in Old/Low End Machine (Preventing any error of it on Low End Machine). Sometimes/maybe if you have Xp MCE 2005 installed on low end machine with onboard/low-end VGA or without good drivers installed, then Windows Media Center often gives any error message, black screen, etc when it's loading. It's caused Xp MCE 2005 natively requires higher specs hardwares than normal Xp and acceleration (as Xp MCE 2005 requirements) such as supported DX9 VGA card, good monitor resolution etc, some items that might not be available on old/low end machine (the same case with Vista Movie Maker on old hardware). However seems that we can fix that by this little hacking that i've found: Oh one more this can be for any version/build of Windows Media Center: - Decompile ehshell.exe by using the above way (ildasm.exe) - After that, open ehshell.il file by using any text file editor/Notepad (again i recommend UltraEdit, it's awesome app for editing text and scripting) Go to line 567908 (usually will be different address on another version/build) or only search for the second #StartupError.Title" string (without quotes-This is a load string function for error message) and find some routines like below: // Code size 161 (0xa1) .maxstack 9 .locals (string V_0, string V_1, class ServiceBus.UIFramework.Dialog V_2, class [EhCM]eHome.UI.Library.DialogMenuItem[] V_3) IL_0000: call class ServiceBus.UIFramework.PageBasedUCPService ServiceBus.UIFramework.PageBasedUCPService::get_DefaultUCP() IL_0005: pop IL_0006: call class ServiceBus.UIFramework.StringTable ServiceBus.UIFramework.UCPService::get_StringTable() IL_000b: ldstr "#StartupError.Title" IL_0010: ldnull IL_0011: callvirt instance string ServiceBus.UIFramework.StringTable::ProcessLocalisableString(string, class ServiceBus.UIFramework.XmlControl) OK, look at this string above: IL_0000: call class ServiceBus.UIFramework.PageBasedUCPService ServiceBus.UIFramework.PageBasedUCPService::get_DefaultUCP() Change it all to: IL_0000: ret So the entire lines will become: // Code size 161 (0xa1) .maxstack 9 .locals (string V_0, string V_1, class ServiceBus.UIFramework.Dialog V_2, class [EhCM]eHome.UI.Library.DialogMenuItem[] V_3) IL_0000: ret IL_0005: pop IL_0006: call class ServiceBus.UIFramework.StringTable ServiceBus.UIFramework.UCPService::get_StringTable() IL_000b: ldstr "#StartupError.Title" IL_0010: ldnull IL_0011: callvirt instance string ServiceBus.UIFramework.StringTable::ProcessLocalisableString(string, class ServiceBus.UIFramework.XmlControl) That's it. Save and compile it as usual.Next time while you're opening Media Center on old machine, you won't get any error anymore, and it will load quicker. (But you don't have to do this on a capable/new machine, it will be useless) . =============== 11) Optional/Not Necessary In Most Cases -> (Not necessary for converted and original Xp MCE 2005 OS) Porting MCE executable (ehshell.exe) to work on any non Xp MCE 2005 OS (Xp Pro, Home, Tablet PC, 2003, Home Server, even maybe Vista Basic) as well as my Windows Media Center installer : Most people have already converted the Xp Pro/Home to MCE and/or Tablet PC (while most in "complicated ways") but in my opinion, they actually haven't ported the applications, but only the OS. This was just i did with the Windows Media Center installer for Xp Pro above (since it won't hack/change/convert the OS itself & system to only install MCE). However, again, there are some advantages if you converted Xp to Xp MCE 2005 since it would get all updates from Windows Update for MCE as well as the genuine OSes/ OK, Here are the steps (Just for your information/knowledge): - After dissasemblying ehshell.exe by ildasm, open ehshell.il by using above way (text editor) then find string "StartupError.NotFreestylePID" (without quotes), using Find and Replace function, then you should see the routines like this: IL_0019: call int32 [EhCM]eHome.Native.Win32::GetSystemMetrics(int32) IL_001e: brtrue.s IL_002d IL_0020: ldc.i4.1 IL_0021: stloc.0 IL_0022: ldstr "#StartupError.NotFreestylePID" IL_0027: starg.s id IL_0029: br.s - look at "GetSystemMetrics" Win32 API call string, In MSDN here, it's just the function to retrieves various system metrics and system configuration settings (Note: System metrics are the dimensions (widths and heights) of Windows display elements). But here it's actually an internal function to recognize the OS is MCE or not (e.g Xp Pro, Home, etc). So i just reversed the call (make it would recognize non Xp MCE as Xp MCE, but if you used it on original Xp MCE, of course the load string function (below that) would give error message (small window) like "Media Center only works in Windows Xp MCE" or something stupid like that, (So it's just optional, as you can also totally disable and skip this step on Xp MCE 2005) change IL_001e: brtrue.s IL_002d to IL_001e: brfalse.s IL_002d save and recompile it as usual as the above way (step 6 & 9). Done. ========================================= Thanks and Credits to Microsoft, Rafael Rivera and The Green Button Also my good friend Ricktendo64 for his kind permission so i can use most of his MCE skin/ehres.dll resource for my own one and N1K (Wincert) for providing FTP Server, Orbit30, MyThemesStudio app (PCoverhaulers)->for Vista style skin template, and of course mainly the coolest forum Wincert here, thanx alot i love you all hehe. Also special thanx to our friend Kyosan (WinMatrix) for inspiring me.... Please enjoy for free, i hope they can be useful for you, especially Xp users (sorry if not, all done just for fun and sharing hehe)... And very sorry 4 my very bad English. Sorry forgot: Finally long live Xp and Cya ========================================= - Added/Updated for Xp to MCE 2005 Transformation Above (Thanks to Kyosan, WinMatrix): Here are the steps by tmksnyder on The Green Button : ========================================== My Other Recommended Links To Visit : * Since Windows 7 is just an enhanced version of Vista...: - "List of Most Vista and Windows 7 Applications and Features on Xp" (This is Very Recommended): http://www.wincert.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=4594 - Get Useful and Enhanced Windows 95-98 context menu file viewer : Microsoft QuickView ported to Xp! http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19748 - Get thumbnails of more file types on Xp Explorer (included thumbnails of text and document on Windows Explorer!) http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19751 - Get original Vista Snipping Tool, Inkball, Sticky Notes, Texas Hold'Em etc ported to Xp http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19718 - Get Vista Explorer File Viewer ( Vista Explorer Preview Pane ) "ported" to Xp http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19634 * Since especially Media Center and Tablet PC are integrated nice features into Vista / Windows 7...: Here and - Get Tablet PC Input Panel on Xp like Vista and Windows 7: http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=21199 ================================================================================ ======= - Additional: My "Little Explanation" for the main point and purpose of this : (Lol sorry for my bad English b4...) Well, again, unlike Vista while Media Center is 100% application-based feature (it's only available on Premium and Ultimate edition), Media Center in Xp is actually OS-based feature which only available in Xp MCE 2005 (that's why no "Vista MCE OS" like previously Xp MCE). It's official MS perspective which is not based on technical reasons though. That's why i/we are still able to port and create installer of MCE (Windows Media Center, as application) to non Xp MCE OS such as Xp Pro, Home, even Server 2003 (not tested yet by me though bcoz i don't have Server 2003 OS installed in PC/VM, but the code calculation is technically yes/very very possible). All can be done without converting the version to MCE (which is changing the OS EULA and license too), unlike the above and any most previous ways for MCE on Xp by other people. This method was founded by Rafael Rivera for first edition of Xp MCE (2002). So the main point is you