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How to Convert Windows XP to Windows Vista for FREE!

October 16th, 2008 Admin Leave a comment Go to comments
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List for Most Vista Applications and Features for Xp
(MS and Third Parties)

Windows XP http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/71/Arrow_east.svg/800px-Arrow_east.svg.png Windows Vista

smile.gif Hello everybody, i realize Vista style is getting “old” now (Windows 7 next year?). Although i already have both Xp and Vista, it’s still worth to “upgrade” Windows Xp like Vista, especially for some useful features, in both GUI and applications as we can get most Vista-only features in Xp today by using some skins and apps/tools from Microsoft and 3rd parties, or even Vista ports, also some tweaks etc. There are many awesome and better tutorials for GUI, so i just posted this list about most Vista Applications and Features (all) for Xp so Far, especially from MS and 3rd parties + some useful links etc. They all are also very integral parts of “better” Xp GUI.

Again, this is not a tutorial, but just a list that i’d like to share, with afew simple tips and some links. Sorry if not complete or good, yeah i know it’s not perfect. If you’re interested, just remember you (and i) are not required to get them all. It’s better to just install all that we really need (or like), not as we “want” since they all may need more resource or expensive. That’s way it called as “Personal Desktop”. Convert Xp totally 100% to Vista? Impossible laugh.gif . Just remember, some people just only want to make their Xp GUI like Vista, not more. But at least we can still get it better and better…Long live Xp (Customization)…

As the thread will may be updated if something wrong (please correct me) or new ones available to us, i may also need all your inputs here. That’s all. Thx alot to WinMatrix and WinMatrixians all people here. Sorry for my bad English and “crowded” post. Cheers! biggrin.gif


1. Officiall applications from MS (Credits to MS) :

A. Vista WPF and WCF (Codename: Avalon and Indigo)-> It’s .Net Framework 3.0/3.5 for Xp now :
Download .net framework 3.5:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details…;DisplayLang=en

B. Internet Explorer 7 (IE7) for Windows Xp:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/ie/getitnow.mspx

Note:
IE 8 Beta has also come there. I just strongly recommend to install only full version for stability and reliabilty, unless you are a beta tester…

C. Windows Media Player 11 (WMP 11) for Windows Xp:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsme…11/default.aspx

D. Windows Defender for Windows Xp :
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details…;displaylang=en

Another Anti-Malware Stuff from MS (updated once a month/monthly) for Xp and Vista, 2003, 2008 (Also supports Windows 2000):
Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details…;displaylang=en

E. Windows Search 4.0 (Original Vista Desktop Search engine for Windows Xp) :
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/…ch/default.mspx

F. Windows Cardspace (part of Vista and .Net framework 3.0/3.5 or higher for Windows Xp). You can get it on Xp by installing .Net Framework 3.0 (. net Framework 3.5 has included better/updated version):
Download .net framework 3.5:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details…;DisplayLang=en

G. Updated MSCONFIG.EXE for Windows Xp (with tools tab like built in Vista version):
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details…;DisplayLang=en

H. Updated Microsoft Management Console (MMC) 3.0 for Windows Xp (as well as MMC 3.0 built in Vista):
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details…;displaylang=en

2. Some Vista features Above May Also have been parts of Windows Xp SP3 and updates:

-MMC 3.0 (Link above)
-Network Access Protection (Built in Vista)
-Windows Imaging Components (Built in Vista)
-New WPA (Windows Product Activation) like Vista
-Etc

A. Download Windows Xp SP3 – (better through Windows Update):
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details…;DisplayLang=en

B. Xp SP3 Overview:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details…;displaylang=en

If you prefer to stick with SP2, at least please always update your Windows

3. Vista new fonts for Xp (official/legal Microsoft Installers!): Segoe UI, Cambria, Colibri, Corbel etc

A. Segoe UI font installer for Windows Xp (also apart of Windows Live Wave 3 installers):
http://download.microsoft.com/download/7/6…N/SegoeFont.cab

