Changing Windows 7 Theme...

[Ryannn29]

I've tried different sites suggestions/instructions (including a thread on this forum) on changing my Windows 7 theme, but they haven't worked. My laptop has a pre-designed one that I cannot seem to change. I took a pic: http://i.imgur.com/hMTcF.jpg
I can change my desktop background, but I cannot change the color or the type of grey bars (top parts of any window and the bottom bar where the start menu icon, taskbar, and notification bar are all located) that you see in the picture, it's reallllllllllllly annoying... I can't even open up the color menu because it opens up a different menu instead....
So, my question is how can I change this?

 

[mckillwashere]

What menu does it open??

 

[zzz2496]

Probably some theming engine installed (like Stardock WindowsBlinds or something similar). What Windows version is this?

zzz2496

 

[Ryannn29]

The menu that it opens is in the pic I took here (the window on the right): http://i.imgur.com/vASbC.jpg

Though I am pretty sure it is supposed to open this menu (I got this pic from a guide on these forums): http://www.sevenforums.com/attachme...-appearance-change-color_and_appearance-1.jpg

I'm basically trying to first off, change the way the bars on my windows and bottom bar (which has the start menu button, taskbar, & notification bar) look so that they will look like the clear clean looking bars that are normal for windows 7, like in the 2nd pic I provided just above; and secondly, I am trying to understand why I get a different menu (the menu I took a pic of that is at the beginning of this post) rather than the regular Windows 7 menu (shown in the 2nd pic of this post).

My OS is Windows Professional (64-bit, version: 6.1.7600 Build 7600), and no matter what theme I try to apply under 'Personalize', I still have these weird grey bars... I think they are part of a pre-designed theme by HP or something. I have an HP Envy 15 which I bought back in mid July.

 

[mckillwashere]

See where is says basic??
Click that tell it aero.
From there you should be able to change colors.

 

[zzz2496]

Click the "Windows 7" theme up top, the one that's under "Aero Themes". See what comes up...

zzz2496

 

[Ryannn29]

Yep, that's what I've been using/have tried. Whenever I click any sort of theme, whether it's under Installed Themes, Aero Themes, My Themes, or Basic & High Contrast Themes, all I get is a different desktop background; or if I choose one of the High Contrast themes under Basic & High Contrast Themes, it'll change the text color around and that's pretty much it.

 

[mckillwashere]

Is there anything under the hp menu on the start menu regarding the hp theme?

 

[Ryannn29]

What do you mean exactly by the HP menu that's located under the start menu? I have no HP menu that's in my start menu that I can currently see (just the regular stuff, such as Documents, Pictures, Music, Computer, Control Panel, Devices & Printers, Default Programs, Help & Support, All Programs, Shutdown [and other various options on the drop/side-box for shutdown]).

 

[mckillwashere]

what all is running in your task bar?

 

[Ryannn29]

All I had running in my taskbar at the time of the pic was Personalization (via right-clicking desktop and clicking Personalize) and the Window & Color Appearance.

EDITED: JUST fixed it! Apparently my Windows Update does not check for my graphics card updates and I just got an October 22nd update for my ATI Radeon HD 5xxx series which just fixed both my problems!

Even though I ended up fixing my problem on my own, thank you everyone who put in the time & consideration to help me with my problem!

Thanks again,
Ryan