change windows [explorer] colors?

Howdy-
I'm pathologically oversensitive [one of those guys who endlessly tweaks his tv picture, browser settings etc.], so i have a problem with 'windows windows' [i.e. windows explorer windows]. The bright white backgrounds are less visible than, say, white text on gray backgrounds.
Yes, you can change title bar [etc.] colors, but not the text color and main backgrounds. I've read that if you use non-Aero themes you can, but so far i haven't been able to [ever try to follow a tutorial when what you see on-screen differs from what the tutorial claims you'll see?], and, anyway, i prefer Aero's effects.

Yes, i know about how some themes are supposed to be tweakable but i've never been able to make that route work. And i've seen others comment on the general flakiness of that approach, so it's not just my incompetence.

There are also two little utilities [one, AvefoldersBG i think, and i forget the name of other], but neither takes [both lose settings, work erratically].
I'd be very grateful if anybody can help. Thanks for your time.
Marinus [call me sub! ]

Suggest reading the entire thread here:

How to change background color of Folders in Windows 7

Hopefully you worked out that a reboot is required before the settings will work.

You might want to try Gammit if you just need less brightness in white backgrounds.

Gammit! Download

It's portable so runs without installation. Just make a note of the original setting that is shown when you run the program.

Actually- the procedure called for log-off/-on, which i had done. But on your advice [that you hoped i'd "worked out"], i rebooted. Still nothing.
And simple screen darkeners i've always known about. [May i recommend Dlighter, the best of its type i've found]. For that kind of 'solution' one could always just wear sunglasses!
I'm grateful for responses from anybody willing to help but i'm not entirely stupid, i have tried the obvious.

Not sure why reg tweak will not work for you. Maybe you have some theme/ theme tweak that overrides that setting.

Anyway here are screenshots from a portable utility that I sometimes use:

You can configure colors for pretty much anything shown here:

Quick example - just messing about with it:

Default look:

There are options to add color filters to filenames based on certain criteria with the option to toggle on/ off.

It can replace explorer:

I prefer to launch it from right click context menu.

If you want to test it I reckon I could upload the version I use (they've given away fully functional free versions in the past and I have one of those) - currently you cannot get a fully functional free version from the manufacturer's website. The T&C's state "may be freely distributed in unmodified form"

Note: If you want a copy to test I will not be around for the next week or replying to any forum posts.

I've PM'd you a link.

It can't change windows explorer colors but if using XYPlorer to navigate you should be able to use any colors you like.

I've just changed panes to purple as a test:

Have you installed any third party themes that might be taking control of color settings?