Member Avatar for A Monkeys Uncle

I've been searching the internet and I've found some themes to download, but if the install doesn't specify that it's for Windows 2000, I don't want to install it.

I've already created a Plus!/Theme directory under program files, and I've created a THEMEDIR (directory) under system variables. So, am I on the right track, and what do I do next?

Basically how can I be sure that a web desktop theme is safe for Windows 2000, and if there is no way to be sure just by looking does anyone here know of any that are safe?

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Catweazle

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Quick summary and context: , your THEMEDIR approach is a reasonable start — Windows 2000 still supports classic “.theme” desktop packages but it handles them differently than Windows 9x/XP. is right to be wary of installers, and ’s stability warning is sensible — the risk comes from theme packages that include executables or drop files into system folders.

What to treat as “safe”

  • Prefer plain theme packages that contain a .theme file plus images (.bmp/.jpg/.png), cursors (.cur/.ani), icons (.ico) and sounds (.wav).
  • Reject any package that contains installers or executable files (.exe, .msi, .scr, .dll, .sys) unless you explicitly trust the author and can inspect the installer first. Themes that include instructions to copy files to C:\ or C:\Windows are the main danger because they can overwrite system files. (documentation.help)

Safe installation workflow for Windows 2000

  • Don’t “run” a downloaded package immediately. Extract it to a temporary folder and inspect the contents.
  • Put plain .theme files and their resource folders in the OS theme location or a central folder and point THEMEDIR at it if you prefer centralized themes. Windows enumerates %WinDir%\Resources\Themes, and the old %ThemeDir% environment trick is a common fix for older Plus! themes. Launch the Themes dialog with Start -> Run -> themes (or run themes.exe). (learn.microsoft.com)

About XP “visual styles” (.msstyles) and patchers

  • The XP visual-style engine (.msstyles / uxtheme-based schemes) is a different mechanism; these files and unsigned-style patchers were built for XP and later. Trying to force XP-style .msstyles or running uxtheme patchers on Win2K invites stability and security problems. If a theme requires system DLL replacement or a patcher, treat it as untrusted. (en.wikipedia.org)

Practical checklist

  • Inspect archives before running; scan with updated AV.
  • Prefer plain .zip/.cab packages with only resource files.
  • Test unfamiliar themes in a VM or throwaway machine.
  • Keep a full backup image of your system before changing system files.

This builds on the points raised by and while clarifying where themes should live and what to watch for on Windows 2000.

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for JR85023

SO! You Wanna toy around With Themes. Buddy, check this site out and keep away from any Theme with a *.EXE...Installing any theme with an EXE extension is just asking for problems. Start Here -->HERE. However, the rest is up to you. If want to pay $ for an APP that deals with themes then go -->HERE

Member Avatar for Catweazle

Installing ANY themes software is asking for trouble. Why risk system instability for the sake of some pretty visuals?

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