won't meet "complicated and difficult" steps like above by using my Windows Media Center installer on Xp Pro/Home/Tablet PC/Non MCE, only for installing Windows Media Center application in the current OS, only in 2 minutes done for working MC (Media Center) instead. And it's uninstallable too. (you can even install it on your school or office computers lol). Yeah the main purpose is only to provide working MC in Xp Pro and Home, in the easiest and simplest way for most end users, especially for personal use and collective and for Windows Xp customization and enhancement only, just like Vista and Windows 7, in practical common use. However you can't update the app i.e in Windows update since it wont be recognized as MCE, still Xp Pro. Yeah again i only ported the app without converting the OS itself... However if you really seriously wanted to build a real Media Center system PCs and its multimedia environment and equipments, then would maybe better to convert Xp to real Xp MCE 2005 using any tools and efforts that available here or another place (i.e Ricktendo's MCE add on), or get the original/genuine one since the OS was really special designed and optimized by MS for that, not only the MC app. And it would be always updated + all technical based features (although only the converted version not officially supported by MS and third parties/partners). Or maybe just buy Vista Premium/Ultimate (or later Windows 7) with later MCE version. But hey Xp MCE version is more than good enough for people and me, it would be supported by MS and partners until 2014, longer than Vista Premium! And most Xp driver would be available until the same date too usually (even often i can still see Windows 98 drivers for some new middle class hardware beside Xp (and 2000) and Vista versions). I will keep my genuine Xp until the time, and make dual-triple boot with other OSes (like Windows 7) on all my own machines and office. Sorry for my dirty and bad English here but hopefully clear for you all...Follow your heart and mind...Xp tills the end of the world hehe (like many Windows 98 even NT users who still exist now, it's a fact)... ====================================================== Updated (Sorry for the bump, important update): Thanks to my friend Juggz from WinMatrix for this plug in and quick tutorial through PM/post there Big Green Does Not Work (i.e Launch MC ehshell.exe) - MCE Remote Feature: - Download EventGhost: http://www.eventghost.org/wiki/EventGhost:About#Download Thanks alot for the update Juggz, i hope it can be useful for many people especially MCE users here and out there who still can't use the MCE remote feature etc. Cheers! Finally Long live Xp! Always! Cya... (Special Thanks to Wincert Admins and Mods for making this thread pinned on Windows Customization sub-forum...) PS: Again, after reading this topic, you can also visit my another thread "List of Most Vista and Windows 7 Applications and features for Xp" on Wincert: http://www.wincert.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=4594 (very recommended for all Xp users)... - The best internet forum ever for Xp, Vista, and Windows 7 MCE users -> The Green Button (very recommended) : or just Google it: http://thegreenbutton.com/default.aspx - Alternative Windows 7 Style MCE Skin for XP MCE by Ricktendo64: - Similar topic on another forum: http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?/topic/22552-vista7-media-center-gui-ported-to-windows-xp/ ...Please continue to read my next Posts below especially #2 and #7, and the next ones for more info... (Courtessy: Wiki)

