bfarber.com hosts unsigned visual styles that you can download which will change the way your Windows XP looks....just check out our Visual Styles Download section to see what I mean.

In order to use unsigned visual styles like the ones you see on this site, you need to either use a third-party piece of software called StyleXP (found at www.tgtsoft.com) or you need to replace a file on your computer to allow the use of these custom visual styles. This file is called uxtheme.dll and can be found in your C:\Windows\System32 directory.

Now, this file is generally somewhat hard to replace. The reason for this is because it is in use when you go to replace it. There is a tutorial here on how to manually replace this file. However, this tutorial involves an easier method.

Previously, there were PatcherXP Programs released for each build of Windows XP to ensure compatability.

Well, xBetas released a multi-patcher a while back that supports pre-SP1, SP1, SP1A, SP2, AND Windows Server 2003. Please note, bfarber.com did not create this patcher program, and is simply hosting it for the benefit of our members.

With that said, here is the link:  PatcherXP_All_Versions.zip ( 442.61k ) Number of downloads: 2878



After you download the file for your system, unzip it, and double-click on the executable file included. It will automautically replace the uxtheme.dll for you!! It will tell you to reboot, but don't do it yet.

When you get a popup talking about "Windows File Protection" hit cancel. DO NOT HIT YES or the install will not finish properly. After you hit cancel, you will have to hit YES (Are you Sure prompt) on a second window.

After you stop receiving these pop-ups, go ahead and reboot your computer...when it boots back up you should be able to install and use the custom visual styles found on this site.


Any problems or questions should be placed in this forum.