How to Uninstall / Remove Custom 3rd Party Themes in Windows?

We here at AskVG post lots of cool themes for Windows and other software regularly. Windows themes can be found in our exclusive Themes and Wallpapers section.

Many times people don't like a downloaded theme and they want to completely uninstall and remove the theme from their systems. Although its not a difficult task but many times people don't have an idea about how to do this?
We receive so many comments in theme articles and receive many emails asking the same question, how to uninstall the theme?
Actually many themes come with automatic installer like our SevenVG, AeroVG themes and the installer copies the theme files automatically so users don't know where are the theme files getting installed.
So today in this simple and easy to follow tutorial, we are going to tell you how to completely uninstall and remove a custom 3rd party theme from Windows:
1. First you should apply default Windows theme using Desktop Properties. Just right-click on Desktop and select Properties (Windows XP) or Personalize (Windows Vista and later) option. It'll open a new window where you can apply default theme.
Now you'll get default look-n-feel in your Windows but if you also want to permanently remove the theme from your system, you'll also need to delete the theme files.
2. Open My Computer and go to following folder:

C:\Windows\Resources\Themes\

Note: Here C: is your system drive where Windows is installed in your computer system. If Windows is installed in any other drive in your system, replace C: with the correct drive letter.
Alternatively, you can also type following in RUN or Start Menu search box and press Enter:

%windir%\resources\themes\

It'll open the same folder directly.
3. Now look for a folder and .theme file having the name of the theme which you downloaded. For example, if you installed our AeroVG Se7en theme in Windows 7, you'll get a folder "AeroVG Se7en RTM" and a file "AeroVG Se7en RTM.theme" in Themes folder.
Select the folder and .theme file and delete them.

NOTE: If you face permission problem while deleting files, you'll need to take ownership of theme's file and folder using following tutorial:

• [Tip] Add "Take Ownership" Option in Files and Folders Context Menu in Windows
• [Guide] How to Take Ownership (Permission) of a File or Folder Manually in Windows?

You can also try to restart your system and you'll be able to delete theme's file and folder.
4. That's it. After deleting them, you'll get rid of the 3rd party theme completely and it'll not appear in Desktop Properties window.
We hope it'll help people in easily uninstalling custom themes in Windows...
Also Check:

How to Remove 3rd Party Transformation Packs (or Skin Packs) in Windows?

How to Install and Use Custom 3rd Party Themes in Windows?

DISCLAIMER: Patching system files using 3rd party software might be dangerous for your system. We do not recommend it and we'll not be responsible if it harms your system.

We here at AskVG love Windows customization and we post several custom 3rd party themes time to time for changing Windows look-n-feel. But Windows doesn't allow 3rd party themes by default and we need to patch Windows to be able to use those themes.

We have posted about several free utilities in past which allow you to patch Windows to use 3rd party themes but people get confused sometimes which utility should they use in which Windows version?

So today to clear all confusions and to make your life easier, we are combining all tools in this single topic.

You can use any of the following mentioned free utilities to patch your Windows and to use your favorite 3rd party theme:

1. UxStyle

"UxStyle" is a very small lightweight utility created by our friend "Rafael" to use 3rd party themes in Windows. According to the developer:

UxStyle is a light-weight system service named Unsigned Themes, complimentary to the Themes service, and a kernel driver, sizing in at ~500k and ~17kb respectfully (beta builds). The service handles the enabling/disabling of custom theme support and the kernel driver handles patching. For 64-bit platforms, the kernel driver is signed with a digital certificate, as required by Microsoft.

Simply download and install the tool and get ready to enjoy 3rd party themes. It works in almost all Windows versions including Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1. It also supports Windows Server 2003, 2008, 2008 R2, 2012 and 2012 R2.

It'll run as a service in background and will allow you to use 3rd party themes.

Download Link

2. VistaGlazz

"VistaGlazz" is another free and very easy to use UXtheme patcher for Windows XP, Vista and 7.

Download and run the program, accept the agreement and click on the first "Computer" icon to patch your system.

You can download it using following link:

Download Link

3. Universal Theme Patcher

"Universal Theme Patcher" is yet another excellent UxTheme Patcher which supports Windows XP, Server 2003, Vista, Server 2008 and Windows 7. It can be used in both 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) systems.

You can download it using following link:

Download Link

Following are simple steps to use this tool:

1. You just need to run its EXE file and it'll ask you to select the language.

2. Click on OK button and it'll detect the OS and condition of the system files. It'll show you the information and will ask you for confirmation.

