Windows 8.1 Themes....so absurd

awaixjvd

New Member
Messages
12
Hi
I have a query to ask. I am sorry, i know this is not the proper forum but i am asking as i found no where else.

Windows 7 3rd party themes are excellent, complete in every sense. The theme engine applies well and themes are a real eye candy. While in windows 8.1, the themes are so incomplete type, even from the same designer who made a theme in windows 7, has made the same theme for windows 8.1 but the theme is so absurd. The right click jump list menu is horrible, the theme doesn't apply completely. One has to replace the explorer.exe files to completely overtake the theme looks. The ribbon disabler is needed so much that without it, the themes would look horrible.

I wanted to ask, why is it so? This is ONE of the main reasons, i never liked windows 8 or 8.1.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Haier
    CPU
    1.7ghz
    Memory
    4gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    intel HD display 4400
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    MSE

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gateway
    CPU
    AMD K140 Cores 2 Threads 2 Name AMD K140 Package Socket FT1 BGA Technology 40nm
    Motherboard
    Manufacturer Gateway Model SX2110G (P0)
    Memory
    Type DDR3 Size 8192 MBytes DRAM Frequency 532.3 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    AMD High Definition Audio Device Realtek High Definition Audio USB Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Name 1950W on AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x76
    Screen Resolution
    Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x768 pixels
    Hard Drives
    AMD K140
    Cores 2
    Threads 2
    Name AMD K140
    Package Socket FT1 BGA
    Technology 40nm
    Specification AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon HD Graphics
    Family F
    Extended Family 14
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    Extended Model 2
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    Instruction
    Browser
    Opera 24.0
    Antivirus
    Avast Internet Security

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro 64bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme 1502 (GX1502)
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 5820K 3.30 GHZ 64 bit 6-Core Processor
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-X99-UD3
    Memory
    G.Skill 16GB Quad Channel DDR4-2400MHZ
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 SSC ACX 2.0+ DDR5 4GB
    Sound Card
    Creative Sound Blaster ZxR 5.1
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS PA24Q 24" Pro Art IPS LCD/LED Backlit 1920x1200
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1200 16:10
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG 850 EVO 250GB SATA 6Gb/s 2.5" Internal SSD,
    Crucial MX100 512GB SATA 6Gb/s 2.5" Internal SSD,
    WD WD10EZEX-00RKKA0 1TB SATA 6Gb/s 3.5 Internal HDD
    PSU
    EVGA SuperNOVA 750 G2 750W 80 Plus Gold Full Modular
    Case
    AZZA Cosmas Black Gaming Case
    Cooling
    Cool Master Hyper 212 Evo Dual 120mm, ( 2) Noctua PWM 120mm Case Fans (1) Gelid PWM 120mm Blue LED
    Keyboard
    Logitech K800 Illumiated Wireless Keyboard
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    Logitech M570 Wireless Trackball
    Internet Speed
    84mbps /94mbps
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    Mozilla Firefox 41.0.1 / Microsoft Edge/ IE 11
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    Norton Security 2015
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    Pioneer BDR-209DBK 16x Blu-Ray Burner, LG 24x Dual Layer DVD Burner,
    StarTech Front Bay 22-in-1 USB 2.0 Internal Multi Media Memory Card Reader,Logitech Z906 5.1 Speaker system
WindowBlinds has a new upgrade.
You need to manually check for it.
I downloaded it & am waiting for sfc & dism cmds to finish before installing it.
I run the scans a lot.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gateway
    CPU
    AMD K140 Cores 2 Threads 2 Name AMD K140 Package Socket FT1 BGA Technology 40nm
    Motherboard
    Manufacturer Gateway Model SX2110G (P0)
    Memory
    Type DDR3 Size 8192 MBytes DRAM Frequency 532.3 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    AMD High Definition Audio Device Realtek High Definition Audio USB Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Name 1950W on AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x76
    Screen Resolution
    Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x768 pixels
    Hard Drives
    AMD K140
    Cores 2
    Threads 2
    Name AMD K140
    Package Socket FT1 BGA
    Technology 40nm
    Specification AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon HD Graphics
    Family F
    Extended Family 14
    Model 2
    Extended Model 2
    Stepping 0
    Revision ON-C0
    Instruction
    Browser
    Opera 24.0
    Antivirus
    Avast Internet Security
WindowBlinds has a new upgrade.
You need to manually check for it.
I downloaded it & am waiting for sfc & dism cmds to finish before installing it.
I run the scans a lot.

