[Release] MS Signed Themes Addons v6.1

[5eraph]

Microsoft Signed Themes Addons v6.1.1 for Windows XP

Description:

• These addons directly integrate themes created by Microsoft for use with Windows XP.

Details:

• Info links:
  • Embedded Theme from “Windows Embedded Standard CTP Refresh.”
    • Includes ShellStyle.dll from Embedded Enhanced 1.1 by leosss to correct "lots of bugs, unfinished parts and bad colours details." The accompanying Embedded.MSStyles file is not signed by Microsoft and contains enhancements that are not bugfixes; it is not included.
  • Energy Blue Theme Pack from Kelsenellenelvian's True Royale Addon. (Includes the Bliss screensaver.)
  • Royale Noir from Kelsenellenelvian's Royale Noir addon. (My wallpaper is default, but includes Kel's as well. Windows Aero Shadow mouse pointers are default.)
  • Tablet PC Style adapted from MrNxDmX's Tablet PC Style Energy Blue Theme Addon Pack with WMP10 Skin & Fedora Inverse. (The addon name says it all. The WMP10 skin works with WMP11 as well.)
  • Zune Theme from ricktendo64's Zune Theme addon (with the correct installation paths).
  • Windows Aero Shadow mouse pointer scheme from Windows Vista.
• Intended for Windows XP.
• Do not require a patched UXTheme.dll file. These themes are signed by Microsoft.
• Tested in VMware Server 1.0.8.
• Integrates with RyanVM Integrator 1.6 and nLite 1.4.9.1 (or later versions of either).

Credits:

• Kelsenellenelvian, ricktendo64, MrNxDmX

Downloads:

• Addon for x86
• Link: 5er_MSSignedThemes_Addon_v6.1.1_x86.7z
  Size: 5124 KB
  MD5: 40b53992146612843cf92bbf89584948
  
  Addon for x64
• Link: 5er_MSSignedThemes_Addon_v6.1.1_x64.7z
  Size: 5124 KB
  MD5: 7875801a85b3ea9ed21a628b676b8166
  
  Smart Installer for x86 and x64
• Link: 5er_MSSignedThemes_v6.1.2.exe
  Size: 5259 KB
  MD5: E2C4A7E72A7B0EC558433A17FC64A0D9
  Notes: Use standalone or switchless in SvcPack. Detects installation type and acts accordingly. Not for use at RunOnceEx.

Notes:

• I had not intended to share this, but there does appear to be some interest in it; so here it is. I only plan to add signed themes to this pack as they become available to me.
  
  My thanks and appreciation go to Kelsenellenelvian and ricktendo64 for giving me permission to release this pack based on their fine works. Thanks also to MrNxDmX for allowing me to have creative license with his themes.

Changelog:

• [2010/03/14 22:25 UTC] - v6.1.1 - Addon updates - Added user-translatable strings for Mouse Pointer Scheme selections.
• [2009/04/20 22:25 UTC] - v6.1.2 - Installer update - Corrected a condition where the installer would idle silent indefinitely upon completion instead of terminating. More code comments and sanity checking added.
• [2009/04/20 13:10 UTC] - v6.1.1 - Installer update - CMD script standalone installer replaced by compiled AutoIt smart installer. More details are available in the bump post.
• [2009/04/16 23:20 UTC] - v6.1 - Replaced the Embedded theme's ShellStyle.dll with a patched version created by leosss for Embedded Enhanced 1.1 to correct some bugs in the old DLL.
• [2008/10/10 03:45 UTC] - v6.0 - Added Embedded Theme. Unified the standalone installers by relying on a CMD file for file copy chores (thanks for the suggestion, code65536 ).
• [2008/08/18 13:50 UTC] - Standalone installers posted by request.
• [2008/08/17 15:05 UTC] - v5.0 - Windows Aero Shadow replaced Aero Cursors (Alphablended) which adds missing shadows and two larger sizes.
• [2008/08/02 23:00 UTC] - v4.0 - Added Aero Cursors (Alphablended).
• [2008/06/29 12:05 UTC] - x64 - Silent Update - No functional change to code; using "new" LDID 16426 for %ProgramFiles(x86)%.
• [2008/06/13 10:40 UTC] - v3.0 - Major cleanup for porting to x64.
  • Issues with Royale Noir corrected.
  • Edited theme files to remove dependency on XP MCE Luna.MSStyles file which made noise in setuperr.log.
  • Removed XP MCE Luna.MSStyles file and associated shellstyle.dll as they're no longer needed.
  • Minor code changes to allow for easy porting to x64.
  • Addon for x64 released.
• [2006/12/25 04:55 UTC] - v2.2 - Fixed the Fedora Inverse mouse pointer scheme registry issue.
• [2006/11/10 01:25 UTC] - v2.1 - Fixed a typo that broke the Screensaver file copy.
• [2006/11/10 00:40 UTC] - v2.0 - Added Tablet PC Style.
• [2006/11/06 14:15 UTC] - v1.0 - Initial release.