3. Click on Yes button. Now you'll see the main interface of this tool. You just need to click on the "Patch" button given for each file:

4. Once you patch a file, the "Restore" button gets activated so that you can restore the default file in future.

5. Restart your system and you'll be able to use 3rd party themes in Windows without any problem.

Applying Custom 3rd Party Theme

Once you have patched Windows, copy your desired theme folder (containing a .theme file and a folder containing .msstyles file) to "%windir%\Resources\Themes\" folder (where %windir% means "Windows" directory present in system drive where Windows is installed. Most probably C: drive).

Now double-click on .theme file and it'll apply the theme or you can apply it using Desktop Properties.

You can find various themes in our following section:

Themes and Wallpapers

UXTheme Multi-Patcher 14.2

Since Windows XP was released, there are countless 3rd-party visual styles released by many skinners in order to improve user’s experiences and eye candy. To use non-certified visual style is disallowed by Microsoft’s certificate protection so you need to bypass certification verification in uxtheme.dll. Thanks to Rafael from withinwindows.com which has its own site uxstyle.com now to make this happened since the time Windows XP was released.
Now UXTheme Multi-Patcher officially use Rafael’s specialized memory-patching that works on almost every Windows since XP till latest Windows 8.1

Features

This program will patch your theme engine files so you can use any 3rd party visual style on the following operating systems:
Windows XP x86 Editions
Windows XP x64 Editions
Windows Server 2003 x86 and x64 Editions
Windows Vista x86 and x64 Editions
Windows Server 2008 x86 and x64 Editions
Windows 7 x86 and x64 Editions
Windows Server 2008 R2 x86 and x64 Editions
Windows 8 x86 and x64 Editions
Windows Server 2012 x86 and x64 Editions
Windows 8.1 x86 and x64 Editions
Windows Server 2012 R2 x86 and x64 Editions
Windows 10 Technical Preview x86 and x64 Editions
For Windows 8/8.1/10, UXTheme Multi-Patcher comes with WinaeroGlass from winaero.com installed enabling Glass theme support.
If you have any issue related to UxStyle, please file an issue to UxStyle’s GitHub.

Changelog

Version 14.2
-Updated UxStyle for Windows 10 to version 0.2.4.2 fixing Windows 10 build 9926 compatibility with x64
Version 14.1
-Added clearing services before installing UxStyle that should solve common issues
Version 14.0
-Updated UxStyle for Windows 10 to version 0.2.4.1 release 2 that works on Windows 10 build 9926
Version 13.1
-Fixed patch execution bug in Windows 10
Version 13.0
-Added Windows 10 Technical Preview support for both x86/x64
-Fixed version detection bug that won’t detect beyond Windows 8
Version 12.0
-Added startup launcher to handle glass configuration
-Added verifying that theme engine works properly on startup
-Changed applying permissions program to cacls instead of icacls
-Fixed theme changing to Classic occasionally on some systems
-Improved service configuration for better compatibility with Windows 7/8/8.1
Version 11.0
-Added option to not use Aero glass transparency hack in Windows 8/8.1
-Fixed missing system files bug in Windows XP
-Fixed potential black screen bugs with UxStyle engine properly
-Fixed theme engine detection bug in Windows XP
Version 10.0
-Added Glass transparency support for Windows 8/8.1 with WinaeroGlass
-Fixed potentials black screen bug caused by strange permission problems
Version 9.1
-Added more information in detected operating system
-Updated UI with current UX style using in UX Packs
Version 9.0
-Added Windows 8/8.1 support for both x86/x64
-Patch engine now fully integrated with UxStyle

Awards

Softpedia – This program will patch your theme engine files so you can use any 3rd party visual style

CHIP – “UxTheme Multi-Patcher” is essential if you want to use new Windows Themes.