B. Office 2007 Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel and Powerpoint Formats (install this to get more Vista fonts: Calibri, Cambria, Candara, Consolas,

Constantia, Corbel etc) also apart of Microsoft Works 9.0 installation:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details…;displaylang=en

4. Some Microsoft Xp Powertoys/apps have already been included in Vista as new standard OS GUI/features, finally:

A. Open Command Window Here on context menu extension for Windows Xp (built in Vista):
http://download.microsoft.com/download/whi…wertoySetup.exe

B. Clear Type Tuner for Windows Xp (built in Vista):
http://download.microsoft.com/download/b/7…85aad/setup.exe

C. Alt+Tab Thumbnail Preview for Windows Xp (TaskSwitch)-(built in Vista):
http://download.microsoft.com/download/whi…wertoySetup.exe

D. Color control panel applet for Windows Xp (built in Vista):
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details…;displaylang=en

E. Microsoft Time Zone Premium-free (The function is built in Vista Clock):
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details…;displaylang=en

F. Microsoft PhotoStory 3 for Windows (Some functions are built in Vista PhotoGallery, Slideshow, Windows DVD Maker):
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/d…ry/default.mspx

Download Sonic DVD Plug-in for Photostory 3 – payware (optional):
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/d…oryactives.mspx

You can also create slideshows by using: WindowsLive PhotoGallery (link below) as well as built in Xp feature.

Other apps for SlideShow:

- MS PowerToy CD Slide Show Generator:
Burn Slideshow in CD (for Xp and Windows 9x):
http://download.microsoft.com/download/whi…wertoySetup.exe

- HTML Slideshow:
create HTML slideshow from images and publish it:
http://download.microsoft.com/download/f/c…deShowSetup.exe

Moving Desktop (“DreamScene”). Though not similar, you can get some “Motion Desktop (Allows you to switch the background image periodically.) by installing this cancelled PowerToy :

- Background Switcher as part of (cancelled) Xp PowerToy 1.0. only 41 Kb:
MD5:8323798349707E9ECC6BC0EE5430BE7E
http://www.4shared.com/file/66756604/72be6…oys_for_Xp.html

G. Microsoft Digital Right Management (DRM). I know it’s crap, (included in WMP 10-11 in Vista and Xp) :
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details…;DisplayLang=en

H. XPS Viewer (Built in Vista) you will also get this by installing IE7/IE8 for Windows Xp (Link above).
Also it’s recommended to install/update if you have not:
MSXML 6.0 for Xp and updates
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details…;displaylang=en

I. Network Diagnostics Tool for Xp (the down level version of Vista one):
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details…;DisplayLang=en

J. Link Layer Topology Discovery (LLTD) Responder (built in Vista):
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details…;displaylang=en

K. SyncToy and Microsoft ActiveSync (Built in Vista Windows Mobile Device Center and Synchronization):

- SyncToy 2.0:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details…;displaylang=en

- Microsoft ActiveSync 4.5:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/en-…vice-synch.mspx


5. Some MS Windows Live Applications as standard Vista apps successors (Credit to MS and Live Team) :

A. Windows Live Mail 2008 full version-Wave 2 (Windows Vista Mail’s successor) :
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details…;displaylang=en

B. Windows Live PhotoGallery 2008 full version-Wave 2 (Windows Vista PhotoGallery’s successor) :
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details…;displaylang=en

C. Windows Live Messenger (It’s already been available as download option in Vista):
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details…;displaylang=en

Note:
- You can also get offline installers of same live apps above (full version-2008 wave 2) here (Credits to MS, Live Team, Amirz) :
http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19984

- Windows Live apps has recently become wave 3 (beta) (Credits to MS, Live Team, Vishal Gupta MS-MVP WinMatrix):
http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=20134

However, I just strongly recommend to install only full versions for now (now still wave 2 or version 2008) for stability and reliabilty and any use etc, unless you are a beta tester of Windows Live apps…

6. Original Vista applications that ported to Xp as well (Credits to MS and these people, thx alot for their hard work! ) – Some of them also require Alky and/or some dependencies – prerequisites Links above :

A. Windows Sidebar ported to Xp/2003 (Credit to Rafael, Zoronax, Alky team, Ricktendo) :
http://www.wincert.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=1442

Note:
Sidebar Requires: IE7, WMP 11, .Net Framework 3.0, MSXML 6.0, WLAN API hotfix, C++ Redistributable package.

