Free Vista Theming for XP

I've just downloaded VTP 5.5 (vista transformation pack), a freeware program created by WindowsX. It provided the user with an excellent preview of vista's GUI for those who either don't want to try the beta, don't know how, or cimply can't because of hardware inefficiencies. This pack included many of the vista icons, the vista-style XP start menu as well as a basic aero glass feature (for those who can handle it). The glass feature works only with IE and your various folders (ie. my documents, my pictures, etc.), it doesn't work with FF. This is just fine, as sometimes the transparency can be distracting and so I would use FF as opposed to IE. In addition, the Lclock is included which includes a built-in calender.
The only things that bothers me are the welcome screen (doesn't look very appealing in my opinion and can't be changed), the look of the start menu (the display picture looks out of place - see screenshot), and the start button itself; it's cut off, but can be fixed (just follow startup FAQ instructions).
I highly recommend this program for those who want to experience vista's new look on their current XP computer. Graphical requirements are extremely low in comparisson to vista -- Direct X 8 and 2.4GHz CPU, that's it (I think). Try it out today at http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/OS-Enhancements/Vista-Transformation-Pack.shtml
Cheers.


The new look and wallpaper.

Start menu and IE7 with glass effect.

FireFox 2.0 is opaque and better for actual viewing.

 

Why would you want that? Transparent windows have been available since Windows 2000. It's not a preview of Vista's capabilities.

http://www.chime.tv/products/glass2k.shtml

Many products that do it...

 

i used that before and i thought it was appalling, and it didnt uninstall properly and knackered my comp up, took a format and reinstall to fix everything

 

Well, I do know what you guys are talking about. The program is quite buggy and causes problems when you try to install it. However, it's fine for me until I buy the real version of vista when it comes out. I just wanted a feel for the interface without having to go through the trouble of partitioning my hard drive to install the beta. Oh well, guess know one finds this useful.

 

There is talk of this program (advantages/disadvantages) in the Theming Sticky. Refer to that thread if you have any questions.

Also, the transparency isn't an Aero Glass effect. Aero features transparent borders and flip 3d as well as a different minimize/maximize/close effect. Also, live previews (which I don't recall if VTP can do). Whole window transparency is useless and distracting, but Aero's is actually very attractive. I don't find it distracting because it doesn't affect the window's contents.

VTP is good for a theme, but it isn't an uber-realistic Vista preview.