How To Package System Sounds For Windows XP

from JoeUser Forums
I've scoured the internet and if it is possible, it doesn't seem like enough people are doing it because I can't find anything.

Basically I would just like to be able to package up a system sound theme for windows xp (e.g. start windows, new email, default beep, etc.)
I've read you can add sounds to a theme/visual style, but that doesn't sound like the system sounds.

Is there a program out there that will do this? Either make an EXE that a user just has to run to install them, or make them part of a file that needs to be installed with a program like WindowBlinds. Either way I'd be happy.

As a side note, how exactly do I get all of my cursors embeddeded into the .CurXPTheme file for distribution? I've tried this using the free CursorXP utility and it just makes a .CurXPTheme that links to the cursor files on my hdd. If I remove those cursor files, I cannot use the .CurXPTheme to load the cursors again.

Thanks for the help,
Brett
4,590 views 10 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I've also looked fruitlessly for a sound scheme theme manager. I'm actually planning to try and do something about it with desktopX; but that project is in line behind others. It is surprising that no one has made such a thing already.

I've only dabbled with making cursors, but I think the way to package them is to arrange all the files into a .zip archive and then rename the extension to .curxptheme. That way you can be sure the actual files get in the archive, not just links? Maybe I misunderstand that question.

gl
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
In winxp control panel you can make sound schemes and save them. I wonder if xp stores the arrangements of sounds as files you could distribute, and if so, where.
Groupy 2 - Organize multiple applications into grouped tabs on your Windows desktop
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I too would be interested in this! I can think of a bajillion ways to make Windows sound better than that stupid default beep...
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I haven't played with it much since I got ODNT but Desktop Architect will save schemes including sounds. Packages as theme files.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
In XP the sound schemes are kept in the registry.
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Here are some sound schemes from Microsoft. I'm particularly fond of Robotz. http://www.monroela.com/win95downloads.htm#Multimedia
Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top
Would it be possible to use XP's own packager.exe?
Reply #8 from JoeUser Forums Top

ThemeManager supports this for .suite's. It's been used on a custom basis here or there, mostly there. We may expose the GUI to create them at some point, but it's not a priority for a variety of reasons.

If you must know how to do it and can make sound schemes with appropriate effects (Beavis laughing when you close a window not being one of them), email me and I'll explain. Alternatives: alter the regkeys directly.

 

Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Hey Tarkus, when I mouse over the download link (at the link you gave) it shows the exe in the end of the link but when i click it (or the other sound links) 'not found'
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Sorry, these links should work: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=135315