[TechnoHunter]

nifty! thanks 5eraph!

[ton80]

Ditto

[MrNxDmX]

Thanks for this addon 5eraph.

You can add those 2 themes which are made by me, both are microsoft works.
[Release] Original Royale & Energy Blue Theme Packs

[5eraph]

You're welcome, TechnoHunter and ton80. And thank you, NR, for allowing me to have fun adapting Tablet PC Style into the existing themes.

The Original Royale theme was somewhat redundant, and so was not included. But the major features of the Tablet PC Style are covered.

EDIT: Fixed a typo. v2.1 is up.

[TechnoHunter]

:blink: umm...

The file was removed.
Reason: Deleted by poster (owner).

doh! now i cant get v2 -sigh-

[5eraph]

Check the first post again.

[MrNxDmX]

It was a nice decision what you did. Thanks for the update

[ton80]

Yes an addon with only signed themes is great to have! Keeps potential bugs down during a forced reinstall at the most inopportune time, according to Murphy's Law . I'll deal with the hacked dll AFTER the only in-house computer is up and running ...uh... safely!


Are there any more signed themes available other than the ones listed? If so please add them too.


And thank you for this!

[Master Wolfe]

Thank you, Seraph

[5eraph]

Your're welcome, Master Wolfe.

So far I've found four more themes MS created for XP.

• Microsoft "Ree Ree Khao Sarn" Theme - A theme based on anime children playing a Thai game similar to "London Bridge Is Falling Down."
• Microsoft Egypt Nile Theme - A very stylized theme with Egyptian-inspired elements.
• Microsoft Nunavut Theme Pack - A selection of bubbly themes with highlights of the Canadian territory of Nunavut.
• Microsoft Ontario Theme Pack - Themes very similar to the Nunavut themes, but focused on Ontario, Canada.

I've installed all of these and found that they don't introduce any new color or cursor schemes. They do have a few customized icons, sounds, mouse pointers, screensavers, and wallpapers, but they are all based on existing variations of the Luna theme.

I'll include them if requested, but there's not much that really stands out in my mind. I'll keep any further opinions to myself until I get some feedback on them.

[ton80]

Your're welcome, Master Wolfe.

So far I've found four more themes MS created for XP.

• Microsoft "Ree Ree Khao Sarn" Theme - A theme based on anime children playing a Thai game similar to "London Bridge Is Falling Down."
• Microsoft Egypt Nile Theme - A cartoonish looking stylized theme with Egyptian-inspired elements.
• Microsoft Nunavut Theme Pack - A selection of bubbly themes with highlights from the Canadian territory of Nunavut.
• Microsoft Ontario Theme Pack - Themes very similar to the Nunavut themes, but focused on Ontario, Canada.

I've installed all of these and found that they don't introduce any new color or cursor schemes. They do have a few customized icons, sounds, mouse pointers, screensavers, and wallpapers, but they are all based on existing variations of the Luna theme.

