Old Windows 7 3rd Party Custom Themes Don't Work Windows 8

own3mall

New Member
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4
Hi Guys,

I'm trying to figure out how 3rd party custom themes work. After consulting the oracle, here's what I've come up with:

Tools you need to get 3rd party themes to work on Windows 8:
Homepage M. Hoefs - Software

Lacking Guides on How Themes Work / How to Customize a Few Things:
Style7 ? Custom Window 7 Themes « Kludget Widget Engine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7p44zm8UU4
Making Custom Windows 7 Themes Part 2
Create a Windows 7 Theme Pack From Scratch
Make Your Own .msstyles Theme Manually - Windows Tutorials | Dream.In.Code

Unfortunately, most of these guides are out of date or are missing information. I'd like to learn more about how custom 3rd party themes work because the Windows Luna and Royale themes that work in Windows 7 no longer work in Windows 8.

The Luna and Royale themes can be downloaded here:

Windows XP 4 Life :: Make Windows 7 and Windows 8 Look Like Windows XP :: Make Linux Look Like XP

When I apply those themes in Windows 8, nothing happens. Yet, when I apply them in Windows 7, they work perfectly. I've had a lot of people request that these themes be updated to work on Windows 8. So, I'd like to do just that, but I need help!

The Windows 8 Work theme (Work for Windows 8 by neiio on deviantART) works great in Windows 8, so I started by trying to find any differences in the .theme files between Luna and the Work theme. Unfortunately, there are hardly any impacting changes.

I then checked out the structure of the .msstyles of each theme. The Luna theme uses different numbers for images than the Work theme does, but again, I didn't see a reason why the Luna theme wouldn't work but the Work theme would.

Also, where does each theme define which ID is used for which icon? I guess this is where I am most confused.

Does anyone know why the Luna and Royale themes don't work on Windows 8? Again, they work great in Windows 7.

Any help is appreciated!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 x64
You probably need to install skin_pack_auto_uxthemepatcher_2_0_by_spdownload-d5njb4q. Download from. . .Good Luck

BTW "Welcome to the Eight Forums" . . .:thumbsup:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8, (VM win7, XP, Vista)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion p1423w
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 3330 Ivy Bridge
    Motherboard
    Foxconn - 2ADA Ivy Brige
    Memory
    16 GB 1066MHz DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5450
    Sound Card
    HD Realteck (Onboard)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Mitsubishi LED TV/Montior HD, Dell 23 HD, Hanspree 25" HD
    Screen Resolution
    Mit. 1980-1080, Dell 2048-115, Hanspree 1920-10802
    Hard Drives
    1 SanDisk 240Gig SSD, 2 Samsung 512Gig SSDs
    Case
    Tower
    Cooling
    Original (Fans)
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Keyboard 2000
    Mouse
    Microsoft Optical Mouse 5000
    Internet Speed
    1.3 (350 to 1024 if lucky)
    Browser
    Firefox 19.1
    Antivirus
    MSE-Defender
Welcome to the eightforums

There is quite a bit a difference between Windows 7 and Windows 8 and even Windows 8.1 .msstyles(image numbers, properties etc.) which is why they will not work.

Jerry
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Pro/Win 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Sager NP9170 Laptop
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-3630QM CPU @ 2.40GHz
    Motherboard
    CLEVO P170EM
    Memory
    12.00 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    (1) Intel(R) HD Graphics 4000 (2) NVIDIA GeForce GTX 675M
    Sound Card
    (1) Realtek High Definition Audio (2) Intel(R) Display Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17.3
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    (1) M4 256 GB SSD (2) 500 GB 7200 RPM
    Keyboard
    Backlit
    Other Info
    System Manufacturer: Custom-built.
    OS: Win 7 Home Premium x64.
    Case: Rosewill R5.
    CPU: Intel I5 4670K CPU @ 3.40GHz.
    CPU Cooler: Cool Master Hyper 212 EVO.
    Motherboard: Asus Z87-A.
    Memory: Kingston Hyper 2x4 GB.
    Graphics Card: Intel HD Graphics 4600.
    Power Supply: Corsair TX750.
    Hard Drives: (1) Samsung 840 120 GB (2) Western Digital blue 500 GB 7200 RPM.
Welcome to the eightforums

There is quite a bit a difference between Windows 7 and Windows 8 and even Windows 8.1 .msstyles(image numbers, properties etc.) which is why they will not work.