Use to use Objectdock, never Windows blinds, but know not much out there that can compare for windows 8.1 for eye candy.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro 64bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme 1502 (GX1502)
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 5820K 3.30 GHZ 64 bit 6-Core Processor
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-X99-UD3
    Memory
    G.Skill 16GB Quad Channel DDR4-2400MHZ
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 SSC ACX 2.0+ DDR5 4GB
    Sound Card
    Creative Sound Blaster ZxR 5.1
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS PA24Q 24" Pro Art IPS LCD/LED Backlit 1920x1200
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1200 16:10
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG 850 EVO 250GB SATA 6Gb/s 2.5" Internal SSD,
    Crucial MX100 512GB SATA 6Gb/s 2.5" Internal SSD,
    WD WD10EZEX-00RKKA0 1TB SATA 6Gb/s 3.5 Internal HDD
    PSU
    EVGA SuperNOVA 750 G2 750W 80 Plus Gold Full Modular
    Case
    AZZA Cosmas Black Gaming Case
    Cooling
    Cool Master Hyper 212 Evo Dual 120mm, ( 2) Noctua PWM 120mm Case Fans (1) Gelid PWM 120mm Blue LED
    Keyboard
    Logitech K800 Illumiated Wireless Keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Wireless Trackball
    Internet Speed
    84mbps /94mbps
    Browser
    Mozilla Firefox 41.0.1 / Microsoft Edge/ IE 11
    Antivirus
    Norton Security 2015
    Other Info
    Pioneer BDR-209DBK 16x Blu-Ray Burner, LG 24x Dual Layer DVD Burner,
    StarTech Front Bay 22-in-1 USB 2.0 Internal Multi Media Memory Card Reader,Logitech Z906 5.1 Speaker system
When using WindowBlinds to set a new skin you need to reset your text sizes for menus etc. because they will revert to defaults with each new change.

screenshot_291.jpg

screenshot_291.jpg
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gateway
    CPU
    AMD K140 Cores 2 Threads 2 Name AMD K140 Package Socket FT1 BGA Technology 40nm
    Motherboard
    Manufacturer Gateway Model SX2110G (P0)
    Memory
    Type DDR3 Size 8192 MBytes DRAM Frequency 532.3 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    AMD High Definition Audio Device Realtek High Definition Audio USB Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Name 1950W on AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x76
    Screen Resolution
    Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x768 pixels
    Hard Drives
    AMD K140
    Cores 2
    Threads 2
    Name AMD K140
    Package Socket FT1 BGA
    Technology 40nm
    Specification AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon HD Graphics
    Family F
    Extended Family 14
    Model 2
    Extended Model 2
    Stepping 0
    Revision ON-C0
    Instruction
    Browser
    Opera 24.0
    Antivirus
    Avast Internet Security
When using WindowBlinds to set a new skin you need to reset your text sizes for menus etc. because they will revert to defaults with each new change.

View attachment 63948

View attachment 63949

Well hope all your hard work with pictorials is helping the thread starter, so far no more responses. Always wondered where your themes were from, now i know.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro 64bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme 1502 (GX1502)
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 5820K 3.30 GHZ 64 bit 6-Core Processor
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-X99-UD3
    Memory
    G.Skill 16GB Quad Channel DDR4-2400MHZ
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 SSC ACX 2.0+ DDR5 4GB
    Sound Card
    Creative Sound Blaster ZxR 5.1
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS PA24Q 24" Pro Art IPS LCD/LED Backlit 1920x1200
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1200 16:10
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG 850 EVO 250GB SATA 6Gb/s 2.5" Internal SSD,
    Crucial MX100 512GB SATA 6Gb/s 2.5" Internal SSD,
    WD WD10EZEX-00RKKA0 1TB SATA 6Gb/s 3.5 Internal HDD
    PSU
    EVGA SuperNOVA 750 G2 750W 80 Plus Gold Full Modular
    Case
    AZZA Cosmas Black Gaming Case
    Cooling
    Cool Master Hyper 212 Evo Dual 120mm, ( 2) Noctua PWM 120mm Case Fans (1) Gelid PWM 120mm Blue LED
    Keyboard
    Logitech K800 Illumiated Wireless Keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Wireless Trackball
    Internet Speed
    84mbps /94mbps
    Browser
    Mozilla Firefox 41.0.1 / Microsoft Edge/ IE 11
    Antivirus
    Norton Security 2015
    Other Info
    Pioneer BDR-209DBK 16x Blu-Ray Burner, LG 24x Dual Layer DVD Burner,
    StarTech Front Bay 22-in-1 USB 2.0 Internal Multi Media Memory Card Reader,Logitech Z906 5.1 Speaker system
When using WindowBlinds to set a new skin you need to reset your text sizes for menus etc. because they will revert to defaults with each new change.