Get Webview on Xp Like Windows 98 (Win 9X/ME/2000/Pre-XP) : Folder Background Image -> Use custom image as background in Windows Explorer (e.g. Folder and USB Stick/Flash Disk etc): (Not full webview though, just to get "Folder Background" on Windows XP Explorer without installing any 3rd party applications...) PS: If you're using Windows Vista (since Vista (or higher OSes) has hard coded Windows Explorer and IE separately/differently), then you can also use free Ave's Vista Folder Background to get the similar feature: http://www.aveapps.com/folderbg.html Hello everybody, (please sorry for my bad English b4, hopefully clear for you ), with Active Desktop and IE 4/5 update, Windows 98-2000 has a special feature called "Webview". In Windows 98-2000, by "Webview" You can view all folders and files on Windows Explorer as web pages like IE ("view as web page"). You can also apply folder customization widely by using webview feature such as "Folder background" (i remember i could see "Blue Cloud" background on my Windows 98 when applying "View as Webpage"...). Umm..Looks like a desktop wallpaper on your folder . Yes, you can only customize Desktop Wallpaper as the "remaining" active desktop component on Windows Xp, since Windows Xp (or higher : 2003, Vista...) has disabled webview customizations on shell (by integrating them tightly into system dll's), except desktop (icon, link, wallpaper, htt, web page, "dreamscene"/motion desktop feature, etc). Here are the steps to do that on Windows Xp without any application/software. You can apply it on both file and system folders, included drives! (Hard Drive Partition and Removable Drives/USB/Flash Drive): My Documents, Shared Documents, Drive C:\, Drive D:\, etc)! The Screenshot (Important, to show where desktop.ini and desktop folder should be) of Folder Background Example with desktop folder and hidden desktop.ini file. Please click to resize the thumbnail : REQUIREMENTS : - Windows Xp All Versions with IE 6, IE 7 installed (not tested yet with IE8). Dont know about 2003 (seems Vista totally not so...) IMPORTANT NOTE : - You have to show hidden files and folders before seeing the desktop.ini file (step 1): Also please always create backup of previous desktop.ini file. - Because this feature was originally from previous Windows Versions (Xp has disabled "View as Web Page" as well as Vista), When you are using folder thumbnail view, the Folder Background becomes "distorted" (otherwise in Windows 98 you can't see thumbnails by using "View as Web Page" or vice versa). - Please back up all changed files and systems (e.g. by setting restore point on System Restore) before... 1. Go to Windows Explorer menu bar > Tools > Folder Options > View. Choose : "Show hidden files and folders". Also uncheck "Hide extensions for known file types" and "Hide protected operating sytem files". You can restore them to default setting later. It's needed to show hidden desktop.ini file. Optional : Make sure "show common tasks in folders" (Xp Webview pane) is selected. To check this open Windows Explorer, go to the tools menu and select Folder Options. "show common tasks in folders" is the first option there. 2. Go to the folder/drive that already has icon or create it (To do that : Right click folder > Properties > Customize > Change Icon, just select any icon you want). This will automatically create a needed hidden "desktop.ini" file inside the folder that you created. 3. Open the folder, now you can see a hidden "desktop.ini" file (See the screenshot) . Create a new folder and rename it "desktop" there. (See the screenshot - all names without quotes), After that, just copy some image files into the "desktop" folder. (all Images with native Windows Extensions e.g. : 1.jpg, Happy.bmp, Rose.png, House.jpg, 5.jpg etc in the new "desktop" folder). 4. Open "desktop.ini" file by using notepad (right click > Open with > select "Notepad" by default). You will face some existing code lines like this below ( just for example, the values may be different): [.ShellClassInfo] IconFile=%SystemRoot%\system32\SHELL32.dll IconIndex=8 3. Copy these code lines here : [ExtShellFolderViews] {BE098140-A513-11D0-A3A4-00C04FD706EC}= [{BE098140-A513-11D0-A3A4-00C04FD706EC}] IconArea_Image=desktop\5.jpg and paste it under the previous existing code lines (IMPORTANT : For System/Critical Folders such as My Documents, Shared Documents, My Musics, etc Please Do not ever totally rewrite/delete the previous existing code lines on desktop.ini or you will be in trouble, unless you have already made backup of original ones. To restore the original code lines, please also see the bottom page). So, the result looks like this now : [.ShellClassInfo] IconFile=%SystemRoot%\system32\SHELL32.dll IconIndex=8 [ExtShellFolderViews] {BE098140-A513-11D0-A3A4-00C04FD706EC}= [{BE098140-A513-11D0-A3A4-00C04FD706EC}] IconArea_Image=desktop\5.jpg NOTE : - The space is optional - If the folder is not critical/system folders (such as My Documents, My Pictures, etc) you can delete the previous existing code lines/the up lines safely. 