B. Most Windows Vista Games (Beta) for Xp (Credit to Raphael, Jonny) :
http://jonnyw1989.wordpress.com/2007/01/31…-for-xp-update/

Note:
except Chess Titans…maybe someday (if not late)…

- Vista Chess (Substitute) for Xp/Linux: Brutal Chess (Thx to fediaFedia):

Download Brutal Chess (Windows, Linux):
http://sourceforge.net/projects/brutalchess

C. Some Windows Vista Applications (NotePad, Paint, Calculator) for Xp (Credit to Rafael, Zoronax, Alky team, Ricktendo) :
http://www.wincert.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=682

- Alternative: Vista (Skinned) NotePad, Paint, Calculator for Xp:
MD 5: 9F0D9CF10A7721CBEF51B59B31B0FA17
http://www.4shared.com/file/66763214/6947f…cessories_.html

Note: They all have been included in most Vista Transformation packs (VTP, Bricopack, VistaMizer etc) with more apps.

D. Windows Vista Screensavers for Xp (Aurora, Mistify, Bubble, Ribbons) (Credit to Rafael, Timbertide WinMatrix) :
http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=12202

E. Windows Vista Tablet PC for Xp: Snipping Tool, Inkball, Sticky Notes, Texas Hold’Em for Xp (Vista TPC & Ultimate extra) (Credit to Rafael, Zoronax, Alky team, Amirz) :
http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19718

F. Windows Journal (Vista TPC) for Xp (Credits to Raphael, Amirz) :
http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19894

G. Windows Mail for Xp (Semi-Ported/alpha) (Credits to Alky team, Cihan) :
Edit: Don’t know, but what’s different with OE (look)? I think Windows Live Mail is much better:
http://www.aeroxp.org/board/index.php?showtopic=9541

H. Windows Vista Movie Maker 2.6 “ported” to Xp (original – Non standard Vista Movie Maker / MM version that can also run on Xp with

vista MM GUI – ready to use) – Credits to MS and fediaFedia for this! (you can also visit previous thread about it on WinMatrix by fediaFedia here):
Size: only 4,25 mb !
MD5: 9CB92E113AC042431015D46CA4EE134C
Download original Vista Movie Maker 2.6 “ported” to Xp - MM files (No need to install anything/installer!):
http://www.4shared.com/file/64569368/9b981…_26_for_Xp.html

Note:
- MS official download link for Vista MM 2.6 installer & information (Note: This official installer from MS can’t be installed on Xp) :

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details…;displaylang=en

- You can also enhance both Windows Movie Maker 2.6 and 2.5/2.1 for Xp with some powertoys i.e:
Windows Movie Maker 2 Winter Fun Pack 2003:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloa…/mmfunpack.mspx

or Just browse in MS Website…

I. Vista DirectX 10 “ported” to Xp – DX 10 Vista libraries “hacked” to Xp. Still lack of some features though (beta/alpha). But it can still

Note:
This is still in beta stage now (discontinued), so please don’t hope too much.

Alky DirectX 10 Compatibility Libraries (discontinued) :
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Programming/C…Libraries.shtml

J. Make Xp better to play some games and multimedia items (controversial):
Last versions: DX 10 NCT R2 (sept 2008), 10.51 Mb:
http://depositfiles.com/en/files/7812096

Also don’t forget to still always update your DirectX and/or DirectX 9 redistributable version by visiting Microsoft/Windows Update etc!
To check/see DirectX version on Xp: (after installing DX 10 above) Start menu > Run > Type “dxdiag” (Without quotes).

