Make Windows XP Look and Feel like Windows 7

Make Windows XP Look and Feel like Windows 7

For all those who don’t want leave their good old XP there are plenty of 3rd party software to get the best feature of Windows 7 in XP.

Before you get started, create a system restore point, just in case some applications starts acting little funny. For this, go to Start>All Programs>Accessories>System Tools>System Restore to create one.

Adding the Superbar

The Superbar like Windows 7 minimizes the space taken by each application by displaying only icon in taskbar and grouping similar instances of an application as one. You can click on the icon to choose the instances you want to open (Just click on the thumbnail to open it).

  A small program named ViGlance doesn’t require an installation. Just run the software (And choose between a few options) and you’re done. Right click on the notification icon click options to select animations and other effects. You can pin items that might be open so that their link stays on the taskbar.  You can Download it on http://www.lee-soft.com/viglance

Splitting Windows and AeroPeek

With Windows 7 comes a new set of shortcuts to arrange your open windows. You can “snap” open windows to different edges of your screen, which is helpful if you quickly want to divide the screen into two separate halves. This is done with the Windows + Left or Right keys. Pressing Windows + space bar on the other hand, displays the desktop by making all applications transparent. There are several applications that allow you to get same functionality in Windows XP, but I would recommend Windows Split. With its range of options the application is a delight for any power user. Install the software and check the list of Shortcuts available. Also, it allows you to customize each (Layout Settings) so can enjoy as much as flexibility as you want to. Download this application at http://www.winsplit-revolution.com/download

Shaking off all inactive windows using AeroShake

AeroShake feature of Windows 7 is simple. Shake the active window and it hides all other windows. Shake it again and the windows are back to where they were. AeroShake software does the same for Windows XP. Download it from http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/gawker/2008/11/Aero_Shake_1.3.exe         

Skinning your Windows

·        Windows 7 Complete by DopeySneezy. A complete theme replacement, with a replacement utility to allow you to backup all the system files you need to change. But replacing is manual, so a little time consuming. Get it from http://dopeysneezy.deviantart.com/art/Windows-7-complete-109505907

·        Seven VG Theme by Vishal Gupta: A very popular theme by Vishal Gupta, who also run a blog with a lot of other tweaks for Windows users (http://www.askvg.com). Different parts of the themes are available as setups, which make it easier to install. http://www.deviantart.com/download/106952053/SevenVG_Refresh_with_Superbar_by_Vishal_Gupta.zip

·        CAD 2009 EDITION v1.5 by Flawless: for getting the Ctrl+Alt+Del screen in Windows 7 style, download this application at http://flawless02.deviantart.com/art/CAD-2009-EDITION-v1-5-for-XP-132794740