The most perfect XP to VISTA visual customization

You should have seen different transformation packs or window blinds skins from different designers. But you cannot expect the most perfect way with just one transformation pack or a Windowblinds skin or a Visual style. There is a way we can customize without exaggerating or down playing the real vista look. Keep in mind that this as an amateur guide only. If errors come up you can disable any particular customization element.

Yes as this is a full level customization, full versions of commercial applications are also required.


Vista Transformation Pack 6 Final Download


WindowBlinds 5.5 Download (Demo only)


Window FX 3.0 Download (Demo only)


Top Desk (Trial only)


Firstly ensure that you have removed any transformation packs prior to the installation of Vista Transformation Pack 6.

Install the transformation pack, carefully read the instructions and then it'll ask you to select different features to be installed with the pack. Make sure you select them all. After the installation the system will restart and voila'! you can see the transformation pack in all its glory!. But still, but still if you compare your customization with real vista you can see it doesn't fully look like.

Now, do you know what's not customized last but not least?
The transparency effects of window's edges.
The start bar has no glass effect.
The windows has no transition effects when you minimize or maximize.

From here the point of this guide start..

THE MOST CLOSE LOOKING VISTA GUI SKIN
For that, install WindowBlinds 5.5 on the first hand and install this WB vista skin. Then you can see the most similar vista skin running on your desktop.

SHADOWS, TRANSPARENCY EFFECTS, WINDOW TRANSITIONS
Then install WindowFX so that you can add transition effects, dynamic taskbar transparency as you like though it'll be a bit heavy for your system. Do not enable shadows as it may cause some error with the 'styler' app included with the pack, for shadows you can enable it in the Styler's configuration itself which gives you a more vista like transparency.

EXPLORER TOOLBAR
The styler which is included in the pack has a vista based theme for your explorer toolbars. If you want an alternative vista theme go here.

ICONS
Usually these transformation packs fail to modify the icons 100%... so you can use Iconpackager (Demo only) as an option to tweak those still XP looking icons. Go to www.vistaicons.com to get even cooler looking icons than even stock vista icons! download them for free.

Well, thats all for now.. This guide will update without notice.

OTHER VISTA CUSTOMIZATION RESOURCES

VistaMizer
Transbar
VisualTooltip
Yod'm 3D
Vista Cursors
Vista Startmenu Emulator
Vista Screensavers
Vista Wallpapers
Vista Full Original Icon Pack

So keep a watch for this guide for the latest updates to turn your XP and fool your neighbors!!