DownloadTyphoon – UXTheme Multi-Patcher will allow you to use any 3rd party msstyle theme

SoftPlanet – UXTheme Multi-Patcher is a free app, which allows you to use 3rd party themes on your Windows OS.

programosy – UXTheme Multi-Patcher is a smart tool that helps you get around the restrictions imposed on the system by the giant from Redmond and install new themes.

filecluster – Uxtheme Multi-patcher – Change your uxtheme.dll on Windows XP

Download

Download UXTheme Multi-Patcher 14.2

Windows 10 Skin Pack

Transform Windows 8/8.1/7 to Windows 10

Windows XP users can download this SkinPack from here

Support:

Windows 8/8.1/7/SP1 [X86_X64] – [All Language] – [All Version]

Programs:

StartMenu by ReviverSoft – www.reviversoft.com
MetroSidebar 1.0 by Amine Dries – www.metrosidebar.com
ImmersiveExplorer 1.0.8 by julien malici – www.immersive-explorer.com

Changelog:

Version 6.0
Added new Themes from Last Win10 BUILD
Added new icons from Last Win10 BUILD
Added new login

Version 5.0
Added new icons from BUILD 10036
Added new live folder
Added new login
Update sidebar
Update explorer

Version 4.0
Added new color themes
Added new icons

Version 3.0
Added new theme
Added new wallpaper

Version 2.0
-Added new icons

Version 1.0
-Initial release

System requirements:
Installed Microsoft.NET Framework 4.5
Processor: 1 GHz or higher
Memory: 512 Mb of RAM or higher

Note: Please unistall old or other version of skin packs before install new one. if your theme not changed or its like classic windows you need to install uxtheme patcher from here and after restart select new theme from personalization.
Use it at your own risk!
You’re advised to Create a System Restore Point before installing skinpack.If you have problem with install or uninstall skinpack, please check our help page.

Windows 7 Skin Pack | New! – Support Win8/8.1

Windows 8.1 Skin Pack | New! – Support Win7

Windows 10 Skin Pack | New! – Support Win7/8/8.1

Windows Longhorn Skin Pack | New! – Support Win7/8/8.1

Windows Phone 10 Skin Pack | New! – Support Win7/8/8.1

Windows Vista Skin Pack | New! – Support Win7/8/8.1

Windows XP Skin Pack | New! – Support Win7/8/8.1

       Windows 8.1 Skin Pack

 

Transform Windows 7 to Windows 8/8.1

Windows XP users can download this SkinPack from here

Support:

Windows 7/SP1 [X86_X64] – [All Language] – [All Version]

Programs:
Newgen 12.3 by nsapps.net
Changelog:
Version 2.0
Added both of Win8 and Win7 installer in one installer
Added last version of uxstyle
Added theme resource changer
Change logon screen with registry
Change icons and theme without restart system
Enable aero in windows basic
Updated icons and styles
Fixed bugs and problems
Remove riscky files
Added both of X86 and X64 installer in one installer
Version 1.0
-Initial release
Note: Please unistall old or other version of skin packs before install new one. if your theme not changed or its like classic windows you need to install uxtheme patcher from here and after restart select new theme from personalization.
Use it at your own risk!
You’re advised to Create a System Restore Point before installing skinpack.If you have problem with install or uninstall skinpack, please check our help page.
Windows 7 Skin Pack | New! – Support Win8/8.1
Windows 8.1 Skin Pack | New! – Support Win7
Windows 10 Skin Pack | New! – Support Win7/8/8.1
Windows Longhorn Skin Pack | New! – Support Win7/8/8.1
Windows Phone 10 Skin Pack | New! – Support Win7/8/8.1
Windows Vista Skin Pack | New! – Support Win7/8/8.1
Windows XP Skin Pack | New! – Support Win7/8/8.1

Transform Windows XP into Windows 8.1 without using Customization Pack

One of the most popular and special features of this blog is our exclusive "Windows Transformation Tutorial Series". Whenever a new Windows version is released, we post tutorials to make previous Windows versions look like the new Windows version. These tutorials help you in transforming older versions of Windows into newer versions of Windows.

Some of out exclusive transformation tutorials can be read at following links:

• Transform Windows XP into Windows Vista without using Customization Pack
• Transform Windows XP into Windows 7 without using Customization Pack
• Transform Windows Vista into Windows 7 without using Customization Pack
• Transform Windows 7 into Windows 8 RTM without using Customization Pack
• Transform Windows XP into Windows 8 RTM without using Customization Pack

The best thing about these tutorials is the complete control over Windows customization. We do everything manually without using any 3rd party customization pack so we know what we are going to do with our system. We change only those things which we want to change.
3rd party transformation packs cause problems for many people, that's why its always advisable to manually transform Windows.
Now Windows 8.1 free Public Preview is available for download which comes with many UI changes. So today in this tutorial, we are going to tell you how to transform Windows XP into Windows 8.1 without using any 3rd party customization pack.
If you are using Windows XP and want to make your Windows XP look-like Windows 8.1, this tutorial will definitely help you.
Following is a preview of the output which you are going to get after following this tutorial:

