Custom Themes, Icons and Start Buttons.

I've got one. It's a re-coloration set of about 36 wallpapers, changing every 5 seconds, although that is changeable. It has a Zune type feel to it.
Here ya go. WIN7.themepack - Windows Live

Mr GRiM said:

You can use IconPackager and create a new theme then just use that program to apply it or you can do what I did and copy and paste the imageres.dll and shell32.dll from System32 and SysWOW64 into folders on your desktop and then use Restorator to open them and then replace the relevant icons with your custom ones and then save.

Once you have done that you then need to be able to replace the originals, it's a good idea to keep a backup of the originals as well in case something goes wrong.

For me the easiest way to replace the files was to boot into my other OS and that would insure that they were not in use while I was replacing them, you will then need to take ownership of the dll's before they can be replaced, the easiest way to do this is with a context menu shortcut and then you can simply right click on the file or dll and select Take Ownership from the context menu.

Once you have done that and all the dll's are replaced you will then need to clear the icon cache, that is located in a hidden folder in your user account of the operating system you are trying to modify, go to your folder option and show hidden folders and then open your user name and find the AppData folder and then go into local and at the bottom of that lsit you should find the IconCache and then delete it.

Now you should be able to boot back into the OS you modified and all the changes should be applied.

not sure how to use Restorator so worried about making a mistake

Nor did I until I downloaded it and started playing with it not long ago, when you save anything it automatically creates a backup so it's hard to stuff anything up too much.

matt0978 said:

so there's no 'automatic' icon changer, do them all at once like?

You can use icon packager but it is not fully compatible with windows 7 yet and some icons get mucked up. If you decide to use icon packager make sure you make a restore point first.

Restorator is pretty easy to use because it shows a preview of the icon you are going to change and you just drag and drop your custom icon onto the corresponding icon.

when your done you just hit save, providing you have taken ownership first and it's best if you have a dual boot and boot into the other OS to make any changes, that way you will ensure that none of the files are in use.

Hey there Mr. Grim

Was just driving by and saw these cool blue icons here. I have to say, Fine job.
Nice and clean, sharp colors, but not to flashy.

Scott