Personally, I have always been impressed with Windows XP rather than with Vista as far as performance and stability is concerned. Vista has a lot of incompatibility issues and a lot of people consider themselves unfortunate to have Vista and later realize that they need to downgrade back to Windows XP. However, as you can see the screenshot on the left, XP’s graphics and style is boring and I would prefer Vista’s looks and feel. If given the chance, anyone would love to have both XP performance and stability and Vista’s Look integrated into one computer! Now the question is, is it possible to have Windows XP look like Windows Vista? Yes you can safely change your windows XP’s icons, wallpaper, menus, sounds, etc. and make it look and feel like Vista.
In this post, I will show you how I got to enjoy the best of both wolds. Now you can transform you boring windows XP interface to a very cool Windows Vista Look! If you compare the pictures on the left you will notice a complete difference between the two. Would you believe that the vista picture is actually based on a Windows XP operating system?
Here are the steps:
- First thing that you need to do is download Bricopack, an application that automatically customize every detail of your Xp to make it look like Vista. It is also completely reversible, you can uninstall the software anytime and restore your windows back to XP look. After you download it, install it and restart your computer. Easy right? But we are not done yet, continue to next step. For more information about brickopacks visit their website.
- Bricopack itself may be all you need. However if are looking for more improvements, then you can go ahead and download and install the Thoosje Vista Sidebar. Thoosje is a stand-alone application that replicates Vista’s sidebar in XP. For more information regarding this cool application you may visit the developer’s website. After installing the sidebar, make sure you add gadgets into it by clicking the “+” sign at the top. You can also choose from various sidebar skins on the same window. Most importantly, make sure that you click the option to automatically launch thoosje Vista Sidebar on startup.
- You also need some high quality Wallpapers. I recommend visiting this site, they have a lot of good wall vista wall papers.
Other Recommended Downloads:
- There are more light weight softwares that you can install to further improve Windows XP’s look and feel.
- Vistart – This is a replica of Vista’s start menu. This tool is still under development however you can now use it without the right click function.
- Viglance – This software allows you to change the taskbar into Windows 7′s interface. I have already tested this and have not found any bugs or flaws. So far it is functioning well.
- Visplore – This application will give you an exact replica of windows vista explorer.