4. Change the value of "image name.image extension": 5.jpg to one/either of image files that you have copied to "Desktop" folder such as 1.jpg like this: [.ShellClassInfo] IconFile=%SystemRoot%\system32\SHELL32.dll IconIndex=8 [ExtShellFolderViews] {BE098140-A513-11D0-A3A4-00C04FD706EC}= [{BE098140-A513-11D0-A3A4-00C04FD706EC}] IconArea_Image=desktop\1.jpg 5. OK, now refresh your main folder (right click > refresh). Now you can see the Folder background like desktop wallpaper (See the screenshot). Of course You can always hide the "desktop" folder later (right click > properties > general > hidden). And the desktop.ini is already hidden file by default, so you can restore the default setting (Step 1) later to make them all hidden. Again, You can do the same with partition, and USB flash drive as well, with any image (as long as it's native Windows Image: bmp, jpeg, png, etc) extensions as you want! So simple, isn't it? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TIPS : If you "damage" desktop.ini content file without any backup one for example : when you are customizing it mainly in some system folders such as My Document, My Pictures, Shared Documents, etc, you can repair it later by copying one of these original code lines below. If the desktop.ini was deleted without any backup, to restore just create a new file by using Notepad and save it as "desktop.ini" (without quotes) or with .ini extension there. Then open and copy the original code lines. Dont forget to give it attribute as "hidden" file (Right Click > Properties > Hidden). Or you can also create it by giving the folder icon (Step 2), or more simply just copy it from another folder instead lol . ORIGINAL CONTENT OF DESKTOP.INI FILES IN SOME SYSTEM FOLDERS (AS BACK-UP) NOTE: The original code lines (desktop.ini) are from a Windows XP MCE 2005 system (i have checked, it seems so same with all Xp versions). NOTE : %username%=see C:\Documents and Settings\username ->(your Xp account/user name) My Documents Owner=%username% Personalized=5 PersonalizedName=My Documents My Pictures Owner=%username% Personalized=39 PersonalizedName=My Pictures [.ShellClassInfo] InfoTip=@Shell32.dll,-12688 IconFile=%SystemRoot%\System32\mydocs.dll IconIndex=-101 My Music Owner=%username% Personalized=13 PersonalizedName=My Music [.ShellClassInfo] InfoTip=@Shell32.dll,-12689 IconFile=%SystemRoot%\system32\shell32.dll IconIndex=-237 My Videos [.ShellClassInfo] InfoTip=@Shell32.dll,-12690 IconFile=%SystemRoot%\system32\SHELL32.dll IconIndex=-238 [DeleteOnCopy] Owner=#USER# Personalized=14 PersonalizedName=My Videos Favorites [.ShellClassInfo] IconFile=%SystemRoot%\system32\shell32.dll IconIndex=-173 LocalizedResourceName=@shell32.dll,-12693 Shared Documents [.ShellClassInfo] LocalizedResourceName=@shell32.dll,-21785 Shared Music [.ShellClassInfo] InfoTip=@Shell32.dll,-12689 IconFile=%SystemRoot%\system32\SHELL32.dll IconIndex=-237 LocalizedResourceName=@shell32.dll,-28995 Shared Pictures [.ShellClassInfo] InfoTip=@Shell32.dll,-12688 IconFile=%SystemRoot%\system32\mydocs.dll IconIndex=-101 LocalizedResourceName=@shell32.dll,-28997 Shared Videos [.ShellClassInfo] InfoTip=@Shell32.dll,-12690 IconFile=%SystemRoot%\system32\SHELL32.dll IconIndex=-238 LocalizedResourceName=@shell32.dll,-28996 Sample Pictures [.ShellClassInfo] BuyURL=SamplePictures Sample Playlists [.ShellClassInfo] LocalizedResourceName=@C:\WINDOWS\inf\unregmp2.exe,-161 Sync Playlists [.ShellClassInfo] LocalizedResourceName=@C:\WINDOWS\inf\unregmp2.exe,-162 Application Data [.ShellClassInfo] LocalizedResourceName=@shell32.dll,-21765 