View attachment 63948

View attachment 63949

Well hope all your hard work with pictorials is helping the thread starter, so far no more responses. Always wondered where your themes were from, now i know.

I enjoy posting help when I can.
I am mentally ill because I don't like being around others & am suicidally depressed most of the time.
I have cancer & type 2 diabetes.
I quit taking insulin 3 months ago since I have no desire to prolong my life.
If an OP doesn't respond I don't care.
Maybe my post will help others.
Just in a mood to be honest.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gateway
    CPU
    AMD K140 Cores 2 Threads 2 Name AMD K140 Package Socket FT1 BGA Technology 40nm
    Motherboard
    Manufacturer Gateway Model SX2110G (P0)
    Memory
    Type DDR3 Size 8192 MBytes DRAM Frequency 532.3 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    AMD High Definition Audio Device Realtek High Definition Audio USB Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Name 1950W on AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x76
    Screen Resolution
    Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x768 pixels
    Hard Drives
    AMD K140
    Cores 2
    Threads 2
    Name AMD K140
    Package Socket FT1 BGA
    Technology 40nm
    Specification AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon HD Graphics
    Family F
    Extended Family 14
    Model 2
    Extended Model 2
    Stepping 0
    Revision ON-C0
    Instruction
    Browser
    Opera 24.0
    Antivirus
    Avast Internet Security
When using WindowBlinds to set a new skin you need to reset your text sizes for menus etc. because they will revert to defaults with each new change.

View attachment 63948

View attachment 63949

Well hope all your hard work with pictorials is helping the thread starter, so far no more responses. Always wondered where your themes were from, now i know.

I enjoy posting help when I can.
I am mentally ill because I don't like being around others & am suicidally depressed most of the time.
I have cancer & type 2 diabetes.
I quit taking insulin 3 months ago since I have no desire to prolong my life.
If an OP doesn't respond I don't care.
Maybe my post will help others.
Just in a mood to be honest.

True, i know any post can help others here, sometimes like to know it helps ones who started them too. Sorry to hear all this, as did know had certain illnesses. Didn't need tell me here, i do admire honesty, hope you can feel better.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro 64bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme 1502 (GX1502)
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 5820K 3.30 GHZ 64 bit 6-Core Processor
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-X99-UD3
    Memory
    G.Skill 16GB Quad Channel DDR4-2400MHZ
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 SSC ACX 2.0+ DDR5 4GB
    Sound Card
    Creative Sound Blaster ZxR 5.1
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS PA24Q 24" Pro Art IPS LCD/LED Backlit 1920x1200
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1200 16:10
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG 850 EVO 250GB SATA 6Gb/s 2.5" Internal SSD,
    Crucial MX100 512GB SATA 6Gb/s 2.5" Internal SSD,
    WD WD10EZEX-00RKKA0 1TB SATA 6Gb/s 3.5 Internal HDD
    PSU
    EVGA SuperNOVA 750 G2 750W 80 Plus Gold Full Modular
    Case
    AZZA Cosmas Black Gaming Case
    Cooling
    Cool Master Hyper 212 Evo Dual 120mm, ( 2) Noctua PWM 120mm Case Fans (1) Gelid PWM 120mm Blue LED
    Keyboard
    Logitech K800 Illumiated Wireless Keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Wireless Trackball
    Internet Speed
    84mbps /94mbps
    Browser
    Mozilla Firefox 41.0.1 / Microsoft Edge/ IE 11
    Antivirus
    Norton Security 2015
    Other Info
    Pioneer BDR-209DBK 16x Blu-Ray Burner, LG 24x Dual Layer DVD Burner,
    StarTech Front Bay 22-in-1 USB 2.0 Internal Multi Media Memory Card Reader,Logitech Z906 5.1 Speaker system
Thanks guys for your kind help.
I am not much of a fan of windows blinds. Instead i use, uxtheme patcher and use third party themes from deviantart.com they have pretty nice themes. They are very low resource using themes. I have had bad experiences with windows blinds in past when i used it on windows 7 and it took awful lot of resources and made everything so slow though system was quite good.
But my point was not that, i meant that themes in windows 7 look completely made and perfect in every sense. But in windows 8.1 they are just incomplete. OR they need additional permissions to be given to be applied completely.