DirectX Redistributable Package (August 2008):
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details…;displaylang=en

About only NLite add ons to install Windows Sidebar etc, dont worry as always you can still install Vista apps manually by using NLite add ons format (right

click .inf file-> install) on Xp OS as well as common/other exe installers…

7. Vista Media Center (MCE) for Xp: Windows Media Center Installer (MCE 2005) for Xp Pro/Home SP2/SP3 and 2003:
(Credits to Orbit30, very good job) included prerequisites frameworks and Update Rollup 2. If you only have Xp Pro/Home/2003 but still want Windows Media Center application that only previously available for Xp Media Center Edition 2005, instead of installing Xp MCE 2005 OS, just get it installed by using MCE installer from here. You will get original MCE in your Xp Pro/Home! (and you can also easily make it look like Vista MCE GUI later!) :
http://skitechnology.pointclark.net/downlo…E_Installer.rar

Important Note for MCE:

- You need to unzip rar file by using WinRAR or 7-Zip etc

- Make sure you have created this registry entries manually before installing! (VERY IMPORTANT!!)

Open regedit.exe, goto HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\WPA, create a key named “MediaCenter”, then Create DWORD Value named “Installed” with value “1” (Otherwise It must be a string value not DWORD value in XP Vol Corporate) -> all without quotes!

It determines what type of the sub key (i.e. String for Xp Corporate edition, Dword for Xp OEM etc, all always have same value=1). You have to make sure it’s/they are corrected Since the mediacenter key with all its contents will be locked, and you wont be able to restore them back! (I’m very sorry if it was not clear before. I have added this additional information to the main thread cry.gif ).

CODE
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\WPA\MediaCenter]
“Installed”=”1″

- Due to strict hardware requirement, Make sure your hardware and also driver (especially for video card) support required (at least minimal) level of

standard Media Center/multimedia applications:

- 1.6 GHz processor
- DirectX 9.0 hardware-accelerated GPU
- 256 MB RAM

I recommend, for more/further information about porting Windows MCE to Xp Pro/Home:

You can read the guide about installing Windows MCE in Xp Pro/Home Pro very recommended, the best and easiest guide ever for installing MCE in Xp Pro, even Tablet PC). Credits to wbpluto, neo, all MSFN:

Recommended: Windows XP/2003 Ultimate Edition, Have all windows xp version’s functions:

http://www.msfn.org/board/Windows-XP-2003-…ate-t61070.html

Note:
- As it’s called as Xp Ultimate that contains both MCE and Tablet PC, You can also separatedly/only install Xp MCE 2005 in Xp Pro.
- Also please read some next useful posts carefully after the main thread. They have also included more information/updates.

Other sources (For comparison only):

- Raphael’s MCE Exposed Guide (Credits to Raphael):

http://www.aldatillian.be/www/VARIOUS/Rafa…osed_Guide.html

- TheGreenButton: Installing Media Center 2005 on WinXP Home or Pro and avoiding a clean install:
 credits to tmksnyder, TheGreenButton :

http://thegreenbutton.com/forums/thread/18937.aspx

Anyhow I think most people’s computer already have the required specs, even higher today. Please also see

about MCE in Wikipedia

8. Built in Xp Equivalent (down level) tools of Vista ones (different names with same function):

A. Windows Meeting Space -> Net Meeting in Xp (OK, this is a huge update)

B. Windows Mail -> Outlook Express in Xp (Windows Mail is only skinned OE)

C. Windows DVD Maker:

There are many people who still dont know Windows DVD Maker can’t burn data files on DVD, but only multimedia ones (image and Video). Instead, you can still use some 3rd party apps in Xp such as Nero and Sonic (app links below). But Xp (and also Vista) actually has CD burning capability in Explorer without using any 3rd party (licensed from Sonic/Roxio technology). However Xp MCE 2005 (OEM) has Sonic DVD and Record Now for Media Center and Movie Maker that actually better than Vista DVD Maker (Why MS dont learn the example?). It also has capability to burn ISO image. Xp has already had IMAPI V2 update as well as Vista (Vista DVD API for Xp), Version 2 of IMAPI will extend Windows Vista support for DVD media to Windows XP and to Windows Server 2003.

