How to Download and Install Internet Explorer Themes

Themes are backgrounds that you see on your desktop when you turn on your computer. If you select a theme yourself (rather than sticking with the default theme that came with your computer), you will want that theme to be something you love. After all, you will see it every day. You may also wish to change your themes frequently, depending on your mood and current interests. This is all possible with Internet Explorer. You can use a theme you create yourself, or you can download and install themes specifically designed for Internet Explorer straight from the Web.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet Explorer Version 7
• Computer
• Working Internet connection

Get Themes for Your Computer

1. Turn on your computer, then enter Internet Explorer. If it isn't already installed, visit the Microsoft Web site to download the latest version (see Resources below).
2. Go to the Microsoft Internet Explorer Web site (see Resources below).
3. Click on 'Downloads.'
4. Find the search field.
5. Type 'themes' into the search field, and then hit the Enter button on your keyboard.
6. Browse the available themes from the list. Many of these themes are free.
7. Select the theme you want by clicking on 'Download Now.'
8. Click on 'Open' from the dialog box that pops up.
9. Choose the 'Extract All Files' option from the window that opens.
10. Run the Extraction Wizard. You will be automatically prompted to do this.
11. Use your new theme. Once the Extraction Wizard has run, your theme will be available on your computer's 'C' drive for you to use at your leisure.

Tips & Warnings

• When in doubt about anything related to Internet Explorer, including how to download and install themes, visit its remarkable FAQs page (see Resources below).
• Internet Explorer 7 will run on computers using Windows XP, Vista or Server 2003 with a 233MHz processor or higher.
• While most viruses get embedded in your computer when you download unknown files from strange sources, you can sometimes pick them up just by visiting a Web site that has been infected. Internet Explorer does not have virus protection software as part of its comprehensive security package, so you will want to purchase your own program, or download and install a free one from the Internet, to make your online safety rock solid.
• Installing themes, as described by this guide, is done using Internet Explorer version 7. If you are running a prior version, you may need to upgrade your browser.