Anyhow thanks to everyone who contributed to help.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Haier
    CPU
    1.7ghz
    Memory
    4gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    intel HD display 4400
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    MSE
Your Welcome, yes Windows 7 was more on themes and also having Aero made it better in that way . DefiantArt was one i knew of for free and has some nice lightweight themes.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro 64bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme 1502 (GX1502)
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 5820K 3.30 GHZ 64 bit 6-Core Processor
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-X99-UD3
    Memory
    G.Skill 16GB Quad Channel DDR4-2400MHZ
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 SSC ACX 2.0+ DDR5 4GB
    Sound Card
    Creative Sound Blaster ZxR 5.1
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS PA24Q 24" Pro Art IPS LCD/LED Backlit 1920x1200
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1200 16:10
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG 850 EVO 250GB SATA 6Gb/s 2.5" Internal SSD,
    Crucial MX100 512GB SATA 6Gb/s 2.5" Internal SSD,
    WD WD10EZEX-00RKKA0 1TB SATA 6Gb/s 3.5 Internal HDD
    PSU
    EVGA SuperNOVA 750 G2 750W 80 Plus Gold Full Modular
    Case
    AZZA Cosmas Black Gaming Case
    Cooling
    Cool Master Hyper 212 Evo Dual 120mm, ( 2) Noctua PWM 120mm Case Fans (1) Gelid PWM 120mm Blue LED
    Keyboard
    Logitech K800 Illumiated Wireless Keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Wireless Trackball
    Internet Speed
    84mbps /94mbps
    Browser
    Mozilla Firefox 41.0.1 / Microsoft Edge/ IE 11
    Antivirus
    Norton Security 2015
    Other Info
    Pioneer BDR-209DBK 16x Blu-Ray Burner, LG 24x Dual Layer DVD Burner,
    StarTech Front Bay 22-in-1 USB 2.0 Internal Multi Media Memory Card Reader,Logitech Z906 5.1 Speaker system
.................I enjoy posting help when I can.
I am mentally ill because I don't like being around others & am suicidally depressed most of the time.
I have cancer & type 2 diabetes.
I quit taking insulin 3 months ago since I have no desire to prolong my life.
If an OP doesn't respond I don't care.
Maybe my post will help others.
Just in a mood to be honest.

Thank you for the posts you have done in here to help me from time to time. I really appreciate your attitude when answering my usually inane questions and problems. To share your situation with me is very moving for me. Thanks, David, hang in there and keep me on track with what's important in life.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavillion p6230f
    CPU
    HP AMD Phenom II X4 810
    Motherboard
    FOXCONN ALOE
    Memory
    8 GBytes
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI/AMD Radeon HD 42
    Sound Card
    ATI/AMD SB600 - High
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SE198WFP
    Screen Resolution
    1440 x 900
    Hard Drives
    Seagate ST3750528AS
    Browser
    IE 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
But my point was not that, i meant that themes in windows 7 look completely made and perfect in every sense. But in windows 8.1 they are just incomplete. OR they need additional permissions to be given to be applied completely.

I've run across the theme issue in the past as well. I'll try to be as clear as possible answering this:

Simply said: Microsoft doesn't support or encourage the creation of complex themes like most on deviantart because to be able to fully change the color on some gui elements, extra files (important for the system) need to be changed for each theme (explorer *ui* imageres dll's). People do it because they want it, with the risk of side effects from patches or wrong changes.
Unless the theming engine allows this via the appearance options, maybe in the future, not all interface colors can be changed without digging and messing in files. Those files changed between Windows 7 and 8; one is older, more known and requires less patches to theme.

