How to have the same theme customization freedom as with XP?

I'm trying to get rid of the blinding white backgrounds and making them a darker color with brighter text. I refuse to use the nauseating classic theme or the high contrast black or the depressing custom black themes found online.

How do I get to this screen? http://www.pallareviews.com/wp-conte..._Windows_7.png Clicking Windows Color on Personalize instead gives me http://www.pallareviews.com/wp-conte...0_04-41-40.png which doesn't do anything.

Using 7 Ultimate.

Right click on your desktop en choose personalize.
There you find the option to change the colour of the taskbar or the old XP theme.

You have to choose Windows basic first.

With Richt click in the taskbar and properties you could disable earo peak for the next start.

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windo...windows-vista/

I can't get picture #1 no matter if I choose Windows Basic or anything else.

It's not the taskbar that's important but the blinding whites in windows explorer which I wish I could have an option to CHANGE to something darker but it's not possible without using someone elses custom built theme. I'm yet to be convinced of the contrary. That first picture I posted is the only avenue I haven't tried yet and it's because I can't seem to get there.

Perhaps this will help you

Changing the background colours in Windows 7 - YouTube

No, I don't get that window when I click Window Colors. I get the second picture I posted instead.

Well it seems that you switched to Windows basic.
Can't you than follow the steps in the Video?

Bongo said:

Welcome to the Seven Forums

According to this tutorial Window Color and Appearance - Change that window only shows up when you are on a Aero theme, so my first question is are you using an Aero theme not a Basic theme?

Jerry

I tried with all themes.

Well it seems that you switched to Windows basic.
Can't you than follow the steps in the Video?

I did.

Bongo said:

Do Option 2 of this tutorial SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker it will not harm any data or programs you have installed it will try to find and repair any corrupt system files that you have. You may need to do this up to 3 times with a reboot after each scan.

Jerry

It found corrupted files which are said to be logged in CBS.log. Can you tell me quickly how to view files in the Windows directory again? I'm not familiar with 7 that doesn't run as Admin by default like XP.