Jerry

Thanks Jerry,

Are the differences documented somewhere? I'd like to make those two themes work in Windows 8.1. I guess what I need to know is which icon / resource does what in Windows 8.1.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 x64
Welcome to the eightforums

There is quite a bit a difference between Windows 7 and Windows 8 and even Windows 8.1 .msstyles(image numbers, properties etc.) which is why they will not work.

Jerry

Thanks Jerry,

Are the differences documented somewhere? I'd like to make those two themes work in Windows 8.1. I guess what I need to know is which icon / resource does what in Windows 8.1.

I'll say this again . . .You probably need to install skin_pack_auto_uxthemepatcher_2_0_by_spdownload-d5njb4q. Download from. . .Good Luck
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8, (VM win7, XP, Vista)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion p1423w
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 3330 Ivy Bridge
    Motherboard
    Foxconn - 2ADA Ivy Brige
    Memory
    16 GB 1066MHz DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5450
    Sound Card
    HD Realteck (Onboard)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Mitsubishi LED TV/Montior HD, Dell 23 HD, Hanspree 25" HD
    Screen Resolution
    Mit. 1980-1080, Dell 2048-115, Hanspree 1920-10802
    Hard Drives
    1 SanDisk 240Gig SSD, 2 Samsung 512Gig SSDs
    Case
    Tower
    Cooling
    Original (Fans)
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Keyboard 2000
    Mouse
    Microsoft Optical Mouse 5000
    Internet Speed
    1.3 (350 to 1024 if lucky)
    Browser
    Firefox 19.1
    Antivirus
    MSE-Defender
Welcome to the eightforums

There is quite a bit a difference between Windows 7 and Windows 8 and even Windows 8.1 .msstyles(image numbers, properties etc.) which is why they will not work.

Jerry

Thanks Jerry,

Are the differences documented somewhere? I'd like to make those two themes work in Windows 8.1. I guess what I need to know is which icon / resource does what in Windows 8.1.
I'll say it again. . .You probably need to install skin_pack_auto_uxthemepatcher_2_0_by_spdownload-d5njb4q. . . .I run several different styles, and before I was able to use them I had to install the above theme patcher. At this time I am running OS X 10.8.3, and XP themes. Good Luck
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8, (VM win7, XP, Vista)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion p1423w
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 3330 Ivy Bridge
    Motherboard
    Foxconn - 2ADA Ivy Brige
    Memory
    16 GB 1066MHz DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5450
    Sound Card
    HD Realteck (Onboard)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Mitsubishi LED TV/Montior HD, Dell 23 HD, Hanspree 25" HD
    Screen Resolution
    Mit. 1980-1080, Dell 2048-115, Hanspree 1920-10802
    Hard Drives
    1 SanDisk 240Gig SSD, 2 Samsung 512Gig SSDs
    Case
    Tower
    Cooling
    Original (Fans)
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Keyboard 2000
    Mouse
    Microsoft Optical Mouse 5000
    Internet Speed
    1.3 (350 to 1024 if lucky)
    Browser
    Firefox 19.1
    Antivirus
    MSE-Defender
Hi Lee! I tried skin_pack_auto_uxthemepatcher_2_0_by_spdownload-d5njb4q, but the Luna and Royale themes still do not look correct on Windows 8. I will see if Universal Theme Patcher works next, but I doubt that will work either.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 x64
Welcome to the eightforums

There is quite a bit a difference between Windows 7 and Windows 8 and even Windows 8.1 .msstyles(image numbers, properties etc.) which is why they will not work.

Jerry

Thanks Jerry,

Are the differences documented somewhere? I'd like to make those two themes work in Windows 8.1. I guess what I need to know is which icon / resource does what in Windows 8.1.

There is not too much documented yet, I know at the Window Style Builder Forum there is some documentation on 8/8.1 but you have to purchase the program before you can access the information VistaStyleBuilder - Index

With the change in image numbers and properties the only way to make those two themes work would be to create a new theme and make it look like one of those two and the only way I know how to do that is with Windows style builder.