Official themes on Windows just change the color of the windows borders cursors and sounds. So the omnipresent white color that's deeply nested on the interface is not changeable without altering of system files.

On windows 7, a standard template for creating themes has been made by/for theme makers. Since Windows 7 has a simpler theme engine and has been longer around than Windows 8, people know more on how to change stuff in making a nice theme. Windows 8 on the other hand controls the alteration of system files and resets them or registry settings after updates so you can feel in a way the restriction in using custom themes that need to be re-applied from time to time. From Windows 7 to 8.0 the UI resources in dll's changed requiering a remapping of resources in the mssytles file, this changed again from 8.0 to 8.1 and it's most likely to change again, requiring new themes again.

I might not be completely right on all details but this is basically how it is.

Good luck in getting a nice custom theme working, it may work well only for one particular version of the system you use, then an update /fix will need to be released by the theme maker.
This is why I've decided to stop the endless patch work and stick with the standard theming, adding as much customization without altering files. Maybe a theme is not 100% what you want, just try in getting it a close as possible.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy DV6 7250
    CPU
    Intel i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP, Intel HM77 Express Chipset
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000 + Nvidia Geforce 630M
    Sound Card
    IDT HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6' built-in + Samsung S22D300 + 17.3' LG Phillips
    Screen Resolution
    multiple resolutions
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 250GB + Hitachi HDD 750GB
    PSU
    120W adapter
    Case
    small
    Cooling
    laptop cooling pad
    Keyboard
    Backlit built-in + big one in USB
    Mouse
    SteelSeries Sensei
    Internet Speed
    slow and steady
    Browser
    Chromium, Pale Moon, Firefox Developer Edition
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's basically it.
But my point was not that, i meant that themes in windows 7 look completely made and perfect in every sense. But in windows 8.1 they are just incomplete. OR they need additional permissions to be given to be applied completely.

I've run across the theme issue in the past as well. I'll try to be as clear as possible answering this:

Simply said: Microsoft doesn't support or encourage the creation of complex themes like most on deviantart because to be able to fully change the color on some gui elements, extra files (important for the system) need to be changed for each theme (explorer *ui* imageres dll's). People do it because they want it, with the risk of side effects from patches or wrong changes.
Unless the theming engine allows this via the appearance options, maybe in the future, not all interface colors can be changed without digging and messing in files. Those files changed between Windows 7 and 8; one is older, more known and requires less patches to theme.

Official themes on Windows just change the color of the windows borders cursors and sounds. So the omnipresent white color that's deeply nested on the interface is not changeable without altering of system files.

On windows 7, a standard template for creating themes has been made by/for theme makers. Since Windows 7 has a simpler theme engine and has been longer around than Windows 8, people know more on how to change stuff in making a nice theme. Windows 8 on the other hand controls the alteration of system files and resets them or registry settings after updates so you can feel in a way the restriction in using custom themes that need to be re-applied from time to time. From Windows 7 to 8.0 the UI resources in dll's changed requiering a remapping of resources in the mssytles file, this changed again from 8.0 to 8.1 and it's most likely to change again, requiring new themes again.

I might not be completely right on all details but this is basically how it is.

Good luck in getting a nice custom theme working, it may work well only for one particular version of the system you use, then an update /fix will need to be released by the theme maker.
This is why I've decided to stop the endless patch work and stick with the standard theming, adding as much customization without altering files. Maybe a theme is not 100% what you want, just try in getting it a close as possible.

Thanks for such a lengthy but informative post. I also certainly do agree with you that the themes made by users on dA are very good but windows 7 let it be customized in better way and gives a sense of completion to system. Everything is themed but in windows 8 or 8.1 it is not so. Somewhere it is lacking unless you replace the explorer.exe file. Usually in windows 7 i applied the theme but didn't replace the default explorer. Even then the theme was perfect. I didn't use the themes for which replacing explorer was a MUST, for example those themes which change the looks totally.
Anyhow, i am a satisfied user of windows 7 and never could get used to windows 8.1 and as windows 10 is also made on the concept of windows 8.1 so i guess i am going to stick to windows 7 forever. Microsoft also said that windows 10 is going to be their last windows and after which they will only bring service packs or patches via windows updates but no more windows.
But anyhow, thanks for your concern and reply. I appreciate it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Haier
    CPU
    1.7ghz
    Memory
    4gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    intel HD display 4400
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    MSE
Hi
I have a query to ask. I am sorry, i know this is not the proper forum but i am asking as i found no where else.

