How to Customize Windows XP Visual Styles

There's no reason for your computer desktop to have the boring "out of the package" Windows XP visual style. With a little time and effort--and some specific tips--you can customize the visuals on your computer to match your personality.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Access your computer's desktop. The desktop is the first thing you see when you log onto your computer. Right mouse click anywhere on the desktop to bring up a menu.
2. Select "Properties" to invoke the "Display Properties" screen.
3. Click on the "Appearance" tab. On the "Appearance" tab you can change the way your Windows XP buttons, color scheme and fonts appear. You can also change certain effects such as how your menus transition. They can fade or scroll. The "Advanced" button allows you change the color and fonts on each window's title bar.
4. Modify your screen saver. Click on the "Screen saver" tab, and you can change what displays when your computer goes into screen saver mode. You can choose from the pre-installed screen saver options or you can display images that are currently on your computer. To display your pictures, point Windows XP to the folder where your images are by clicking on the "Settings" command button. Then, click on the "Browse" button on the My Pictures Screen Saver Option and navigate to your image folder.
5. Change your desktop image. The desktop tab allows you to change what you see when you first boot up your computer. You can change it to a pre-installed background or you can insert your own image by clicking the "Browse" button and navigating to the image you wish to display. Once you click "Apply" or "OK," you will see the image on your desktop.
6. Select a new theme. Click on the "Theme" tab to modify the windows XP theme. Click on the selection box under "Theme" to choose a new theme. Be sure to click "Apply" or "OK" to see your changes.
7. Download new visuals. Windows XP comes with a limited amount of desktop visuals. You can download new themes and appearance from sites such as Auslogics and WinCustomize. Download the new visuals by following the instructions outlined on their sites. Once you've installed the new visuals, apply the steps above to make the changes.

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