- How to burn CD in Windows XP without any software:
http://minerva.stkate.edu/ithelpguides.nsf…rerforWindowsXP

- How to burn ISO image in Windows Xp and download ISO Recorder PowerToy:
http://www.petri.co.il/how_to_write_iso_files_to_cd.htm

- Download the Image Mastering API v2.0 (IMAPIv2.0) for Windows XP:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/932716

D. Windows Firewall in Vista:
Vista firewall is better than Xp SP2 one (Vista Firewall filters both incoming and outgoing network traffic.). But in most circumstances it’s still good enough, especially if you have P2P. It’s better if you have a good antivirus/security suite.

E. Vista Tablet PC for Xp (Link above):

Vista Tablet PC apps also available in Xp Tablet PC:Windows Journal, Inkball, Sticky Notes, Snipping Tool

All of them (Vista Snipping Tool, Inkball etc) have been Updated and ported to all Xp versions (link above):

Tablet PC Input Panel is useless for PC. OSK (On Screen Keyboard) has been available for all Xp, and it’s good enough for most needs (disabled people etc).

However if you still extremely want it (?) in your Xp:
You can convert Xp (All) to Xp Tablet PC :
(also MCE that the MCE installer already available above. It’s called “Xp Ultimate”) in this project in MSFN (not supported yet):
http://www.msfn.org/board/Windows-XP-2003-…ate-t61070.html

Since other Tablet PC apps have been successfully ported to Xp above. It’s more simple to just download them (Link above). You can even use most Tablet PC only Apps (PowerToys, Experience pack etc) that ported to Normal Xp. Just visit may thread on WinMatrix here:
http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19910

They are not parts of Vista, but still fun to me…

F. Some remaining apps/Tools (Notepad, Wordpad, Disk Clean Up etc) are actually same (not much different) with Xp in Vista. But some of them have also been ported to Xp (Notepad, Paint, Calculator – with their “alternatives”/skinned apps. see link above).

- Enable Status Bar in Xp Notepad (Like Vista):
Open Regedit ‘Start’ > ‘Run’ > and type in ‘regedit’ and press ok.
# in the left hand pane select HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Notepad.
# In the right hand pane you’ll find a list of values the registry. There will be one named ‘StatusBar’
# Right click the ‘StatusBar’ value and select ‘Modify’.
# The ‘Value data’ setting in the window is currently 0. Change it to 1 and select OK.


9. Best Replacement for Windows Calendar in Xp:
Download Microsoft Works Calendar 9.0 Stand Alone Calendar (The Best Replacement for Windows Calendar in Xp so far) -> Free full version (OEM):
Works on both Xp and Vista. Again, you need .Net Framework 2.0 or higher before installing (Xp only) only 2,8 Mb:
MD5 : 9865B60186D53F5F177CAD9DAEC025B2
http://www.4shared.com/file/64127170/112eb…_Installer.html

10. Skins – Vista GUI for Microsoft Applications:
(Some from the best resource ever as well: “Xp to Vista Tutorial” by fediaFedia-Credits to fediaFedia WinMatrix/Deviantart. Thx alot mate!
http://fediafedia.deviantart.com/art/Windo…torial-59987691

A. Vista GUI for WMP 11 in Xp (Credits to Pierdelp) :
http://pierdelp.deviantart.com/art/WMP11-S…-XP-fr-52531261

B. Vista GUI for Windows Xp Media Center 2005 (Credits to fediaFedia WinMatrix Deviantart) :
http://fediafedia.deviantart.com/art/Vista…MCE-XP-76165197

C. Vista GUI for Windows Xp Movie Maker (Credits to fediaFedia WinMatrix Deviantart) :
http://fediafedia.deviantart.com/art/Vista…65507?offset=10