Windows 7 3rd party themes are excellent, complete in every sense. The theme engine applies well and themes are a real eye candy. While in windows 8.1, the themes are so incomplete type, even from the same designer who made a theme in windows 7, has made the same theme for windows 8.1 but the theme is so absurd. The right click jump list menu is horrible, the theme doesn't apply completely. One has to replace the explorer.exe files to completely overtake the theme looks. The ribbon disabler is needed so much that without it, the themes would look horrible.

I wanted to ask, why is it so? This is ONE of the main reasons, i never liked windows 8 or 8.1.

Well, you may be right to a certain extent, Windows 7 was a lot easier to theme, Windows 8 / 8.1 not so much BUT if the themer / designer knows what they are doing you can achieve the exact same results in Windows 8 / 8.1 that one did in 7 , it all just depends who's theme you are running and how much time and in depth they went before releasing it. BTW, explorer.exe files have always needed replacing in both 7 and 8 / 8.1 to achieve desired looks for the theme.

I will agree with you on the ribbon disabler, it's just one more resource needed to achieve the looks the themer wants, now, you don't have to use it but you will get stuck with the fugly looking ribbon on your theme, this is because themers have not yet found a way to theme that part of Windows and Windows itself does not give you the option to disable the ribbon, which I think ought to be an option in Windows. You also have the option of hiding the ribbon (rolling it up) if you don't want to install ribbon disabler.

But in closing, I run Windows 8.1, each and every custom theme that I run is complete, I used Window Blinds ONCE until I learned how to theme myself but now I don't use Window Blinds and I would never use Window Blinds ever again after learning how to do it myself, first being because it's a resource hog, second being is because that after learning how to theme myself I learned that there is absolutely no reason whatsoever one should have to run extra proprietary software in order to run a custom third party theme and third is because Stardock's support staff is nothing but a bunch of arrogant know it all's who speak down to you and not TO you.
But if that is the route you decide to go, hey it's your machine :cool:, there are some pretty nice Window Blind themes out there, I just don't think you should have to run proprietary software just to run them, meaning if you don't have Window Blinds you just can't run them at all. It's just like Microsoft putting IE on Windows without the option of being able to run any other browser, Stardock has been and will always be trying to corner the market on something they will never be able to. The custom themes I run use zero proprietary software to run, they also use zero system resources.

You really need to experiment with different theme artists, not only the ones on DA to see which ones fit your liking. You'll be able to tell the ones that have actually spent quality time making a theme.
A lot, most, if not all the Windows 8 / 8.1 and also a lot of Windows 7 themes I have downloaded from DA are incomplete in one way or another.

As far as Microsoft Themes (deskthemepacks), they are really only meant for those that do not run custom themes that want to give their desktop a little different look.

Expand your horizons a little and I am sure you will find a custom theme artist that will suit your needs ;)
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64 / Windows 8.1 Pro x64 Dual Boot
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP
    Memory
    8 gigs
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GE Force 5200
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP 2009M x's 2
    Screen Resolution
    1600 x 900 x's 2
    Hard Drives
    One internal Western Digital HD 650 GB
    Three external Western Digital HD's - 1 TB each
Hi
I have a query to ask. I am sorry, i know this is not the proper forum but i am asking as i found no where else.

Windows 7 3rd party themes are excellent, complete in every sense. The theme engine applies well and themes are a real eye candy. While in windows 8.1, the themes are so incomplete type, even from the same designer who made a theme in windows 7, has made the same theme for windows 8.1 but the theme is so absurd. The right click jump list menu is horrible, the theme doesn't apply completely. One has to replace the explorer.exe files to completely overtake the theme looks. The ribbon disabler is needed so much that without it, the themes would look horrible.

