When I nLited my XP-CD, I removed the theme engine because I thought I didn't need it, but after a few weeks without it I have realized that I miss custom themes (uxthemes). How can I add the theme engine back into XP again without making a new cd or reinstalling XP?

Edited March 28, 200818 yr by kris33

You'll need UXTheme.DLL, and I recommend the modded one. I'm not sure of your level of expertise so I'll keep it basic. BTW, I'm taking the Win2k3 Workstation (Good stuff!) tutorial and adjusting it for your needs.

1. Download the modified UXTheme.dll at http://www.msfn.org/modules.php?modid=2&am...nload&id=79
   
2. Unzip it into your System32 folder (really only the DLL). If it's already there (doubtful), you'll have to reboot in Safe Mode and do this step.
   
3. Make a second copy in the System32\DLLCache folder. (Again in Safe Mode if need be)
   
4. Open a command prompt (Start->Run->cmd.exe)
   
5. CD to your System32 folder (i.e. CD C:\Windows\System32 )
   
6. regsvr32 /i uxtheme.dll
   
7. Close the command prompt.
   
8. Reboot.
   
9. Open the Services menu ( Start->Run-services.msc ).
   
10. Look for Themes.
    
11. Right click->Properties.
    
12. Change Startup Type to Automatic.
    
13. Hit Start to start the service, and hit OK.
    
14. Shouldn't need to reboot so Right Click the Desktop->Properties->Appearance.
    
15. Pick a new style and Scheme.
    
16. Decide now that you will not be a slave to Microsoft's whims and surf to http://www.themexp.org/ where all that is awesome awaits you.
    
17. Enjoy. ;-)