Windows XP - How to make it look like vista!

You like Win XP? Not sure if you would like to change to Vista, or simply put, your PC can't support it? You can fix this!

Basically, when customizing your PC you have 2 options: download lots of specific applications, each dealing with the modification of a small aspect of Windows (usually offering a higher degree of customization, since they are very specialized), or download a full program which does this for you (leading to a slightly smaller degree of customization, but an overall better performance).

So, which one to choose? In my opinion, I'd say you stick to full programs if you don't know about programming, like me. The reason is because using smaller, highly-focused programs will end up clogging your memory (slowing your computer down) and there will be a higher chance of messing up and ending having to go to the technician, and you don't want that right?

Now, if you have the experience or the bravery, go for it! I won't be helping you on that department, though I can offer you some help by giving you a few links.

Now, onto the free XP customization program. Though it's not restricted to just making your PC look like Win Vista, the primary goal of this application is to emulate it.

Want to see how your Desktop could look like?



This is just my own desktop (and, as my bio says, I live in Argentina, that's why it's in Spanish), but you can customize yours to your likings. Following a few simple steps, you will soon find yourself enjoying your new Win interface.

Now, let me introduce you to Vista Inspirat Ultimate 2!

What I like about this program is that, within seconds of downloading it, you get a brand new interface. And, if you follow these steps, you will never have any trouble with it, since the program does everything for you.

Taken from Vista Inspirat's website, these are the precautions to take:

"The BricoPack installation system developed by Bricomix (member of CrystalXP.net's team) allows you to modify your system's resources to apply a new theme. These changes are not entirely safe. So you must respect these rules :

1. Don't install another application like a BricoPack (ShellPack, XPize ...) with the Vista Inspirat 2 BricoPack ! It could damage your operating system or could make it impossible to return to Windows XP's default appearance.
2. Don't install a Microsoft Service Pack (SP1 or SP2) over a BricoPack. You must uninstall the BricoPack first and then install the Service Pack. After that, if you want to, you can of course reinstall the BricoPack.
3. Don't install a BricoPack on a "light" or "gold" version of Windows XP. These are already modified. The installation of a BricoPack will make your system unstable.
4. If you wish to unistall the BricoPack, go to "Start Menu >> BricoPack >> Vista Inspirat 2 >> Vista Inspirat 2 Config" then click on "remove". It's the only way to obtain a clean uninstallation of the pack. The "System restauration" doesn't uninstall the BricoPack perfectly."

Basically, install all Service Packs before installing this, and uninstall before you try using any other interface-enhancing software. Oh, regarding SP's, the newest one is SP 3 for XP.

And now, credit where credit is due... Here is the link to the Website of the developers: Cristal XP

All this software I'd going to show you is great, but tends to have one flaw: It has a tendency to use up a lot of your RAM. What does that mean? You need a pretty good computer. Don't worry though, you don't need a last-gen PC, I'm running all this software in a PC with 512 RAM, and it runs pretty smoothly.

Also, there's a whole load of things that can go wrong when editing your Win XP, but by following a few simple steps, you can make sure you don't make too much of a mess.

1st) If you don't know about something, well... don't touch it! This is the golden rule. If you have no idea what you're doing, go ask in a forum.

2nd) There are some great communities online, why not join one? You can learn lots of stuff, and maybe avoid making a huge mistake! Who knows?

3rd) Make a backup file of your most important stuff. Most of the time you will be able to fix any mistakes you made, but in the remote case you couldn't, wouldn't it be nice to have a backup? I think so too.

Docks for your Win XP

With this program, you can modify your XP interface to the point of making it look like Vista, and it even includes a built-in dock!


If you don't know what a dock is, take a look at the left. See that? It's called a dock.

The first dock that became popular was originally designed for Mac OS X, but due to its functionality, it was soon implemented, through third party programs, in Win XP too.

Docks can have a number of uses, from displaying the time to showing the most frequently used programs (sort of Window's Quick launch Tab next to the Start menu) You can easily use Docks to access your favorite programs, the folders you use most, or the Website you visit most!

The main ones that can be found for Win XP are either Object Desktop (paid, developed by Stardock) or Rocket Dock (free, but no longer supported). Vista Inspirat Ultimate 2 comes with Rocket Dock, but feel free to purchase Object Desktop if you feel like it.

Speaking of which...

Stardock is a great option if you have the money. It has great support, a great online community, and a lot of options when it comes to customizing your PC.

I won't go into much detail though, as I haven't experimented with them yet, but they are said to live up to expectations (for what you pay) and even more.

With all of that, take a look at the link: Stardock's Website