Hi
Ive just this week started using rainmeter and have my desktop theme just as I want it. Its comprising skins from 3 different themes. What I want to do is back this up as a single theme so I can restore it instantly if I ever re install windows or want to add it to a second desktop without having to mess around changing fonts, colours, positions etc.
How do I go about this please
Danny
You can create a custom setup file, which would consist of your skins/settings.
You would need to run it after installing Rainmeter on a new system.
Custom setup file should include the following directories:
Your "Skin" files
Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\YourName\My Documents\Rainmeter\Skins
Windows Vista & Win7: C:\Users\YourName\My Documents\Rainmeter\Skins
Rainmeter.ini and your "Themes" (this file has current custom layout and Rainmeter settings of your desktop)
Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\YourName\Application Data\Rainmeter
Windows Vista & Win7: C:\Users\YourName\Appdata\Roaming\Rainmeter
And if you changes something in program files (which is really rare) include:
The Program:
Windows XP: C:\Program Files\Rainmeter
Windows Vista & Win7: C:\Program Files\Rainmeter
Setup files can be created with following free programs
CreateInstall: Freeware installer CreateInstall FREE
Inno Setup Downloads
and there are many others.
Custom Windows 7 themes (ones that are shown under My themes in ControlPanel - Personalization) are here
%userprofile%\appdata\Local\Microsoft\windows\Themes
If this theme is based on custom MSSTYLES file, that file should be backed up as well from here
%windir%\resources\Themes
Alternatively, you can just copy the skins and themes, from the directories/folders stated, to somewhere (like an external drive). Then on the new computer (or after you've reinstalled windows), put them to their proper folders. Refresh/restart Rainmeter. If the theme doesn't work, you may need open that theme's .thm file (using any text editor) and make sure all paths are correct (editing as necessary).
Remember to save your set-up/theme first (in case you haven't). Either:
Go to C:\Program Files\Rainmeter\Addons\Rainthemes, then use RainThemes.exe to give it a name save it.
OR
Right-click the rainmeter icon on your system tray/notification area, select Themes->Manage Themes to open RainThemes.exe.
Also, if those skins are using new fonts (not included in Windows), plugins and other apps, you'll need to back-up and re-install, them too.
Thanks guys didnt realise i could add all the folders to just one to create my own complete skins
I do not think that is a good idea. Some files with identical names might be replaced and the skin would not work.
What I meant in my post is that you can create like a backup of all those folder and put them in a single setup file, so later by launching only one file you can restore all those folders, files and settings.
It is similar principle, like with an zip archive, except files and folder from archive can only be extracted to one folder, not multiple like with custom setup/installation files.
I see what your saying now. I had already added my skin to a single folder and copied to another machine and it worked fine.Just lucky I guess.Will have a look at those links you provided to make an installer.
Thanks Danny
You are welcome. As alternative you can archive those folders in separate archives for each folder.
ok, I think this issue is solved.
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