I wanted to ask, why is it so? This is ONE of the main reasons, i never liked windows 8 or 8.1.

Well, you may be right to a certain extent, Windows 7 was a lot easier to theme, Windows 8 / 8.1 not so much BUT if the themer / designer knows what they are doing you can achieve the exact same results in Windows 8 / 8.1 that one did in 7 , it all just depends who's theme you are running and how much time and in depth they went before releasing it. BTW, explorer.exe files have always needed replacing in both 7 and 8 / 8.1 to achieve desired looks for the theme.

I will agree with you on the ribbon disabler, it's just one more resource needed to achieve the looks the themer wants, now, you don't have to use it but you will get stuck with the fugly looking ribbon on your theme, this is because themers have not yet found a way to theme that part of Windows and Windows itself dos not give you the option to disable the ribbon, which I think ought to be an option in Windows. You also have the option of hiding the ribbon (rolling it up) if you don't want to install ribbon disabler.

But in closing, I run Windows 8.1, each and every custom theme that I run is complete, I used Window Blinds ONCE until I learned how to theme myself but now I don't use Window Blinds and I would never use Window Blinds ever again after learning how to do it myself, first being because it's a resource hog, second being is because that after learning how to theme myself I learned that there is absolutely no reason whatsoever one should have to run extra proprietary software in order to run a custom third party theme and third is because Stardock's support staff is nothing but a bunch of arrogant know it all's who speak down to you and not TO you.
But if that is the route you decide to go, hey it's your machine :cool:, there are some pretty nice Window Blind themes out there, I just don't think you should have to run proprietary software just to run them, meaning if you don't have Window Blinds you just can't run them at all. It's just like Microsoft putting IE on Windows without the option of being able to run any other browser, Stardock has been and will always be trying to corner the market on something they will never be able to. The custom themes I run use zero proprietary software to run, they also use zero system resources.

You really need to experiment with different theme artists, not only the ones on DA to see which ones fit your liking. You'll be able to tell the ones that have actually spent quality time making a theme.
A lot, most, if not all the Windows 8 / 8.1 and also a lot of Windows 7 themes I have downloaded from DA are incomplete in one way or another.

As far as Microsoft Themes (deskthemepacks), they are really only meant for those that do not run custom themes that want to give their desktop a little different look.

Expand your horizons a little and I am sure you will find a custom theme artist that will suit your needs ;)

Really thanks a lot for confirming my points somehow. I appreciate it.
Certainly the point was that because windows 8.1 has slightly different theme engine and permission to be taken to apply the theme perfectly, makes the theme incomplete. I am not a person who would replace multiple files for applying a theme. As in windows 7 it was to copy paste the theme files in "resources" folder and apply it. That's all. Everything is applied. I never replaced the explorer file, even without it, the theme was complete.
When doing same in windows 8.1, a theme is applied. First of all the the right click jump menus are not themed, they have very poor adaptations. Almost 93% of themes have this problem. This might be due to lacking of permissions or whatever. So, i become uncomfortable.
In short, i am returning back to windows 7 and quitting windows 8.1 forever. You might laugh, but i tried 6months to adapt myself to windows 8.1 but couldn't. The metro screen is simply the biggest NEGATIVE thing for me, something unacceptable. It;'s just a matter of choice of course but to me, the metro screen is a big NO. Then the theme issues, and so on there is a list. Windows 7 was simple, straight forward and sleek. I love it more. The themes are perfect, the window is less clogged with bloatware and pre-installed apps that are not needed. For example dual notifications from skype desktop and skype metro, same goes for viber, same goes for facebook etc. etc.

Windows blinds: i have used it in past and it is also a big NO from me. A huge resource hog and then only you can run themes to make it look beautiful but you cannot work seamlessly with it.
Overall the themes from dA are fine. Some of them are on different other websites for which users take you to re-directed links to their website but they have a preview on dA. So, for me, dA has quite an extensive set of themes.

