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UXTheme Multi-Patcher for Windows XP

The simplest, quickest, and most efficient solution for installing MsStyle desktop themes on Windows XP is the UXTheme.dll Multi-Patcher!

Compatible Versions:

  • Windows XP (all versions including SP1, SP2, SP3)
  • Windows XP Professional x64 Edition (SP1/SP2)
  • Windows Server 2003 (SP0/SP1/SP2)
  • Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition (SP1/SP2)

Downloading UXTheme Multi-Patcher:

Overview:

UXTheme Multi-Patcher is a small, user-friendly software that automatically patches the Uxtheme.dll file in Windows XP, allowing you to install MsStyle desktop themes.

Steps to Install UXTheme Multi-Patcher:

  1. Launch the Software:

    • Upon launching, click "Patch" (or "Cancel" to abort).

  2. Version Detection:

    • The software detects your Windows version. Click "OK" to confirm (or "Cancel" to abort).

  3. Appearance Change:

    • Your PC will temporarily switch to the classic Windows XP look as themes are disabled during patching. This is normal.

  4. Windows File Protection:

    • Wait for the "Windows File Protection" window to appear. If it blinks in the taskbar, click it to bring it to the foreground.
    • Click "Cancel" in the "Windows File Protection" window.
    • Ignore the alert by clicking "Yes".

  5. Finalizing the Patch:

    • Return to the Multi-Patcher window and click "OK".

  6. Restart Your PC:

    • A prompt will appear to restart your PC. Click "OK" to reboot. If you choose not to restart immediately, remember to do so later to complete the installation.

Post-Installation:

After restarting, you can install new desktop themes. Place your theme files (.msstyles) in the folder: C:\WINDOWS\Resources\Themes\.

Example for installing a theme named "Royale":

  • The folder should be: C:\WINDOWS\Resources\Themes\Royale\
  • This folder should contain the file Royale.msstyles and other necessary sub-folders.

To apply a theme, right-click on your desktop, select "Properties," and choose your desired theme from the drop-down list.

Restoration Procedure for UXTheme.dll:

If you wish to restore the original, unpatched UXTheme.dll file:

  1. Re-run UXTheme Multi-Patcher:

    • Your PC will again switch to the classic Windows XP look during unpatching.

  2. Confirmation:

    • A window will ask if you want to remove the patch and restore the original file. Click "OK" (or "Cancel" to exit).

  3. Theme Service:

    • When prompted to disable the theme service, click "Enable" to continue using the default Windows XP theme (Luna).

  4. Restart Your PC:

    • Click "OK" to restart your PC. If you don't restart immediately, remember to do so later to complete the uninstallation.

Notes:

  • This tutorial was created by FxPatrice
  • Original tutorial date: July 17, 2004
  • Last modified: October 6, 2009
  • Adapted date: Jul 1, 2024

By following these instructions, you can easily customize your Windows XP desktop with various themes, ensuring a personalized and visually appealing user experience.

Comments (1)

The simplest, quickest, and most efficient solution for installing MsStyle desktop themes on Windows XP is the UXTheme.dll Multi-Patcher!

Compatible Versions:

  • Windows XP (all versions including SP1, SP2, SP3)
  • Windows XP Professional x64 Edition (SP1/SP2)
  • Windows Server 2003 (SP0/SP1/SP2)
  • Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition (SP1/SP2)

Downloading UXTheme Multi-Patcher:

Overview:

UXTheme Multi-Patcher is a small, user-friendly software that automatically patches the Uxtheme.dll file in Windows XP, allowing you to install MsStyle desktop themes.

Steps to Install UXTheme Multi-Patcher:

  1. Launch the Software:

    • Upon launching, click "Patch" (or "Cancel" to abort).

  2. Version Detection:

    • The software detects your Windows version. Click "OK" to confirm (or "Cancel" to abort).

  3. Appearance Change:

    • Your PC will temporarily switch to the classic Windows XP look as themes are disabled during patching. This is normal.

  4. Windows File Protection:

    • Wait for the "Windows File Protection" window to appear. If it blinks in the taskbar, click it to bring it to the foreground.
    • Click "Cancel" in the "Windows File Protection" window.
    • Ignore the alert by clicking "Yes".

  5. Finalizing the Patch:

    • Return to the Multi-Patcher window and click "OK".

  6. Restart Your PC:

    • A prompt will appear to restart your PC. Click "OK" to reboot. If you choose not to restart immediately, remember to do so later to complete the installation.

Post-Installation:

After restarting, you can install new desktop themes. Place your theme files (.msstyles) in the folder: C:\WINDOWS\Resources\Themes\.

Example for installing a theme named "Royale":

  • The folder should be: C:\WINDOWS\Resources\Themes\Royale\
  • This folder should contain the file Royale.msstyles and other necessary sub-folders.

To apply a theme, right-click on your desktop, select "Properties," and choose your desired theme from the drop-down list.

Restoration Procedure for UXTheme.dll:

If you wish to restore the original, unpatched UXTheme.dll file:

  1. Re-run UXTheme Multi-Patcher:

    • Your PC will again switch to the classic Windows XP look during unpatching.

  2. Confirmation:

    • A window will ask if you want to remove the patch and restore the original file. Click "OK" (or "Cancel" to exit).

  3. Theme Service:

    • When prompted to disable the theme service, click "Enable" to continue using the default Windows XP theme (Luna).

  4. Restart Your PC:

    • Click "OK" to restart your PC. If you don't restart immediately, remember to do so later to complete the uninstallation.

Notes:

  • This tutorial was created by FxPatrice
  • Original tutorial date: July 17, 2004
  • Last modified: October 6, 2009
  • Adapted date: Jul 1, 2024

By following these instructions, you can easily customize your Windows XP desktop with various themes, ensuring a personalized and visually appealing user experience.

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to drop in and add my two cents on using the UXTheme Multi-Patcher for sprucing up Windows XP. I've been using this dinky tool for years, and it's genuinely a lifesaver if you're into customizing your desktop beyond the default themes.

The steps outlined above are spot-on. One thing to emphasize is making sure you restart your computer after patching with the Multi-Patcher. It seems like a no-brainer, but I've seen a few cases where skipping this step caused some quirky behavior with theme elements not displaying correctly.

Also, when applying new themes post-patch, sometimes not all elements update immediately. A quick tip: after setting a new theme, refresh your desktop by right-clicking on the desktop and selecting 'Refresh'. This action ensures that all components of the theme are fully applied.

For anyone hesitant about using third-party tools like this, from my experience, UXTheme Multi-Patcher has been quite reliable. However, always make sure you download it from trusted sources to avoid any unwanted software or malware.

Lastly, backing up your original Uxtheme.dll file before patching can be a good precautionary measure if you ever want to revert without complications.

Happy theming!