Solved No Aero Taskbar Problem

[bigmck]

I have Win 7 on an older laptop. It works fine except that there is no Aero. The Taskbar is this "washed out" blue which does not change regardless of what wallpaper is there. I have looked on Google and found seveal threads (most of which are 2009) trying to find a way to change the color of the Taskbar but nothing worthwhile. I was wondering if any of you could tell me how to change the color of the Taskbar that has no Aero. Thanks,

 

[Bongo]

If you are using Windows Classic theme use Windows Color and Appearance and in the drop-down menu go to 3-D Objects and changed color that will change color of the taskbar but it also changes the appearance of the window to.
Jerry

 

[bigmck]

I didn't mention that I had found the Windows Classic, but I was trying to do it with the Windows 7 Basic.

 

[Bongo]

I didn't mention that I had found the Windows Classic, but I was trying to do it with the Windows 7 Basic.

The only way to change the taskbar color on Windows 7 basic is by a custom theme, the basic theme is tied to that Aero theme.
Take a screenshot of your taskbar showing your start button and I may be able to help.
Jerry

 

[bigmck]

I will do that when I get home tonight. Thanks very much.

 

[gregrocker]

Have you run the Aero troubleshooter? Type Aero in Start Search box.

 

[boohbah]

Aero isn't supported in windows basic.

 

[bigmck]

Aero isn't supported in windows basic.

View attachment 187964

That is why I chose Win Basic. My video card is built into my laptop motherboard and is only 32 MB. It will not support Aero. Things are fine except I would like to change my Taskbar color to something dark. I don't really want to use the Windows Classic, but will go to that if I have too.

 

[boohbah]

hi bigmck, i was responding to gregs post , i dont suppose a third part theme can be used can it, i have never used win 7 basic so i dont know if it can be themed, but if it can then im sure its just a case of getting an experienced themer to direct you to a third party taskbar to install. bongo is an experienced themer.

 

[gregrocker]

I was suggesting running Aero troubleshooter only because it wasn't yet confirmed the System doesn't support Aero.

 

[Bongo]

Does your taskbar have the round original start button rb:


or is this square?

 

[boohbah]

I was suggesting running Aero troubleshooter only because it wasn't yet confirmed the System doesn't support Aero.

fair comment,

 

[bigmck]

Does your taskbar have the round original start button rb:
View attachment 187986

or is this square?
View attachment 187987

Yes, it is round on regular Win 7 or Basic. Using the Classic it is the one that says Start.

 

[bigmck]

The only way to change the taskbar color on Windows 7 basic is by a custom theme, the basic theme is tied to that Aero theme.
Take a screenshot of your taskbar showing your start button and I may be able to help.
Jerry

Thanks for your help on this. I was thinking a dark blue or something similiar.

 

[Bongo]

This is going to be a test to see if we can get it to work on a machine that does not support Aero.
You are using home premium or above right?
You will need to do 1 of these 2 ways of Enabling custom themes for it to work.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/34579-enabling-custom-themes-windows-7-a.html
Or
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/28377-theme-how-apply-custom-themes.html?filter
If you need help with one of these two tutorials let me know.
If you can find a color swatch or the RGB code I can match that. And give me a name and call it.
Then I can make the custom theme.
Jerry

 

[bigmck]

This is going to be a test to see if we can get it to work on a machine that does not support Aero.
You are using home premium or above right?
You will need to do 1 of these 2 ways of Enabling custom themes for it to work.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/34579-enabling-custom-themes-windows-7-a.html
Or
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/28377-theme-how-apply-custom-themes.html?filter
If you need help with one of these two tutorials let me know.
If you can find a color swatch or the RGB code I can match that. And give me a name and call it.
Then I can make the custom theme.
Jerry

Number One looks like it will be easier to follow. I will give it a try tonight. Yes, I have Home Premium. I appreciate your help.

 

[Bongo]

This is going to be a test to see if we can get it to work on a machine that does not support Aero.
You are using home premium or above right?
You will need to do 1 of these 2 ways of Enabling custom themes for it to work.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/34579-enabling-custom-themes-windows-7-a.html
Or
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/28377-theme-how-apply-custom-themes.html?filter
If you need help with one of these two tutorials let me know.
If you can find a color swatch or the RGB code I can match that. And give me a name and call it.
Then I can make the custom theme.
Jerry

Number One looks like it will be easier to follow. I will give it a try tonight. Yes, I have Home Premium. I appreciate your help.

Number One is the easiest first turn off UAC then restart your computer install the UxStyle (on their website click the play button for the download) restart your computer and you should be set to go oh and be sure to put UAC back to your original settings.

Please try to post a color swatch so I can match it and a name you would like to call the custom theme.
Jerry

 

[bigmck]

Hi Bongo -- After reading the tutorial last night and reading the FAQ about things that could go wrong, it seems like more work than I want to do. I appreciate your help on this. I can put up with the color as I do not use the laptop that much. Thanks for your efforts.

 

[Bongo]

That's OK if you ever want to give it a try let me know.
Jerry