Start Menu [.ShellClassInfo] LocalizedResourceName=@shell32.dll,-21786 Local Settings [.ShellClassInfo] LocalizedResourceName=@shell32.dll,-21774 Recent [.ShellClassInfo] InfoTip=@Shell32.dll,-12692 IconFile=%SystemRoot%\system32\shell32.dll IconIndex=-21 LocalizedResourceName=@shell32.dll,-12691 Fonts [.ShellClassInfo] UICLSID={BD84B380-8CA2-1069-AB1D-08000948F534} History [.ShellClassInfo] UICLSID={7BD29E00-76C1-11CF-9DD0-00A0C9034933} CLSID={FF393560-C2A7-11CF-BFF4-444553540000} Temporary Internet Files [.ShellClassInfo] UICLSID={7BD29E00-76C1-11CF-9DD0-00A0C9034933} Cookies [.ShellClassInfo] UICLSID={7BD29E00-76C1-11CF-9DD0-00A0C9034933} Feeds Cache [.ShellClassInfo] UICLSID={7BD29E00-76C1-11CF-9DD0-00A0C9034933} Recycle Bin [.ShellClassInfo] CLSID={645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E} Assembly ; ==++== ; ; Copyright © Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. ; ; ==--== [.ShellClassInfo] CLSID={1D2680C9-0E2A-469d-B787-065558BC7D43} ConfirmFileOp=1 InfoTip=Contains application stability information. Downloaded Program Files [.ShellClassInfo] CLSID={88C6C381-2E85-11d0-94DE-444553540000} Offline Web Pages [.ShellClassInfo] CLSID={F5175861-2688-11d0-9C5E-00AA00A45957} Tasks [.ShellClassInfo] CLSID={d6277990-4c6a-11cf-8d87-00aa0060f5bf} Briefcase [.ShellClassInfo] CLSID={85BBD920-42A0-1069-A2E4-08002B30309D} ConfirmFileOp=0 ^ "Vistaized" Samples: You can also download some "Vistaized" samples of "webview" folder image background here for documents, music, videos, flash drives, etc (only 1 Mb - some high resolution pictures). If you want, you can just edit them later : http://www.4shared.com/file/128623388/c83c5eb9/WebView_Folder_Background_Sample.html Hopefully useful especially for every Xp user. Good luck! Regards, Amirz PS: More info about WebView + more features, hacks etc Here (Thanks to VirtualPlastic.net): http://www.virtualplastic.net/html/wv_main.html or just google it... - Third Party Applications for Folder Background (to make life easier): 1. Lovely Folders -> Customize folders in Windows Explorer i.e icons and image background etc: http://www.lovelysoft.com/lovelyfolders/screenshots.shtml Screenshot of Lovely Folders (has Vista Style GUI): Download for free: Here 2. WindowPaper: A great application to customize folder background in Windows XP Explorer with any image. Freeware, get it for free here + info etc: http://www.sodabush.com/windowpaper/index.php 3. Ave's Vista Folder Background (For Vista): http://www.aveapps.com/folderbg.html Or just google for more and free... ^ Btw lol some parts may have nothing to do with the main topic? Sorry just additional, anyhow hopefully they are still useful for you/us (sorry i was too lazy to create more threads hehe cya...) =================================================================================== (New?) CHANGE HIBERNATE SCREEN IN WINDOWS XP: Btw, added this one: If you want to change default XP Hibernate screen, just edit and compress 5th bitmap in ntoskrnl.exe file (in C:\Windows\System32) using 16 Colors by Photoshop (follow many tutorials for only Bootscreen like here), must be less than 8 Kb in size. Actually it's just smaller part (215x147 pixels) of the 640x480 whole hibernate screen background (Window Flag + "Windows" text) beside there's also a hibernate progress bar 2nd bitmap). Well it changes that default Xp flag with new Vista flag on hibernate screen, yeah it's not perfect/sophisticated but still better than nothing before, at least it will look more "matching" with other Vista elements on your "modded" Xp: (It's 16 colors, so it may look rather blurry...) You can download that hibernate screen resources + little "guide/note" for XP (SP3) here: http://www.4shared.com/file/128809524/109f54de/VistaXp_Boot__Hibernate_Screens.html Do it carefully (always create backup of the original etc). ========================================================= Special Added Here: VERY WORTH PLUG INS FOR WINDOWS XP FAX AND PICTURE VIEWER: (Thanks to Raymond): Windows Picture and Fax Viewer is an image