I'll include them if requested, but there's not much that really stands out in my mind. I'll keep any further opinions of them to myself until I get some feedback on them.

Well I agree with you! But let others add their comments too. I did notice that the last two in list did add more than one version though mainly background. A tough decision! They are signed by MS but as u said. Nothing new really. Save space for other themes but it's your call. I like what u have already included. Different!!!

[5eraph]

Okay, then. I'll get to work adding the last two.

The other two will only make it in if they're requested. I'm open to opinions on all of them.

[ton80]

Okay, then. I'll get to work adding the last two.

The other two will only make it in if they're requested. I'm open to opinions on all of them.

Hey I didn't request them. I basically said to 'hold on' for others comments. I'm not the only one here.


I actually like the ones you have already have included except for tablet theme since I haven't seen that one yet. I am not gonna reinstall windows just for that! It will be for something more serious.

[5eraph]

Well, I have the files and the code ready for all of them, just in case. All I need to do is cut/paste/pack/upload. I've done some informal testing already.

The Canadian ones are decent. Been to Ontario once or twice myself since I live near Detroit. I wouldn't live here if I didn't like the snow, so the Nunavut themes are something of a bonus.

I'll wait for more feedback before releasing an update that may include them.

[Kelsenellenelvian]

Naw lets stick with visual style themes in this pack .

Thats my vote.

[RaGhul]

I second that.

I'm all for people's opinions. On some forums, people get attacked for asking for this or that to be added (or removed). I think that's really annoying. People expressing their opinions is part of the function of a forum.

Still, in this case, I played with the themes, and...
They are quite sorry-looking. Must've been leftovers from Win98.

Stick with what you got, Kel.

[5eraph]

Updated to v2.2.

Please read the Changelog for details.

[motokiume]

Download:

• Link: 5er_MSSignedThemes_v2.2_Addon.7z
  Size: 5006 KB
  MD5: AA318D0C3005E8DE0FBE964D64C14F3C

The above link says "The file is temporary unavailable, please try again later."
It has said this for nearly a week now.
Would it be possible to repost a new link.
Thanks

[MrNxDmX]

Download:

• Link: 5er_MSSignedThemes_v2.2_Addon.7z
  Size: 5006 KB
  MD5: AA318D0C3005E8DE0FBE964D64C14F3C

The above link says "The file is temporary unavailable, please try again later."
It has said this for nearly a week now.
Would it be possible to repost a new link.
Thanks

Same now too. I am sure 5eraph, Ryan can open an ftp account for ya. You know how to request

[5eraph]

Sorry about the downtime, folks. I've been incommunicado for a few weeks. My addon links have been refreshed. Please let me know if I've missed any.

[motokiume]

Thanks for the updated links, I have downloaded it now.

Many thanks,

[motokiume]

It works well, thanks very much.

[yiuc1]

Maybe I'm just not seeing it... but what's the difference between the Energy Blue theme and the Tablet PC Style Energy Blue theme? Thanks.

[5eraph]

MrNxDmX's Tablet PC Style includes the Fedora Inverse cursor set and the Windows Media Player skin where the other does not. This is most readily noticeable when comparing the *.Theme files in a text editor.

[yiuc1]

MrNxDmX's Tablet PC Style includes the Fedora Inverse cursor set and the Windows Media Player skin where the other does not. This is most readily noticeable when comparing the *.Theme files in a text editor.

Wow, I didn't know you could open up the *.theme files in a text editor. Thanks! Learned something new

[Happy-Dude]

Hiya guys!!

I just took a look at this thread, and I am really interested in installing it. But, I ran into a dilemma, how exactly can I install this pack?

Also, might there be a chance that you can make this package nLite compatible? Just curious, because it would be really nice to have all these themes in one place and installed at once.

Thanks for you time!! I really appreciate it !!

