How to Change XP for a High-Resolution Theme

Windows XP includes tools that will let you create a customized high-resolution theme for your desktop. Windows XP also comes with high-contrast color schemes that make the text on your desktop easier to read. In Windows XP Display Properties, you can increase your overall screen resolution, load a high-resolution desktop background and increase the resolution of desktop items such as fonts, bars and buttons. You can then save your custom theme to quickly reload whenever you like.

Instructions

1. Click "Start," "Control Panel," "Appearance and Themes." Select "Display" to open Display Properties.

2. Click the "Settings" tab. Under "Screen resolution," click and drag the slider as far to the right as possible. Under "Color quality," choose "Highest (32 bit)." Click the "Advanced" button. Select the "General" tab. Under "DPI Setting," select "Custom setting" from the drop-down list. Click and drag the ruler to the left to decrease the percentage amount between 75 percent and 100 percent. Click "OK" twice.

3. Click the "Appearance" tab. Select "Windows Classic style" under "Windows and buttons." Select a color scheme from the drop-down menu. If you have trouble seeing the screen, select a high-contrast scheme. Otherwise, select a scheme with the colors that suit your preference. Click the "Advanced" button. Select items such as title bars, caption buttons, icons and menus from the drop-down list. Click the down arrows under "Size" to make the items and their fonts smaller to increase their resolution. Click "OK."

4. Click the "Desktop" tab. Under "Background," select a high-resolution wallpaper for your desktop. If you can't find a high resolution image in the list, click "Browse" to find one on your hard drive. Select the picture file and click "Open." Under "Position," click "Stretch." Click "Apply."

5. Click the "Themes" tab. Select "Save As." Give your custom high-resolution theme a name, then click "Save." You can quickly reload this theme at any time by re-opening Display Properties, then choosing your saved theme from the list.

Tips & Warnings

• If your graphics card and monitor are old or if you have only the basic models, you may have to upgrade them to get a true high-resolution theme in Windows XP.

• You can download high resolution desktop wallpapers for Windows XP on sites such as ThemeXP.org, XPWallpaper.org or Desktopia.com.

References

• Microsoft: To Change Your Desktop Background
• Microsoft: To Create Your own Desktop Theme