The file uxtheme.dll is a digitally signed file that validates themes during boot and theme installation. It is restricted and usually means that you can only install a handful of Microsoft certified themes. If you want to add and use custom themes in Windows XP or Windows Vista you have to update the file uxtheme.dll. Once the file is patched you can install and use custom themes.
I would like to introduce two methods of patching uxtheme.dll. The first method is automatic but sometimes not working. I would still suggest to use the Uxtheme Multi-patcher first if you use Windows XP or Windows Server 2003. Just unpack and start the application (no installation required) and click on Patch to patch uxtheme.dll. The software checks the operating system and asks if the findings are correct. If the information is correct click OK.
Windows File Protection will kick in which you have to cancel of course. File Protection would otherwise replace the patched uxtheme.dll with the original from the Windows XP CD which would have the result that you would not be able to use custom themes. Once that is done restart the computer once and check if you can add custom themes. If that is possible you have successfully patched uxtheme.dll. If not or if you are using Windows Vista read on.
Windows Vista users or users where the automatic patching failed can replace the file manually instead. They need the application Replacer for it which can be used to replace files with system protection. They also need the patched uxtheme.dll which they can find at Uxtheme Patches. Make sure to download the correct version for your operating system.
Start Replacer and follow the on screen instructions. Begin by dragging and dropping the original uxtheme.dll file which is located in c:\windows\system32 into the program window and hit enter. Then drag and drop the patched dll into the window and hit enter again. Follow the instructions until File Protection kicks in again. Make sure you cancel the file protection window so that the patched file is not replaced with the original one again.
Custom themes can be added after a restart.
Related posts:
Windows XP Service Pack 3 Uxtheme.dll patchWindows Themes Patcher
Windows Vista Take Ownership Extension
Windows Vista Theme Customization
Vista Live Shell Pack For Windows XP
5 beautiful visual styles for Windows XP
Use custom themes in Windows Vista
Remove Evaluation Copy from Vista SP1
13 Responses to “uxtheme.dll Patcher for Windows XP and Vista”
Trackbacks/Pingbacks
-
[...] post by Martin Related ArticlesWindows Vista Prices are OutWindows Client Team Launches the Windows Shell [...]
-
[...] Original post by Martin [...]
-
[...] custom themes, windows xp theme 22Jan My article yesterday explained how to patch the file uxtheme.dll in Windows to be able to add custom themes to Windows. Today I’m going to introduce popular [...]
-
[...] uxtheme.dll Patcher for Windows XP and Vista [...]
-
[...] The visual styles can be downloaded in MS style or Windowblinds format. You do need a patched uxtheme.dll to use visual styles on your computer. I did explain the procedure in the article linked above. The [...]
-
[...] several system files are patched first. You can find instructions on how to patch a system file at uxtheme.dll patcher or directly download the required files for your operating system [...]
martin: what is your current visual style?
dose I’m currently using Resident Os http://mohsinnaqi.deviantart.com/art/Resident-OS-27108299
Hey, I just bought a new laptop and I have Windows Vista Home Premium.
is there a uxtheme.dll that i can download to get custom themes?
Great. Does this mean I can design my own theme? I would need software to convert my design into a windows theme file though too, right?
my brother was messing with my computer trying to install a theme. by doing so he replaced the uxtheme.dll file with another file. when the computer was rebooted an error popped up stating that the uxtheme.dll file was invalid. after pressing ‘ok’ nothing loaded except the wallpaper. i have tried going into safe mode but it is the same deal. i am able to access the CMD and the window that appears when you ‘CTRL+ALT+DELETE’. i am trying to avoid wiping out everything on my computer and start anew but if that is the only solution please say so. i hope you can help with my problem, it would be greatly appreciated!
Hay lam thak
I cant drag it to the program. I try but but it wont do it. Can someone help me.
PS: I have Vista.