[crashfly]

Technically, this addon is already nlite compatible. At least it works with my "nlited" installations. Just use it like any other addon pack. It tends to be "smart" about it and knows where to put stuff.

[Happy-Dude]

Thanks for the reply. When I build an nLite disk, I will definitely remember to add it on.

Quick question: How do I actually "install" this package onto the OS right now? Do I have to manually move around the files manually?

Thanks for the response.

[5eraph]

Major cleanup of addon for x86 for porting to x64.

Release of addon for x64.

[Happy-Dude]

Heya guys !!

5eraph, I remember (at a past time) that you were interested in integrating some themes that came with Windows XP Plus! Superpack.

It seems that you've edited your post on it. Is there any chance that you might still be interested?

I'm asking this because I have been able to find some sites where I can get it. I'll willing to purchase (one of the last remaining copies) and transfer you the contents (don't know how this will turn out, though).

Otherwise, I'm sure if you look hard enough, you can find someplace you can download it from ... BUT !! Since this is MSFN associated, I suppose that is beyond the regulations and is not allowed.

So, how about it? Are you still interested in integrating some Plus! Superpack themes? I am going to purchase the product no matter what, so contact me about it !! (I'm planning to buy the software with a retail XP SP2 + new hard drive + DVD burner for upgrades and nLite preparation . Wish me luck !!)

[5eraph]

You are correct concerning the rules (no warez). I found my copy here buried in an old box. I got it free with my purchased copy of XP Home back in 2001. It was a promotional deal at Best Buy for the then newly released operating system.

Given that it's discontinued, I'm not sure how Ryan would feel about me releasing anything it contains. He and I had discussed it at one point, but I lost the PM. I suppose I could ask.

[Happy-Dude]

You are correct concerning the rules (no warez). I found my copy here buried in an old box. I got it free with my purchased copy of XP Home back in 2001. It was a promotional deal at Best Buy for the then newly released operating system.

Given that it's discontinued, I'm not sure how Ryan would feel about me releasing anything it contains. He and I had discussed it at one point, but I lost the PM. I suppose I could ask.

Hey, 5eraph, I found a link where you can get more official themes from Microsoft: http://beqiraj.com/windows/2002/theme/index.asp --> I guess it lists some themes that Microsoft forgot to mention on their official site (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/down ... fault.mspx).

These aren't all that special, since (as far as I know) they don't really add anything new except icons and such. If you don't feel it necessary, don't worry about it . I'm just making sure people know that there are options out there .

So, how's it going with the Plus! pack? Any luck ?

[5eraph]

Thanks for the link. Some of those are new to me.

Still waiting for Ryan's reply concerning the Plus pack. I haven't started working on it.

[bober101]

was the plus pack everything mce had but without the actual media center gui thingy?

[5eraph]

Not the edition I have, bober101. MCE wasn't released until years later.

My disc installs the following features:

• Plus! Digital Media Experience
  • Plus! Voice Command for Windows Media Player
    Plus! CD Label Maker
    Plus! MP3 Audio Converter
    Plus! Speaker Enhancement
    Plus! Personal DJ
  Plus! Visual Experience
  • Themes and screen savers
    Visualizations and skins for Windows Media Player
  Plus! Gaming Experience
  • HyperBowl Plus! Edition
    The Labyrinth Plus! Edition
    Russian Square Plus! Edition

[bober101]

yeah i know but the features seem to be the same except for the "mce wm player",all of the others seem to be recycled for when they did mce.

[Happy-Dude]

Thanks for the link. Some of those are new to me.

Still waiting for Ryan's reply concerning the Plus pack. I haven't started working on it.

Thanks for the update. It's nice to know that there's progress being made.

(Note: the site I sent you also has some third party, I believe, so check 'em out, like a Royale 4-pack that's not official.)

To bober101:
Check out http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/win ... erpack.asp for some more information of the various Plus! packs for Windows XP.

I believe that 5eraph has the original Plus! pack. So what you are seeking is probably in the Digital Media pack.

