Solved Unable to save my created themes in .themepack files

I have been creating themes for a number of years. Still using Desktop Architect from the Win98 days to "Apply" the various theme components. It works fine; all I have to do is change the windows colors. Then I save it. However, I am now unable to save them in the .themepack format. I was able to last week, but something has happened that I'm unaware of. Have you heard of this happening to others? Is there any other way I can create a file that will install my themes under Win7 32-bit? Would a CAB creation program work for that? Thanks for any help as I am totally stymied and have not been able to find a solution on my own.

Welcome to the Seven Forums
Have you tried a http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/700-system-restore.html to a point before it started?
Try http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

Look at http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/280-theme-change-save.html
&
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2026-theme-pack-create-save-install-delete.html
Jerry

Thanks for the suggestion - have not tried System Restore. Culled most of my earlier restore points, so now the earliest ones I have available are all dated 6/24, after the problem started. So that option is out.

Strange thing is I get no error message. It just will not save to the .themepack file format. I've gone into the registry to see if I could find anything that might help. No luck. I tried uninstalling several programs that were installed around the date the problem started, also no luck.

Unless someone has managed to resolve this issue, it appears my only option would be a reinstall of win7. Not going there as have my computer set up the way I like it.

So I'm left with continuing to use Desktop Architect theme management program to "apply" my custom settings. Compared to some of the issues others are dealing with when it comes to themes, that's not so great a problem. It's just that I absolutely hate having something not working properly and not be able to "fix it". Usually I can without help from others.

Would welcome any ideas other forum members may have. Would still like to be able to save my custom themes so can install them from a .themepack file. Have found that seems to be the only way to prevent the desktop image from changing to the one for the current theme each time you simply "save" a theme.

Follow-up: Just ran sfc /SCANNOW. Said I had some corrupted files it was unable to repair. Checked the log file, but didn't see any reference to the theme files. Rebooted and tried again to save in .themepack format. No luck.

Maybe try a http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html

This will show you how to do a repair install (aka: in-place upgrade install) to fix your currently installed Windows 7 and preserve your user accounts, data, programs, and system drivers.

Click to expand...

Jerry

Thank you. Have already uninstalled Service Pack 1. Going to try the Repair Install shortly. Will post the results.

Did the repair install yesterday following the tutorial. Quite a lengthy process. Guess the old adage "you win some, you lose some" is particularly apt when it comes to computers. Can now save my custom themes in .thempack file format. However, a host of new problems cropped up:

1. Had to reinstall several device drivers
2. Media Player will not import any of my mp3 files
3. Folder permissions have changed causing problems.

Marking this issue as solved. Will look for solutions to my other issues. Thanks for the tutorial.

UnicornLady said:

Did the repair install yesterday following the tutorial. Quite a lengthy process. Guess the old adage "you win some, you lose some" is particularly apt when it comes to computers. Can now save my custom themes in .thempack file format. However, a host of new problems cropped up:

1. Had to reinstall several device drivers
2. Media Player will not import any of my mp3 files
3. Folder permissions have changed causing problems.

Marking this issue as solved. Will look for solutions to my other issues. Thanks for the tutorial.

Click to expand...

You're Welcome
Sorry about the other problems it may be time to backup all your data and do a clean install.
Jerry

Want to avoid a clean install if at all possible. Have too many programs that would need to be reinstalled. Have boot drive drive backed up on 2nd drive using Mirror Folder, so if it becomes necessary ..... In the meantime, WMP has now imported all MP3 files, permissions are getting sorted out. So maybe? Thanks for the help, Jerry.