I’ll admit, Vista looks slick. But I don’t want to deal with all the compatibility issues. Not to mention, I don’t feel like dropping several hundred bucks for those issues. So…I’ve tweaked XP to simulate Vista. And if I may say so myself, I think I’ve done a pretty good job.
Instructions are below:
- Skin Windows. Do a Google search for “Windows XP Zune theme” (or just download it here) and install the theme. It’ll give your computer that cool glossy black look. And since it’s from Microsoft, it’ll integrate very nicely into your system.
- Get the Alt-Tab PowerToy. Also from Microsoft, this little tweak will make your alt-tabiness much more useful. Instead of just seeing a vague program icon, you’ll actually see a screenshot of each application. You can download it from Microsoft’s website.
- Put a Vista-like Wallpaper on your Desktop. Search for “Windows Vista Desktop Wallpaper“, pick the one you like, and use it. (Note: try to find a reputable looking site though. There are a lot out there that I wouldn’t download anything from.)
- Get Yahoo! Widgets. Use this little program to put a nice analog clock, PC performance monitors, photo frame, newsreader, stock-ticker, etc. on your desktop, and much more. Very slick.
Bonus: If you’ve ever used Linux or Mac and like the idea of having multiple desktops, have no fear…you can do that with Windows too! This little known download comes from Microsoft and, although it’s a bit slow, adds valuable functionality to your OS.
Got other suggestions? Add them in the comments. I’ll put the best ones here.
UPDATE: I’ve added a new follow-up post on how to pimp your PC to work like a Mac.
22 responses so far ↓
Ryan // December 13, 2007 at 8:48 am |
Ok, this is by far the most popular post on here. C’mon people, I get nearly 200 people per day reading this post. Can’t any of you leave a comment?
Jay // December 15, 2007 at 5:41 am |
hey thanks for the tips. weee a comment!
Ivo // December 24, 2007 at 3:54 am |
awesome!
specialist // January 1, 2008 at 4:30 am |
I use this:
http://www.crystalxp.net/bricopack/
It makes xp look exactly like vista, from the start menu to the icons, etc.
Ryan // January 2, 2008 at 9:46 am |
Ooh, that looks pretty slick. How safe is it? I noticed that it modifies your system files? I’m not sure how comfortable I would be with that when I’m not familiar with the provider. I’m not suggesting that they’re questionable, I’m just always hesitant.
Paul // February 6, 2008 at 8:58 pm |
I Vista-ized my Windows XP using the following downloads(all free). None of these appear to change your system files and all can be turned on and off at will.
WinFlip: This gives you the Vista Windows 3D Flip functionality (much better than the Microsoft Alt-Tab PowerToy). Check out the neat configure option to start flipping whenever you make a circular motion (you choose the direction) with your mouse. Remember to put a shortcut to the exe file in your startup folder so that it’s immediately available after boot up.
http://winflip.stylekings.de/
Desktop Sidebar: Prettiest gadget bar of them all IMHO (very neat transparency control). Loads of very cool skins available.
http://www.desktopsidebar.com/index.html
Royale Noir Theme: Out of the box WinXP provides only blue, silver, and olive-coloured themes. This adds a gorgeous black theme.
http://www.istartedsomething.com/20061029/royale-noir/
Transparent Vista-style Window Headers: Very neat, you can turn it on or off as you see fit. Also changes the minimize, maximize and close icons from XP style to Vista style.
http://www.crystalxp.net/galerie/en.id.5139-truetransparency-lefreut-explorer-tools.htm
Vista Wallpaper: Just do a Google image search for “Windows Vista Wallpaper” and you’ll uncover loads of high-resolution Vista desktop wallpapers that you can download for free.
Have fun!
Ryan // February 11, 2008 at 9:54 am |
Great additions Paul. I also recently discovered Launchy (launchy.net) for Windows PC.
If you’ve ever used (or heard of) Quicksilver, it’s basically the same thing. Just choose a hotkey, and then launch any program without having to go into your start menu.
It’s freaking awesome!
anonymous // March 10, 2008 at 6:52 am |
this is good, but theres a pack that does it all.. http://www.crystalxp.net/galerie/en.id.130.htm
Vista inspirat ultimate 2 =D
mathew // March 19, 2008 at 7:43 pm |
You guys all have great suggestions but
if you want a vista like interface you guys need to google Vista Transformation pack 6,7 or 8 all do a 10x better job then
brico pack i run vista,xp and osx and vista Transformation pack is the best xp vista emulator
Ben // March 23, 2008 at 9:20 pm |
This is awesome! Great work! I tried one of those vista transformation packs once and it didn’t do to good for my computer! This works great
Jesse // April 11, 2008 at 11:01 pm |
Wow, thanks alot. This is an amazing post. It was very helpful man:) You have a talent
leonard // April 20, 2008 at 1:21 pm |
silfiriel // April 20, 2008 at 1:32 pm |
I made a vista wallpaper called Vista Univers. you can find it here http://hqwalls.blogspot.com/2008/04/vistaverse.html
Jordan // April 28, 2008 at 4:40 am |
yea and also why not be like me and just get a copy of windows vista i have it on a disk and all you do is put it in and let it do alll the work and di i mention it is windows vista ultamate and go BUY it like everyone eles go i bought the ultamate and it is VERY GOOD so you are all just stupid because you have no idea if that is a bug he put on there because even if you do have a vista look alike it aint the same thing
Ow and another thing this guy is a liar he did not create this because ive seen it all over the internet he is just taking the credite for somone eles work
http://www.tech-recipes.com/rx/1089/make_xp_look_like_vista_longhorn_free
Copy and paste this into your browser and see for your selve because it is the exact same thing but MADE by a different guy
My msn or email is Hollywoodteen@….com and i will talk to you about sending out copies
Ryan // April 28, 2008 at 6:58 am |
It always amuses me how many ignorant people there are on the web. Then they go and call other people stupid while at the same time, riddling their comments with misspellings and horrible grammar. (Does it occur to you that your entire first paragraph is one long run-on sentence?) Good work Jordan.
I also get a kick out of how you actually call me “a liar”. Don’t you realize I could just mark your comment as SPAM? Oh well, I’ll be a good sport and leave it up for amusement.
I did find your link interesting. I hadn’t thought of modifying my fonts or mouse pointers. Thanks for the suggestions.
Tom // May 8, 2008 at 9:12 am |
I saw a post that someone were using a vista looking theme from Bricopacks..
I would not recommend that, I have used it and it turned my pc to a b[...] when I wanted to uninstall it
Worked fine at first, but when you didnt want it anymore it became b[...]y.. Kinda like some women 
ma2nk // May 15, 2008 at 12:32 am |
I want to get wallpaper more
ravi // May 15, 2008 at 1:50 am |
Hi,
Itls so Good.
I like these wallpapers very much.
i am very appriciate of such kind of these wallpapers. Thanks. I love Vista..
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ameya // November 18, 2008 at 10:30 am |
there are a few more changes u cud do to make it look better..
http://numberfail.wordpress.com/2008/10/30/xp-to-vista-in-30-minutes/
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