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Revision as of 13:16, 15 June 2014 editCodename Lisa (talk | contribs)55,077 editsm Codename Lisa moved page Windows XP themes to Windows XP visual styles: Per talk page, this article is talking about visual styles (aka Skins) not themes.← Previous edit Revision as of 13:47, 15 June 2014 edit undoCodename Lisa (talk | contribs)55,077 edits Copyedited the article. Specifically, I replaced all instances of "theme" with "visual style" as the talk page establishes – although sometimes a mention of the words was outright redundant, in which case I deleted it.Tags: nowiki added Visual editNext edit →
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'''Windows XP themes''' are customizations of the graphical user interface of ]. Luna, Royale, Zune, and Embedded are official themes designed for ] by ]. Since Windows XP, themes include ''visual styles''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Visual Styles Overview (Windows)|url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh270423%28v=vs.85%29.aspx|accessdate=26 May 2012}}</ref> By default, the Luna theme is preinstalled on ] Home and Professional, the Royale (Energy Blue) theme is preinstalled on ] and the Embedded theme is preinstalled on ]. All of the themes are compatible with all ]. Compared to previous versions of Windows, the new scheme has a larger emphasis on the graphical appeal of the operating system, using ] throughout the interface with rounded edges on each window.{{citation needed|date=February 2012}} Since Luna's introduction, the scheme has been supplemented in ] with Royale, and Royale Noir, a ]-derived edition of the Royale scheme. '''Windows XP visual styles''' are ] of ]. Luna, Royale, Zune, and Embedded are official visual styles designed for ] by ]. Since Windows XP, ] include the choice of visual styles as well.<ref>{{cite web|title=Visual Styles Overview (Windows)|url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh270423%28v=vs.85%29.aspx|accessdate=26 May 2012}}</ref> By default, the Luna theme is preinstalled on ] Home and Professional editions, Royale (Energy Blue) is preinstalled on ] and Embedded theme is preinstalled on ]. All visual styles are compatible with all ]. Compared to previous versions of Windows, the new scheme has a larger emphasis on the graphical appeal of the operating system, using ] throughout the interface with rounded edges on each window.{{citation needed|date=February 2012}} Since Luna's introduction, the scheme has been supplemented in ] with Royale, and Royale Noir, a ]-derived edition of the Royale scheme.


==Luna== ==Luna==
''']''' (''the ]'' in Latin and ]) is the codename for the default visual ] of ]. Officially known as '''Windows XP style''', the theme is available in three color schemes: Blue (default), olive green, and silver.<ref></ref> Luna (''the ]'' in Latin and ]) is the codename for the default visual ] of ]. Officially known as Windows XP style, the theme is available in three color schemes: Blue (default), olive green, and silver.<ref></ref>


==Windows Classic== ==Windows Classic==
The "Windows classic style" theme is also available in Windows Vista and Windows 7 but must be enabled by the user. Users accustomed to older Windows versions such as ] or ] may find it more comfortable to use. In addition to turning off visualizations, this option also offers better performance<ref>{{cite web|title=Tweak Windows XP :: Disabling Themes|url=http://techreviewer.com/viewpage.cfm?pi=10|publisher=TechReviewer.com|accessdate=26 May 2012}}</ref> and greater color and font customization options. The classic theme is also used for ] and ] windows in Windows XP. Windows Classic the same visual style used in older Windows versions such as ] or ] and remains available in ] and ]. This option is less CPU-intensive and offers better performance<ref>{{cite web|title=Tweak Windows XP :: Disabling Themes|url=http://techreviewer.com/viewpage.cfm?pi=10|publisher=TechReviewer.com|accessdate=26 May 2012}}</ref> and greater color and ] customization options. Windows Classic is automatically used in ] and on ] windows.


==Royale== ==Royale==
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| Windows XP Embedded theme | Windows XP Embedded theme
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'''Royale''' (also known as "'''Media Center style'''" and the blue color scheme is also known as "'''Energy Blue'''") is a ] art concept produced by ] and introduced in 2004 directed for ] desktops and ] ]. Royale (also known as Media Center style and Energy Blue) is introduced in 2004 directed for ] and ]. It is accompanied by of a new ] (inspired by ]). It presents a relucent, vivid and faux-reflective ] scheme with intense ] and ] colors.