Jerry
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Pro/Win 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Sager NP9170 Laptop
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-3630QM CPU @ 2.40GHz
    Motherboard
    CLEVO P170EM
    Memory
    12.00 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    (1) Intel(R) HD Graphics 4000 (2) NVIDIA GeForce GTX 675M
    Sound Card
    (1) Realtek High Definition Audio (2) Intel(R) Display Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17.3
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    (1) M4 256 GB SSD (2) 500 GB 7200 RPM
    Keyboard
    Backlit
    Other Info
    System Manufacturer: Custom-built.
    OS: Win 7 Home Premium x64.
    Case: Rosewill R5.
    CPU: Intel I5 4670K CPU @ 3.40GHz.
    CPU Cooler: Cool Master Hyper 212 EVO.
    Motherboard: Asus Z87-A.
    Memory: Kingston Hyper 2x4 GB.
    Graphics Card: Intel HD Graphics 4600.
    Power Supply: Corsair TX750.
    Hard Drives: (1) Samsung 840 120 GB (2) Western Digital blue 500 GB 7200 RPM.
Hi Jerry. Not sure where you get your information about themes and styles for window 8/8.1 but there really is no reason to create your own unless that is your thing when there are several hundred out there in the wild. If you want you can use Stardock's Windowblinds, or go to a site like Deviant Art where you will find a great deal of themes or styles along with wallpapers, icons, etc.
The one good thing about any Windows OS is the ability to change the look and feel of the GUI. Just remember to use some of these styles you will need uxtheme patcher. Find the patcher here
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8, (VM win7, XP, Vista)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion p1423w
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 3330 Ivy Bridge
    Motherboard
    Foxconn - 2ADA Ivy Brige
    Memory
    16 GB 1066MHz DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5450
    Sound Card
    HD Realteck (Onboard)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Mitsubishi LED TV/Montior HD, Dell 23 HD, Hanspree 25" HD
    Screen Resolution
    Mit. 1980-1080, Dell 2048-115, Hanspree 1920-10802
    Hard Drives
    1 SanDisk 240Gig SSD, 2 Samsung 512Gig SSDs
    Case
    Tower
    Cooling
    Original (Fans)
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Keyboard 2000
    Mouse
    Microsoft Optical Mouse 5000
    Internet Speed
    1.3 (350 to 1024 if lucky)
    Browser
    Firefox 19.1
    Antivirus
    MSE-Defender
Hi Jerry. Not sure where you get your information about themes and styles for window 8/8.1 but there really is no reason to create your own unless that is your thing when there are several hundred out there in the wild. If you want you can use Stardock's Windowblinds, or go to a site like Deviant Art where you will find a great deal of themes or styles along with wallpapers, icons, etc.
The one good thing about any Windows OS is the ability to change the look and feel of the GUI. Just remember to use some of these styles you will need uxtheme patcher. Find the patcher here
Lee I get my information from experience with theme making.

There is no need to to use Universal Theme Patcher when you can use UxStyle for Windows 7/8/8.1 it does not alter the system files and runs as a service using minimal resources.

As for Windowblinds it is very limited compared to creating your own thing with Windows Style Builder.


I think I will purchase VistaStyleBuilder. I've got to make these old themes work or die trying. lol

Lee, do any of the themes for download at Windows XP 4 Life :: Make Windows 7 and Windows 8 Look Like Windows XP :: Make Linux Look Like XP work on your Windows 8? (meaning they look like the tiny screenshot 100%)?
If you purchase Windows Style Builder and join their forum they have a beta version that works on Windows 7/8/8.1 with a lot of very knowledgeable and helpful people there.
Basically you will be exporting images from the Windows 7 Luna or Royale .msstyles theme and then importing them back into a 8.1.msstyles.

Jerry
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Pro/Win 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Sager NP9170 Laptop
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-3630QM CPU @ 2.40GHz
    Motherboard
    CLEVO P170EM
    Memory
    12.00 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    (1) Intel(R) HD Graphics 4000 (2) NVIDIA GeForce GTX 675M
    Sound Card
    (1) Realtek High Definition Audio (2) Intel(R) Display Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17.3
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    (1) M4 256 GB SSD (2) 500 GB 7200 RPM
    Keyboard
    Backlit
    Other Info
    System Manufacturer: Custom-built.
    OS: Win 7 Home Premium x64.
    Case: Rosewill R5.
    CPU: Intel I5 4670K CPU @ 3.40GHz.
    CPU Cooler: Cool Master Hyper 212 EVO.
    Motherboard: Asus Z87-A.
    Memory: Kingston Hyper 2x4 GB.
    Graphics Card: Intel HD Graphics 4600.
    Power Supply: Corsair TX750.
    Hard Drives: (1) Samsung 840 120 GB (2) Western Digital blue 500 GB 7200 RPM.
You can always extract the Theme you want in Windows 7, go into the Appdata/Roaming/Microsoft/Windows/Themes folder and find the images, then copy them over into a Windows 8 machine, into a folder in the same spot, and make a new Theme.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
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