Whats wrong with StyleXP?

Ah....a wealth of inaccuracies and fallacies.....hence your question....

Style XP just changes your MSstyles theme so it does not run in the background unless you keep the system tray icon. Many sites don't like Stle XP because it is a "dll hack".



[Message Edited]

there is some excellent work by skinners with ms visual styles and i used to use them quite frequently, dare i say more than i used windowblinds. but once wb4 came out i haven't used stylexp again. wb4 wins hands down. and now more and more of the msstyles are being ported over to windowblinds. if you compare all visual aspects between windowblinds and msstyles i think you will agree. but once again i say - beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Brad's late.

Because there is no such thing as a StyleXP theme. StyleXP isn't a skinning program. The themes are MSStyles.

Also, there is a misconception that because XP's skinning engine is included in the system it uses less resources. Actually, whether it's included with the system or whether you have to install it seperately, both use skinning engines, and both use system resources. And the truth actually is that Windowbinds performs better and faster, and is way more flexible.

Anyway, the main problem is that Style XP isn't a legitimate program, but just a hack that breaks Microsoft's security system reventing third party MSStyles to run.

Now, if Style XP came up with they own skinning standards and their own technology, then sure, then we'd consider it legit, but right now they are only using somebody else's format.

Also, don't forget that Style XP only works with XP. When Longhorn comes, you'll have to consider other options such as Windowblinds.

Style XP unlocks a very good feature in Windows XP. If Microsoft does not allow people to change their Longhorn styles, then I am sure that a Stle XP like program will be made to unlock that too.

There are few "Style XP" sections for the same reason we don't call MP3s "Winamp songs".

Anyone can make a Style XP type program. It's just patching a DLL on your system. Most reputable skin sites know that there's no such thing as a "Style XP" skin and will refer to them by eitehr their proper name "Msstyles" or by the general term for GUI skins "visual styles".

If you really are undecided about which is better, then try them both. Of course here we say WB is better, and in my mind there is no question it can do more, is faster and is legit. But if you aren't sure, try them out separately and see for yourself. WB will be the one which can totally skin your PC easily, nothing else can, not even Luna (the built in MS skin).
Heck I like windowblinds so much, I disbabled the theme service in XP. Why have that running when its of no use to me.

i was a die hard MSS styles man with StyleXP up until a month or so ago and i decided to give WB4 a try. I have been pleasantly surprised by WB4 and together with all the other parts of Object Desktop plus CursorXP it gives you the ability to theme more of your desktop down to the smallest detail.

i am a true convert now and unlikely to return to MSS styles however i still have a soft spot for Chaninja's MSS styles work but i think he is contemplating doing something for WB in future and he would be greeted with open arms if he came over the fence.

everything they said up there. ^^^

I would like to add if there are people who say WB is a resource hog, it despends on what skin you are running and if it uses allot of transparentcies.

I never used Style XP and from what I know of it, it is an ok program but WB skins more and it skins most of Microsofts OS's not just XP

Then there is that Longhorn problem... even though the problem is 3 years away.

gosh yes chaninja is rather creative isn't he. which is nice.

#8 by Citizen GhoS - 6/20/2003 2:59:22 PM Heck I like windowblinds so much, I disbabled the theme service in XP. Why have that running when its of no use to me.

Great tip!

Ok, Now how do disable the theme service?

I'm tired and don't even want to figure it out on my own

yeah I want to know too!!

(for when I get XP )

Computer management....services and applications....services....themes....right click....properties....stop, disable and apply....

Thank You, My Dear.

No problem, Ma'am...