⚫ Energy Blue was originally made available in December 2004. On April 7, 2005, Microsoft New Zealand made the wallpapers for the New Zealand theme available for download through Windows Genuine Advantage on its website.<ref>http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=15373C73-D5F6-4AF0-B583-D633CB021612&displaylang=en</ref><!--If the URL expires, use this one: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=21211
It is composed of a new ] (inspired by ]), a ] and ]. The new ''Energy Bliss'' wallpaper is heavily inspired by the original ] but now is generated artificially with ] (CG) ].
⚫ --><nowiki> </nowiki>Because of the ] nature of this package, it is being delivered on popular download websites, such as Softpedia.<ref>http://www.softpedia.com/get/Desktop-Enhancements/Themes/Royale-Theme-for-WinXP.shtml</ref>


⚫ Microsoft also released a ] ] and ]. The skin was released in ''Experience Pack for Tablet PC'' and was available for free, but it installer only installs it on ] devices, for which it is licensed.
The concept presents a brilliant, relucent, vivid and faux-reflective ] scheme with intense ] and ] colors, somewhat reminiscent of the default blue Microsoft Office 2003 theme.

===Availability===
⚫ The Energy Blue theme was made originally available in December 2004 and is available for everyone. On April 7, 2005, Microsoft New Zealand made the wallpapers for the New Zealand theme available for download through Windows Genuine Advantage .<!--If the URL expires, use this one: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=21211
⚫ --> It is possible to install the theme on non-Media Center Editions of Windows XP by manually expanding the installation ]. Due to the ] nature of this package, it is being delivered on popular download websites already hacked, such as .

⚫ Microsoft also released a ] ] and skin. The skin was released in ''Experience Pack for Tablet PC'' and was available for free, but has a closed-install for ] devices. It is also possible to ] the cabinets and get it running for ].


==Royale Noir== ==Royale Noir==
The Royale Noir theme looks like a darkened version of Energy Blue, having a blackish and bluish to purple tint. Royale Noir has a black start button, which changes to green when the mouse hovers over it. As Royale Noir was leaked and not finalized by Microsoft, it has been noted for some imperfections.<ref>{{cite press release Royale Noir looks like a darkened version of Energy Blue, having a blackish and bluish to purple tint. Royale Noir has a black ], which changes to green when the mouse hovers over it. As Royale Noir was leaked and not finalized by Microsoft, it has been noted for some imperfections.<ref>{{cite press release
|url=http://www.istartedsomething.com/20061029/royale-noir/ |url=http://www.istartedsomething.com/20061029/royale-noir/
|title=Royale Noir: secret XP theme uncovered - istartedsomething |title=Royale Noir: secret XP theme uncovered - istartedsomething
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==Zune theme== ==Zune theme==
A few weeks after Royale Noir was leaked, Zune was officially released as a new desktop theme to accompany the release of Microsoft's new ] media player. Just like Royale Noir, Zune appears to be based on the Energy Blue theme. Zune displayed a brown to light shadow style. The Zune theme was the first to include a different color start button from the green XP one or the original gray one from the Classic theme. Notably, this theme is used in ]'s POS units. A few weeks after Royale Noir was leaked, Zune was officially released in a ] to accompany the release of Microsoft's new ] media player. In terms of style, Zune resembles Energy Blue. It displays a brown to light shadow style and is the first visual style for Windows XP to include a differently colored Start button from the green XP. Notably, this theme is used in ]'s POS units.

It is not known whether or not Royale Noir was a beta for Zune.


==Embedded theme== ==Embedded theme==
"Embedded" theme was taken from "]" edition. It is similar to Energy Blue, featuring a mix of dark blue colors combined with a new wallpaper. ] edition came with a dedicated visual style called Embedded. It is similar to Energy Blue, featuring a mix of dark blue colors.
{{clear|right}} {{clear|right}}


==Third-party themes== ==Third-party visual styles==
Third-party themes can only be used if the file uxtheme.dll is patched to allow unsigned themes. Patching the file is not sanctioned by Microsoft.{{citation needed|date=April 2012}} Despite this, Microsoft is aware of such a practice and even suggests obtaining a newer revision of the patched uxtheme.dll file in case problems occur after Microsoft's own updates to the file have been applied (typically through an OS service pack).<ref>{{cite web |title=Third-party themes programs may not work as expected after you install Windows XP Service Pack 3 |work=Microsoft Support |publisher=Microsoft |date=2008-05-06 |url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950258 |accessdate=2012-04-30}}</ref> Windows only loads a visual style that bears a valid Microsoft digital certificate. As such, third-party visual styles can only be used if one of the Windows files called <code>uxtheme.dll</code> is altered to allow unsigned visual styles. Doing so is against Windows license agreement and copyright laws. Despite this, Microsoft is aware of such a practice and even suggests obtaining a newer revision of the patched <code>uxtheme.dll</code> file in case problems occur after Microsoft's own updates to the file have been applied (typically through an OS service pack).<ref>{{cite web |title=Third-party themes programs may not work as expected after you install Windows XP Service Pack 3 |work=Microsoft Support |publisher=Microsoft |date=2008-05-06 |url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950258 |accessdate=2012-04-30}}</ref>