Thanks once again.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Haier
    CPU
    1.7ghz
    Memory
    4gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    intel HD display 4400
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    MSE
Glad to be of some sort of help, Just an fyi, most of us prefer Windows 7 and still use it but realize it's lifespan is limited as far as MS support for it goes. Since going back to 7 is your decision just realize sooner or later it will be unsupported and if you don't like 8 or 8.1 your really not going to like 10, which sooner or later you will have to use whether it be the end of this month or 5 years from now.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64 / Windows 8.1 Pro x64 Dual Boot
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP
    Memory
    8 gigs
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GE Force 5200
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP 2009M x's 2
    Screen Resolution
    1600 x 900 x's 2
    Hard Drives
    One internal Western Digital HD 650 GB
    Three external Western Digital HD's - 1 TB each
Thanks for such a lengthy but informative post.

You're welcome.

You can keep Windows 7 for as long as you like.
However it will, one day, reach the end of support just like any version before it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy DV6 7250
    CPU
    Intel i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP, Intel HM77 Express Chipset
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000 + Nvidia Geforce 630M
    Sound Card
    IDT HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6' built-in + Samsung S22D300 + 17.3' LG Phillips
    Screen Resolution
    multiple resolutions
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 250GB + Hitachi HDD 750GB
    PSU
    120W adapter
    Case
    small
    Cooling
    laptop cooling pad
    Keyboard
    Backlit built-in + big one in USB
    Mouse
    SteelSeries Sensei
    Internet Speed
    slow and steady
    Browser
    Chromium, Pale Moon, Firefox Developer Edition
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's basically it.
Thank you for the posts you have done in here to help me from time to time. I really appreciate your attitude when answering my usually inane questions and problems. To share your situation with me is very moving for me. Thanks, David, hang in there and keep me on track with what's important in life.

I get mood swings.
Glad I helped you. :)

Moods pass.
Over 60 years I have learned this.

Forgive my posting while affected with a mood. :(

It helps to speak out sometimes.
Keeping it bottled up would make me explode. scared.png
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gateway
    CPU
    AMD K140 Cores 2 Threads 2 Name AMD K140 Package Socket FT1 BGA Technology 40nm
    Motherboard
    Manufacturer Gateway Model SX2110G (P0)
    Memory
    Type DDR3 Size 8192 MBytes DRAM Frequency 532.3 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    AMD High Definition Audio Device Realtek High Definition Audio USB Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Name 1950W on AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x76
    Screen Resolution
    Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x768 pixels
    Hard Drives
    AMD K140
    Cores 2
    Threads 2
    Name AMD K140
    Package Socket FT1 BGA
    Technology 40nm
    Specification AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon HD Graphics
    Family F
    Extended Family 14
    Model 2
    Extended Model 2
    Stepping 0
    Revision ON-C0
    Instruction
    Browser
    Opera 24.0
    Antivirus
    Avast Internet Security

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro 64bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme 1502 (GX1502)
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 5820K 3.30 GHZ 64 bit 6-Core Processor
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-X99-UD3
    Memory
    G.Skill 16GB Quad Channel DDR4-2400MHZ
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 SSC ACX 2.0+ DDR5 4GB
    Sound Card
    Creative Sound Blaster ZxR 5.1
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS PA24Q 24" Pro Art IPS LCD/LED Backlit 1920x1200
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1200 16:10
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG 850 EVO 250GB SATA 6Gb/s 2.5" Internal SSD,
    Crucial MX100 512GB SATA 6Gb/s 2.5" Internal SSD,
    WD WD10EZEX-00RKKA0 1TB SATA 6Gb/s 3.5 Internal HDD
    PSU
    EVGA SuperNOVA 750 G2 750W 80 Plus Gold Full Modular
    Case
    AZZA Cosmas Black Gaming Case
    Cooling
    Cool Master Hyper 212 Evo Dual 120mm, ( 2) Noctua PWM 120mm Case Fans (1) Gelid PWM 120mm Blue LED
    Keyboard
    Logitech K800 Illumiated Wireless Keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Wireless Trackball
    Internet Speed
    84mbps /94mbps
    Browser
    Mozilla Firefox 41.0.1 / Microsoft Edge/ IE 11
    Antivirus
    Norton Security 2015
    Other Info
    Pioneer BDR-209DBK 16x Blu-Ray Burner, LG 24x Dual Layer DVD Burner,
    StarTech Front Bay 22-in-1 USB 2.0 Internal Multi Media Memory Card Reader,Logitech Z906 5.1 Speaker system
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