D. Original Vista Wallpapers for Xp (Credits to wstaylor.net) :
http://www.wstaylor.net/vista_walls.htm

E. Original Vista apps Icons for Xp (Credits to fediaFedia WinMatrix Deviantart) :
http://fediafedia.deviantart.com/art/20-Vi…co-png-59907934

F. Vista Sounds + Cursor for Xp (Credits to Joshoon) :
http://joshoon.deviantart.com/art/Vista-Fi…ursors-44430059

G. Original Vista User Account Picture for Xp (Credits to joshu4) :
http://joshu4.deviantart.com/art/Vista-acc…for-XP-71132548

H. Vista Cursor for Xp – Thx to fabiano80-WinMatrix
http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=11302

11. Some Vista Like Skin/VS for Xp (Official black ones, From MS):

A. MS Zune:
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Desktop-Enhan…une-Theme.shtml

B. Royal Noir:
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Desktop-Enhan…oir-Theme.shtml

C. Royal (MCE, Blue):
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Desktop-Enhan…for-WinXP.shtml

D. Xp Embedded (Blue) Thx to Vishal Gupta and WinMatrix:
http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=20401

E. Extra: The best Vista Skin for XP Ever: Vista Xp by Kol (Credits to him):
http://www.4shared.com/file/66166941/89880…_Xp_by_KOL.html

- WinMatrix Visual Styles and themes (Also please visit other great forums on WinMatrix.com):
http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showforum=57


12. Very Recommended: The Best Tutorial About Transforming Xp to Vista, Ever!:
(Thx alot to my Best Friends and Gurus: fediaFedia and Vishal Gupta for their kind permissions, you guys rock!) :

A. Xp to Vista Tutorial by fediaFedia Deviantart/WinMatrix, credits to him:
http://fediafedia.deviantart.com/art/Windo…torial-59987691

B. Transform Windows XP into Windows Vista (without any 3rd party software) by Vishal Gupta, WinMatrix/Deviantart, MS-MVP, etc, credits to him:
http://www.askvg.com/transform-your-window…omization-pack/


13. Some Xp to Vista Transformation Packs :
Btw I agree and prefer fediaFedia’s and Vishal’s ways: “You can transform Xp to Vista without installing any pack like them” (Manually). However, in some cases they can still be useful (Especially to “common” people) as long as you select only components you need when installing them i.e. Icon only etc (Dont install any other crap, self explanatory)…

A. Vista Transformation Pack/VTP (only future 9.0 very compatible with Xp SP3) thx to WindowsX:
http://www.jcxp.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=23824

To me personally, the best VTP is only 6.0 (only for Xp SP2). If you agree, just google and find it…Install and do as i said above…

C. BricoPack Vista Inspirate 2.0 Ultimate (Compatible with Xp SP3):
http://www.crystalxp.net/galerie/en.id.130.htm

D. VistaMizer (Not rather compatible with Xp SP3):
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Desktop-Enhan…istaMizer.shtml

14. Vista Features and functions :

A. Vista Applications (Ports), Tools, and Games for Xp (IE7, WMP11, Mail etc) -> See Above

B. Common Windows Shell

- BootScreen:

Stardock Bootskin (free):
http://www.stardock.com/products/bootskin/

TuneUp Styler (part of Tuneup Utilities – Shareware) so many functions-> My Choice:
http://www.tune-up.com/products/tuneup-utilities/

- Logon Screen :

Stardock Logon Studio (free) change logon screen:
http://www.stardock.com/products/logonstudio/

TuneUp Styler (part of Tuneup Utilities – Shareware) so many functions-> My Choice:
http://www.tune-up.com/products/tuneup-utilities/

- Theme:

Uxtheme Patch (Credits to Raphael, Liskiller WinMatrix -Free) :
http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=18059

TuneUp Styler (part of Tuneup Utilities – Shareware) so many functions-> My Choice:
http://www.tune-up.com/products/tuneup-utilities/