To 5eraph:
Since you have the original, do you think there are extra themes included in the Plus! Digital Media Edition? If so, I can attempt to get the Plus! Superpack edition (which includes the contents of the previous releases). Just contact me about it, and I'll see if I can get it and send the contents to you !!

Good luck. Remember to post back !!

-------
EDIT:
Ah, found some stuff on the variations:

From Wikipedia:
Microsoft Plus! for Windows XP

Marketed as “The Ultimate Companion for Windows XP”, Microsoft Plus! for Windows XP was launched alongside the Windows XP operating system on October 25, 2001. This version of Plus! was created to show off the enhanced capabilities that Windows XP presented with its updated Windows Media Player and DirectX 3D core technologies. Continuing the feature categories of the previous Plus! products, the product features were desktop themes, screen savers, games, and utilities.

Plus! for Windows XP includes:

* Plus! Themes
* Plus! Screen Savers
* Plus! Voice Command for Windows Media Player
* Plus! Personal DJ
* Plus! MP3 Converter
* Plus! CD Label Maker
* Plus! Speaker Enhancement
* Plus! 3D Visualizations for Windows Media Player
* Plus! Skins for Windows Media Player
* Plus! Hyperbowl
* Plus! Russian Square
* Plus! Labyrinth

[edit] Microsoft Plus! Digital Media Edition

Marketed as “The Ultimate Photo, Music, and Movie Enhancement Pack for Windows XP”, Microsoft launched Plus! Digital Media Edition along with Windows XP Media Center Edition. Plus! Digital Media Edition signified the first time Microsoft had released a second Plus! product based on the same base operating system. Microsoft Plus! Digital Media Edition was also the first Microsoft product to be made available for sale to consumers via e-commerce as full product download through online retailers.

Released on January 7, 2003, Plus! Digital Media Edition built upon two newly enhanced Windows XP core components: Windows Media Player and Windows Movie Maker 2. This product version focused more on utility features for photos, music and movies rather than including the more traditional Plus! features like themes, screen savers, and games.

Plus! Digital Media Edition includes:

* Plus! Photo Story 2
* Plus! Party Mode
* Plus! Analog Recorder
* Plus! CD Label Maker
* Plus! Dancer
* Plus! Audio Converter
* Plus! Effects and Transitions for Windows Movie Maker
* Plus! Alarm Clock
* Plus! Sleep Timer
* Plus! Skins for Windows Media Player 9 Series
* Plus! Sync & Go for Pocket PC

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 includes some of the themes and screensavers from Microsoft Plus! for Windows XP. It also includes some applications from Microsoft Plus! Digital Media Edition, namely, Audio Converter, CD Label Maker, Dancer and Party Mode. A Windows Media Player skin called Darkling, developed by The Skins Factory is included, the skin is exclusive to Microsoft Plus! Digital Media Edition.

[edit] Microsoft Plus! SuperPack for Windows XP

On October 19, 2004, Microsoft replaced its two separate Plus! products for Windows XP with a single combined version called the Microsoft Plus! SuperPack for Windows XP. There were no new features or functionality added.

[5eraph]

I'm afraid it's not gonna happen, Happy-Dude. The fact that the themes are part of a retail package can't be ignored. Abandonware is a huge gray area that I don't want to step into.

[Happy-Dude]

Aw ...

Well, nice try anyway. Any news on what's possibly in the next versions ?

[Happy-Dude]

Heya guys !!

Just wondering: might there be a way to include Vista cursor icons in the pack? As it turns out, I really like Vista cursors, since they are far more toned and visually appealing (glossy) to me.

Might it be possible for you to include them in this pack (since Fedora cursors are also included)?

Remember to get back to us for an update !! I look forward to future pack additions !!

[TechnoHunter]

just a stupid question here.. but how would those cursors match the addons stated name?

"MS signed Themes.."

just wondering...