viewer that is a part of the Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 operating systems. It is based on GDI+ and is capable of viewing images format supported by GDI+: JPEG, BMP, PNG, GIF (including animated GIFs), ICO, WMF, EMF and TIFF format files. it can still be improved to have more for 200+ image support such as *.msp, *.gem, *.cals and *.dpx. many etc by Installing imageXtender (very recommended): Download it here: http://www.imagextender.com/ ===================================================================== ANOTHER GUIDE: ONE GOOD EXAMPLE OF CUSTOMIZING/ENHANCING XP TO MAKE IT LOOK AND BEHAVE LIKE VISTA (ALSO WINDOWS 7) (In A Simplest/Minimalistic Way Without Being 100% Vista “Copycat” Lol)... Important Note: You can always customize your Windows Xp less or more or as much as you want, that’s why it’s called “personal desktop” anyways. You’re not required to make it 100% look or behave like Vista, but still “enhance” it instead (Usability is still more important than eye candy anyways IMHO)…Some further tweaks maybe required as well. You can also find/get some links for these items mainly from the main list above of course (“List of Most Vista/Windows 7 Applications and Features for Xp”) or just google them as usual etc. PS: On Windows 7 Beta, even some Vista native applications (e.g Windows Meeting Space and PhotoGallery) have been removed (get the replacements from both Windows Live and Office Live). Any effort to get them all is still relevant since Windows 7 is an enhanced version of Vista... - DESKTOP/SHELL GUI: Bootscreen: Just Standard Xp or another one with Tuneup Utilities (better than “empty”black Vista BS imo) Logon Screen: One from Xpize with Tuneup Utilities Themes/VS: VistaXp by KOL Wallpapers: Original Vista Wals Screensavers: Original Vista SS ported to Xp Most Shell Icons: Get them from VTP 9 (selective install) Vista Start Menu: Customize Xp Start Menu Without Vistart and Any Third Party: http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=20450 ANIMATED GUI (DWM Emulation): Shadow: Y’z Shadow Transparency: Border Skin (optional, too bad transparency sucks on Xp, mainly with topdesk) Animated Icon: Uber Icon (optional) Animated window: Window FX Flip3d: Topdesk and Vista Flip3d icon Taskbar Thumbnail: Visual Tooltip Transparent window and always on top: PowerMenu (optional) WINDOWS EXPLORER FEATURES: Explorer Breadcrumb Addressbar: Folder Pilot or QTTabbar or Minimalist Explorer Breadcrumb Vista Favorite Links: FindeXer Vista Live Icon/Thumbnail and Metadata: Get More Thumbnail and Metadata on Xp Vista Viewer Pane and Search: Get Vista Explorer Preview Pane and Search on Xp Vista Command Prompt on Context Menu: Command Prompt PowerToy Vista New Window on Context Menu: Add New Window on Context Menu ORIGINAL VISTA APPLICATIONS: IE7: IE7 or IE8 WMP 11: WMP 11 with Vista WMP 11 Skin or Windows 7 WMP 12 Skin either Windows PhotoGallery: Windows Live Photo Gallery Windows Mail: Windows Live Mail Windows Calendar: Windows Live Mail or/and MS Works Calendar Windows Movie Maker: Windows Movie Maker with Vista Skin by fediaFedia Windows DVD Maker: Microsoft PhotoStory 3 with Sonic DVD Burning Plug In or Better to get Sonic RecordNow with/without DVD Studio or Nero Explorer DVD Burning: ISO powertoy and IMAPI V2 Windows Notepad, Paint, Calculator: Vista ones ported to Xp Windows Defender: Windows Defender for Windows Xp Windows Search: Windows Search 4.0 for Xp Windows Sidebar: Windows Sidebar ported to Xp by Ricktendo Windows Media Center: MCE 2005 or Windows Media Center for Xp with Vista Skin Windows Meeting Space: Just Net Meeting or Microsoft SharedView Tablet PC Applications: Snipping Tool: Vista Snipping Tool ported to Xp Sticky Notes: Sticky Notes ported to Xp Windows Journal: Windows Journal ported to Xp Windows Tablet PC Input Panel: Tablet PC Input Panel for Windows Xp Windows Vista Games: Vista Games ported to Xp DirectX10, .Net Framework 3.0, IMAPI V2 etc: They all have been ported to Windows Xp as well (read the list/google...) Etc. ...Anyway good luck and cya...