This tutorial will change or install following items in Windows XP:

• Windows 8.1 theme for Windows XP
• Windows 8.1 style blue borders in program windows
• Ribbon UI in Windows Explorer
• Windows 8.1 look-like Charms Bar
• Windows 8.1 cursors
• Windows 8.1 style Taskbar
• Windows 8.1 boot screen
• Windows 8.1 login screen
• Windows 8.1 style dialog boxes
• Windows 8.1 look-like System Properties and Personalization window
• Windows 8.1 version info

So without wasting time lets start the tutorial:
STEP 1: First of all download Windows 8.1 transformation kit created by our friend "PeterRollar" @ DA. All required files are stored in a RAR file given at following link:
Download Windows 8.1 Transformation Kit for Windows XP
The download link is given in right-sidebar of the above mentioned link. After downloading RAR file, extract it using 7-Zip or WinRAR and you'll find a folder containing all the required stuff.
STEP 2: Now visit following article to learn how to use the stuff given in Windows 8.1 transformation kit:
How to Use Instructions
STEP 3: The downloaded kit doesn't contain Windows 8.1 Boot Screen and Login Screen but you can download them separately using following links:
Download Windows 8.1 Boot Screen for Windows XP
Download Windows 8.1 Login Screen for Windows XP

That's it. After following the above mentioned steps you should get Windows 8.1 look-like interface in Windows XP. Feel free to share your feedback in your comment...

USA???s Best Trips: 99 Themed Itineraries Across America - Kansas City Cultural Travel

USA???s Best Trips: 99 Themed Itineraries Across America - Kansas City Cultural Travel

Whether traveling in my own backyard, or across the country; to Europe or south of the Equator; chasing warm weather or enjoying Old Man Winter, I welcome every travel opportunity that comes my way.
For those thinking about exploring right here in America this year, there is a great new resource available: USA's Best Trips: 99 Themed Itineraries Across America. This beautiful travel book is produced by Lonely Planet, who for the past 30 years has created and published some of the most respected travel guides for those desiring to explore the globe.
What makes Lonely Planet books so good is in part their company philosophy ' toprovide travelers with the best, up-to-date information using a first-hand approach whereby their 'experienced, insightful travel experts'personally research the places they write about - both in the first and in subsequent editions - and provide essential travel details along with a wealth of insider information and first-hand tips.'
Moreover, their books are printed sans advertising, and the authors are prohibited from accepting free lodging or meals in exchange for favorable write-ups. As a result, what you get are honest, objective and insightful recommendations to help you plan and enjoy unique travel experiences.
In USA's Best Trips, the 99 themed itineraries cover some of the country's best cross-country road trips including the 'Wet and Wild West Coast,' 'Massachusetts to Miami,' 'The Lincoln Highway,' 'The Great River Road' and 'Route 66,' just to name a few. Regional trips encompass The South, New England, the Rocky Mountains, Florida and The Great Lakes, again, just to name a few.
The Trip Builder section provides a wealth of themed adventures, each more intriguing than the last. '60 Lighthouses in 60 hours' runs through Maine. 'Life in Death Valley' is an fascinating contrast in California. 'The Crooked Road: Heritage Music Trail' traverses the state of Virginia. 'Best of Hill Country BBQ' and 'San Antonio Mariachis & Machacado' are two great options on Texas.
Traversing by region or routes is just the beginning of the information provided in the book. Looking for the best in food and drink? Then try the 'Whistle-Stop Brewery Tour' or 'Maryland Crab Quest.' If you like offbeat travel there's 'Weird Vermont,' 'Freaky Florida and 'The Simpsons to The Shining.'
The '48 Hours' offerings include New Orleans, Seattle and Greater Denver. And history and culture buffs will appreciate 'An Amish Country Ramble,' 'East Coast Ivory Towers' and 'Historic Battles of the Civil War.' Destinations are also offered by the season of the year.
The itineraries combined with environmentally friendly options, driving times, regional radio playlists, directions, family-friendly and pet-friendly listings, easy'to-use maps and extensive insider knowledgemake USA's Best Trips a 'must-have' travel reference.
Lonely Planet
800.275,8555, 510.250.6400,