Editor's Review - Windows Vista Transformation Pack
5 out of 5 Excellent
Features
Stability
Usability
Interface
Do you like how Windows Vista looks like, but you have Windows XP? Now you have the opportunity to transform your Windows XP or Windows 2003 Server's interface into a Windows Vista interface. Vista Transformation Pack allows you to change and customize your Start menu, Desktop, and Taskbar.
A lot of skins are available for you to choose from. There also is a docking Sidebar which contains a Memo text feature, clock, organizer, picture slide show. The installation process backs up your original system files, so that they can be completely restored in case you want to go back to the classical Windows GUI.
One of the nice features of this desktop enhancement utility is the battery meter that is displayed on the right side by default. Every gadget that is displayed by default on the sidebar, can be dragged wherever you like on the screen.
Pluses: Windows Vista Transformation Pack is a free product. It adds a customizable new look to your Windows desktop, with little or no intervention from your side.
Drawbacks / flaws: Once installed, it might reduce the speed of your machine and might create system instability. For example, on my computer, sometimes the default user icon that normally shows up in the Start menu, is displayed somewhere in the middle of the screen and remains there until I reboot.
In conclusion: Windows Vista Transformation Pack is an interesting application, with lots of new features just waiting to be put through the test. If you are bored with your Windows XP interface, this software is a definite must-try.
version reviewed: 8.01
Windows Vista Transformation Pack Publisher's Description
-Added "Automatic Transformation" and "I don't want to perform system files transforming" transforming mode options (Safemode required). -Added Norton Antivirus 2005 compatibility support -Added Uninstallation Mode like Transformation Mode for better way to handle each case. -Added Windows XP Service Pack 2 with Pre-SP3 uxtheme.dll hotfix patching support. -Fixed "Manual Transformation" to run in safe mode only. -Fixed invalid boot screen resources. -Fixed SideBar to have no transparency by default. -Removed obsolete 64-bit patched uxtheme.dll file. -Updated Aero Style 2.0 visual style. -Fixed incorrent font name. -Fixed wrong shellstyle folder name for Aero Style (Glass - Thin TaskBar). -Updated Aero Style (Glass). -5059 elements from WinHEC 2005 as listed below. -CaptionButton. -StartButton. -StartPanel. -TaskBarBackground. -TaskBarButton. -Updated FrameMaximized to read CaptionText easier
Changes in Version 8.0:
-Added CPU Speed information in Welcome Center -Added saving setup information file to save setup configuration for later uses with unattended transformation support -Added installation background -Added "System optimized" in Setup Configuration to configure the user account corresponding to machine's spec -Added TrueTransparency 0.8.5 (Glass border with ported AeroStyle skin) -Added WinFlip 0.42 (Vista 3DFlip) -Fixed KB925902 hotfix issues with file processing animation -Fixed Media Center program execution error -Fixed rebuilding icon cache bug on non-current users during the processes -Fixed Styler's installation checking bug (always set toolbar to styler mode when possible) -Fixed failing to apply Vista screensaver -Fixed program name in Add/Remove Programs -Fixed subscribing Windows X's shrine to be default homepage bug in Welcome Center -Fixed visualtooltip's advanced configuration bug -Fixed WindowBlinds 6 skin installation compatibility -Moved hotfix warning to user guide file to prevent confusion -Re-arranged welcome dialog for richer information -Replaced Extras in Welcome Center with Community link to forum -Removed configuring user account's status report -Removed obsolete dialogs (WindowBlinds warning, Before transformation, Donation, FAQ and Q&A) -Removed Vista Live Messenger 8.1 skin -Updated Setup Configuration in Welcome Center to cover on everything -Updated setup transformation to pre-configure current user account before finishing the transformation -Updated theming engine configuration -Updated Vista Sidebar to version 2.3 Lite -Updated Vista Sidebar user account configuration in Welcome Center -Updated ViStart to build 2661 -Updated ViOrb to version 2.0 -Updated VisualTooltip to version 2.2 -Updated Welcome Center to pre-configure user account with system optimized option on the first run in that user account
Changes in Version 8.0.1: -Fixed pre-configuration specifications to improve performance (Removed unstable applications from list) -Fixed TrueTransparency's stability (some settings in skin causing input hook problems) -Fixed Visualtooltip configuration when user accidently deletes the configuration files in there -Removed backup files' status and put CPU model instead (obsolete checking) -Updated system files' status report to "Out of sync" and repairing system files information -Updated user account configuration system for more subtle performance
System Requirements Windows XP (SP1/SP2) or Windows 2003
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