[5eraph]

Happy-Dude has a point, TechnoHunter. The Vista cursors are at least from Microsoft whereas Fedora Inverse is derived from a Linux distribution. FI was included because it was part of MrNxDmX's pack, which I took an "all or nothing" approach with.

Provide me a link to the cursors and I'll see what I can do.

[TechnoHunter]

ahh, good to know thanks for the info 5eraph!

[Happy-Dude]

ahh, good to know thanks for the info 5eraph!

Got some links (just Googled 'em) !!

http://softe.wordpress.com/2008/03/30/w ... sors-pack/ --> RapidShare download
OR
http://www.blogiseverything.com/freebie ... rs-for-xp/
OR
http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showthread.php?t=306790

Now, I've checked all the links, and the cursors seem more or less the same. (Actually, they are the same with different package names.) Anyone of them would do, I believe, since they contain the same contents.

Thanks a lot !! Remember to keep us posted and updated !!

EDIT:
Luckily, unlike other cursor sets, these packs have an included .ini file (for something like that) that extracts the cursors into the appropriate folder and creates the set. Or, at least, the ones I've looked at. This should simplify the Add-On creation process with including them (just take some code form the .ini and modify it, right?) .

[5eraph]

Right, Happy-Dude. I may have modified it more than most would. The files install the same, but the registry issue with the cursor set is corrected.

The ZIP archives from the second two links you provide are identical. The RAR archive from the first link contains two differing, older files according to QuickSFV: aero_busy.ani and Readme.txt. For future reference, I used the ZIP file for the addon because the ANI file is newer and I linked to the RAR file's post because it looks nicest.

Addon updated to v4.0.

[Stimpy]

Do these new pointers have all the shadows working? There are so many cursor pack that have no shadow for the main mouse pointer, i find that annoying!

[5eraph]

As far as I can tell, the Aero cursors do not have shadows regardless of the "Enable pointer shadow" setting. I do like how they seem to be anti-aliased, which is good enough for me—not that I notice that much detail at my typical desktop resolution of 2048x1536.

[Happy-Dude]

EDIT 2::

I can't believe I didn't catch this (-_-) !!

From http://blogs.vertigosoftware.com/alanl/ ... ws_XP.aspx

Get the new Windows Vista cursors from Build 5465 on your Windows XP machine. There are just a few aesthetic differences. The new cursors are antialiased and have a crisp look to them. The hourglass cursor is replaced with the loading indicator. I’ve included some screenshots of the cursors below.

From http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.p ... opic=11302 (downloaded and looked at readme):

These cursors are extracted from Vista RTM (Build 6000)
Added: Cross & Text cursors, shadows + cursor scheme installation files

If it isn't too much, 5eraph, perhaps you can switch/ modify the add-on? The other pack is extracted from Vista RTM and has different sizes and even shadows.

Sorry for the bother.

Thanks a lot !!

------------------------- Original Post
For the sake of giving people their due credits, I traced where the Alphablended cursors came from:

Searched Google:
http://www.google.com/search?q=xp+curso ... =firefox-a
--> Got here http://www.downloadsquad.com/2007/08/20 ... ors-in-xp/
---->Got here: http://lifehacker.com/software/windows- ... 290439.php
------->Finally got here: http://blogs.vertigosoftware.com/alanl/ ... ws_XP.aspx

Since it is from Lifehacker, I trust the source.

5eraph, for credits sake, perhaps also include the http://blogs.vertigosoftware.com/alanl/ ... ws_XP.aspx link for the Alphablended cursors?


EDIT:
Would this be of any interest? (from http://www.downloadsquad.com/2007/08/20 ... ors-in-xp/)

http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.p ... opic=11302
--> seems you can get a black version and different sizes. I dunno if it is of any worth integrating these, though. Of course, is nice to have . The guy said there were even shadows on this one.

[5eraph]

I haven't forgotten about this, Happy-Dude. I have been busy lately preparing for my trip and getting other things squared away. The soonest I'll be able to work on this again is roughly a week from now when I return, 2008/08/12.