- Icon (Packer):

Stardock Icon Packager (shareware):
http://www.stardock.com/products/iconpackager/

TuneUp Styler (part of Tuneup Utilities – Shareware) so many functions-> My Choice:
http://www.tune-up.com/products/tuneup-utilities/

C. Vista Desktop Window Manager in Xp (DWM):

- Transparency and Shadow etc (also animation):

Window Blinds 6 (shareware) for blurred Vista Skin and best skinning engine etc:
http://www.stardock.com/products/windowblinds/

Window FX (shareware) also for transparency, shadow, anymation etc:
http://www.stardock.com/products/windowfx/

TrueTransparency (free) -> My Choice:
http://www.crystalxp.net/galerie/en.id.513…lorer-tools.htm

Yz Shadow (free) for Transparency, shadow-> My Choice:
http://www.crystalxp.net/galerie/en.id.960…lorer-tools.htm

(Updated) Fast Aero (free) for blurred border -> My Choice, credits to timbertide and lol13lol, WinMatrix:
http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=14079

Transbar (Transparent Taskbar)->My Choice:
http://home.no/aksoftware/

PowerMenu (free) for transparency, Window always on top, Minimize to tray etc-> My Choice:
http://www.abstractpath.com/powermenu/

UberIcon (Not related with Vista Animation, but still good!)
http://www.crystalxp.net/galerie/en.id.85-…lorer-tools.htm

IColor Folder (Vista/Longhorn Folder for Xp though you can still get it from icon pack, fully customizable, good!)
http://icolorfolder.sourceforge.net/?page_id=33

- Vista Taskbar Thumbnails:

Visual Tooltip-> My Choice:
http://www.crystalxp.net/galerie/en.id.197…lorer-tools.htm

Visual Tasktip:
http://www.visualtasktips.com/

Window FX (shareware) also for transparency, shadow, anymation etc:
http://www.stardock.com/products/windowfx/

- Vista Alt+Tab Thumbnail Switcher:

As said before: MS Powertoys Alt+Tab Switcher for Xp:
http://download.microsoft.com/download/whi…wertoySetup.exe

TaskSwitchXp 2.0 ->My Choice, better:
http://www.ntwind.com/software/taskswitchxp/download.html

- Window Flip 3d (Win+Tab):

TopDesk->My Choice:
http://www.otakusoftware.com/topdesk/

Original Vista Flip 3d for TopDesk:
http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19627

WinFlip:
http://www.crystalxp.net/galerie/en.id.126…lorer-tools.htm

Shock3D:
http://www.docs.kr/entry/Download-Shock-4Way3D-en

D. Vista Start Menu for Xp:

- Vistart:
http://www.lee-soft.com/vistart/

- Vista Start Menu Emulator:
http://www.crystalxp.net/galerie/en.id.477…lorer-tools.htm

- Vista Start Menu (shareware and freeware)->Sorry for this but I also dont see any similarity with Vista start Menu at all?:
http://www.vistastartmenu.com/index.html

- Also please visit my thread about “How to make Xp start menu behave like Vista without Vistart”:
http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=20450

- Also please visit Vishal Gupta’s tutorial about “Change look n’ feel of Xp start menu (without 3rd party software)”
http://www.askvg.com/change-look-n-feel-of…-xp-start-menu/

E. Vista Explorer Window

- Vista Favorite Link:

Findexer:
http://tomseffect.com/

- Vista BreadCrumb Address:

Folder Pilot (shareware)-> My Choice :
http://www.baxbex.com/products.html

QTAddressBar (free), Recommended!:
http://qttabbar.wikidot.com/

Minimalist Explorer Breadcrumb (donationware):
http://minimalist.com/software/ExplorerBreadcrumbs/

- Vista Searchbar and B/F button:

Styler (free)
I dont use this anymore though, since the searchbar fake. But still looks good (GUI only):
http://www.crystalxp.net/galerie/en.id.551-styler-1-401.html

- Vista “Slide” button for Thumbnail:

QTTabbar (Free),
Explorer Tab (like Mozilla), tooltip preview etc Recommended:
http://qttabbar.wikidot.com/

- Vista Live Icon and thumbnail preview (part of Vista DWM):

You can get some features (“down level/less) in Xp by visiting my thread on WinMatrix here:
http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19751

- Vista Metadata pane (Viewer/Editor):
(It’s actually updated Xp webview/Details pane + Status bar + Summary context menu.