==See also== ==See also==

Revision as of 13:47, 15 June 2014

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Windows XP core themes
Luna theme, blue (default) Luna theme, silver
Luna theme, olive green Classic gray theme

Windows XP visual styles are customizations of the graphical user interface of Windows XP. Luna, Royale, Zune, and Embedded are official visual styles designed for Windows XP by Microsoft. Since Windows XP, themes include the choice of visual styles as well. By default, the Luna theme is preinstalled on Windows XP Home and Professional editions, Royale (Energy Blue) is preinstalled on Windows XP Media Center Edition and Embedded theme is preinstalled on Windows XP Embedded. All visual styles are compatible with all Windows XP editions. Compared to previous versions of Windows, the new scheme has a larger emphasis on the graphical appeal of the operating system, using bitmaps throughout the interface with rounded edges on each window. Since Luna's introduction, the scheme has been supplemented in Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 with Royale, and Royale Noir, a Zune-derived edition of the Royale scheme.

Luna

Luna (the Moon in Latin and various other languages) is the codename for the default visual theme of Windows XP. Officially known as Windows XP style, the theme is available in three color schemes: Blue (default), olive green, and silver.

Windows Classic

Windows Classic the same visual style used in older Windows versions such as Windows 2000 or Windows 98 and remains available in Windows Vista and Windows 7. This option is less CPU-intensive and offers better performance and greater color and font customization options. Windows Classic is automatically used in Safe mode and on Win32 console windows.

Royale

Windows XP supplemental themes
Royale theme Royale Noir theme
Zune theme Windows XP Embedded theme

Royale (also known as Media Center style and Energy Blue) is introduced in 2004 directed for Windows Media Center and Windows XP Tablet PC Edition. It is accompanied by of a new wallpaper (inspired by Windows XP Bliss). It presents a relucent, vivid and faux-reflective color scheme with intense blue and green colors.

Energy Blue was originally made available in December 2004. On April 7, 2005, Microsoft New Zealand made the wallpapers for the New Zealand theme available for download through Windows Genuine Advantage on its website. Because of the freeware nature of this package, it is being delivered on popular download websites, such as Softpedia.

Microsoft also released a Windows Media Player visualization and skin. The skin was released in Experience Pack for Tablet PC and was available for free, but it installer only installs it on Windows XP Tablet PC Edition devices, for which it is licensed.

Royale Noir

Royale Noir looks like a darkened version of Energy Blue, having a blackish and bluish to purple tint. Royale Noir has a black Start button, which changes to green when the mouse hovers over it. As Royale Noir was leaked and not finalized by Microsoft, it has been noted for some imperfections.

Zune theme

A few weeks after Royale Noir was leaked, Zune was officially released in a theme package to accompany the release of Microsoft's new Zune media player. In terms of style, Zune resembles Energy Blue. It displays a brown to light shadow style and is the first visual style for Windows XP to include a differently colored Start button from the green XP. Notably, this theme is used in Home Depot's POS units.

Embedded theme

Windows Embedded Standard CTP Refresh edition came with a dedicated visual style called Embedded. It is similar to Energy Blue, featuring a mix of dark blue colors.

Third-party visual styles

Windows only loads a visual style that bears a valid Microsoft digital certificate. As such, third-party visual styles can only be used if one of the Windows files called uxtheme.dll is altered to allow unsigned visual styles. Doing so is against Windows license agreement and copyright laws. Despite this, Microsoft is aware of such a practice and even suggests obtaining a newer revision of the patched uxtheme.dll file in case problems occur after Microsoft's own updates to the file have been applied (typically through an OS service pack).

See also

References

  1. "Visual Styles Overview (Windows)". Retrieved 26 May 2012.
  2. ThemeColor Enumeration
  3. "Tweak Windows XP :: Disabling Themes". TechReviewer.com. Retrieved 26 May 2012.
  4. http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=15373C73-D5F6-4AF0-B583-D633CB021612&displaylang=en
  5. http://www.softpedia.com/get/Desktop-Enhancements/Themes/Royale-Theme-for-WinXP.shtml
  6. "Royale Noir: secret XP theme uncovered - istartedsomething" (Press release). October 29, 2006. Retrieved 2008-08-22.
  7. "Third-party themes programs may not work as expected after you install Windows XP Service Pack 3". Microsoft Support. Microsoft. 2008-05-06. Retrieved 2012-04-30.
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