You can get some features (“down level/less) in Xp by visiting my thread on WinMatrix here:
http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19751

- Vista Preview Pane on Xp (Vista File Viewer):

You can get some features (“down level/less) in Xp by visiting my thread on WinMatrix here:
http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19634

- Original Vista Explorer Search (Engine and Features) on Xp (Vista Desktop Search):

Microsoft has launched Windows Search 4.0 for Xp. Also see my threads thread:
http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19634

Direct Download Windows Search 4.0 for Xp:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/…ch/default.mspx


14. Additional: Miscellaneous and functions (Some Xp Equivalent 3rd parties of Vista Features):

A. Vista UAC for Xp:

- Smart UAC replacement (CAUTION: Malware suspect!)
Visit pro contra about it on my previous thread:
http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=20011

To me, It’s rather Better to use WinGuard Pro to mimic Vista UAC :

- WinGuard Pro:
http://www.winguardpro.com/

B. Vista Bitlocker (Encryption):

- TrueCrypt (Free):
http://www.truecrypt.org/

- PGP Desktop:
http://www.pgp.com/

- Steganos Security Suite:
http://www.steganos.com/us/

C. Vista Firewall:

- All Internet Security Suite:
AVG, McAfee, Kaspersky Etc

- Zone Alarm Firewall (Free):
http://www.zonealarm.com/store/content/home.jsp

D. Vista Ready Boost:

- E-Booster for Xp (shareware):
http://www.eboostr.com/download/

E. Vista MCE (Alternative for MCE installer above):

- MediaPortal (Free)
http://www.team-mediaportal.com/

- Nero Home (payware)
http://www.nero.com/ena/index.html

- SageTV (Shareware)
http://www.sagetv.com/

F. Vista Superfetch:

- SystemBoosterXp:
http://www.disktrix.com/SBIntroduction.htm

Tip:
However Windows Xp Already has built in “Prefetch”. Just optimize it. Make sure this value exist in Xp registry:

CODE
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentCo ntrolSet\Contro l\Session Manager\Memory Management\PrefetchParameters
Insert/change a value with the following details :

Data Type: DWORD
Value Name: EnableSuperfetch
Value: 3

Dont misunderstand This is not Vista Superfetch, but still not bad!

G. Vista Ultimate Extra: Dream Scene (Motion Desktop)

- DreamRender (Freeware):
http://www.dreamrender.com/

- Dreamscapes (Freeware) (Thx to Island Dog-WinMatrix):
http://dream.wincustomize.com/

- Desktop Effects (Thx to timbertide-WinMatrix):
http://www.desktopfx.net/

H. Better Vista Task Manager for Xp and Vista:

- Process Explorer:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinte…s/bb896653.aspx

I. Vista Shadow Copy:

- FileHamster:
http://www.mogware.com/FileHamster/

- Vista BackUp

Norton Ghost:
http://www.symantec.com/norton/ghost


15. Recommended Sites:

A. Tweaking and fixing Xp (Kelly Corner):

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp.htm

B. Tweak Xp:
http://www.tweakxp.com/

C. Tweaking with Vishal Gupta:
http://www.askvg.com/


16. Vista-only Control Panel Applets:
I.e. Control Panel Applet for Windows Defender, Synchrnization, etc

Just download and install Folder2MyPC and create it. Very useful to create control panel applets/My Computer applets->My Choice

- Download Folder2MyPC:
http://eng.softq.org/Folder2mypc

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