Features
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Popularity:
#1 in Skins (out of 44 products)
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License:
Free
- Editor's Rating:
- Average User Rating:
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Downloads:
1,204,284
- Requirements:
Windows XP/2003 Server, 64MB VRAM graphics card with DirectX 8, 512MB RAM for third-party applications
- Limitations:
No limitations
- Date Added:
December 11, 2007
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Previous Versions:
Publisher's description of Vista Transformation Pack
The Vista Transformation Pack is for Windows users who want to replicate the look and feel of Windows Vista on their Windows XP or Windows 2003 systems. After using this desktop enhancement to modify your Windows interface to look like Windows Vista Ultimate, no one will notice you're using the same old Windows XP (or 2003) operating system.
Version 8.0.1 includes the ability to save transforming information for later uses and unattended transformation and to detect the targeted machine and give suggested setup configuration; some transformation procedures refinements you should look at like preconfigure on first run; removed obsolete dialogs and MSN skin; and other improvements.
Editor's review of Vista Transformation Pack
3.0 stars
If you can't wait to swap your boring old hourglass for a new shiny, spinning blue circle (among countless other icon and front-end changes to your system), but don't want to bother with actually upgrading from Windows XP to the Vista operating system, here's your download. The Vista Transformation Pack won't get you the Aero-style interface unless you have the complementary skinning software WindowBlinds, but it will give you just about every other part of the Vista look that's applicable to the XP system.
The installation went fairly smoothly, although it seems that you will need to have at least a 64MB video card that supports DirectX 8 to run the Vista Transformation Pack, even if you don't want the Aero-style interface. Although the program creates a backup before installing. However, we found that we need to restore all of our Windows display settings (fonts, color schemes) after uninstallation.
Making changes to your original setup choices is a bit difficult. It seems that every little tweak requires restarting Windows. We also ran into a problem with Windows repeatedly restarting. We had to apply a manual force quit, which prompted a Windows diagnostic boot-up screen the next time we restarted.
Vista Transformation Pack has loads of little details that can make your XP computer look as if it's running Vista, without the hassle (or cost) of upgrading. The spinning blue circle totally kicks the XP hourglass' butt. However, a lack of official documentation and some instability issues both help push the program down to the high end of the three-star titles. A few improvements could easily bump it up to four stars.
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User reviews
- Average user rating: 3.1 stars out of 308 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 90 user reviewsSee all 90 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful
Version: Vista Transformation Pack 8.0.1
Pros: Enjoyed the vivid, visual GUI. Also, liked the slick and sharp icons.
Cons: Sadly, this software is resource leeching and infested with spyware. Prove me wrong if you may. The program was skeptical at first, because it was from a Mr. X... of course X always sounds untrustworthy. At least have a valid name like... Javacool... or AVG. Pskill application was installed in the system 32 folder, which was a spyware. Unfortunately, my software (AVG and Superantispyware) did not detect it. In addition, from Google research, the Thoosje sidebar is a malware infested taskbar with a dialer attached. I also personally find it... leaching off my RAM and found unnecessary start-ups programs. Stay away. Use at your own Risk. PS. McAfee detected as Red site in SiteAdvisor.
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2 out of 3 people found this review helpful
Version: Vista Transformation Pack 8.0.1
"Worst Decision,damaged my system"
Pros: yes,it changes icons,sounds themes,etc
Cons: this pack will only make your system down
because it modifies/changes your system files
even uninstalling it
there are some left overs
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3 out of 5 people found this review helpful
Version: Vista Transformation Pack 8.0.1
"Fully featured, but still needs work"
Pros: It's very accurate, replicating the look of vista. It works even on lower-end machines (i'm running a 1.4 ghz AMD 1600 XP and it's fine). It's free.
Cons: It's still a bit buggy. (no system errors or malicious programs, though.) Not all of Vista's Aero features are implemented. Wouldn't recomend unless you have a healthy graphics card. (which i don't, but it works nonetheless.) Anti-Virus software may "falsely" detect files in package (pskill.exe.) Don't install Thoosje Sidebar though, since it DOES have spyware.
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0 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Version: Vista Transformation Pack 8.0.1
Pros: I love this, my friend came over and said WOW you have Vista Ultimate but deep down inside its really XP or what ever you have. Includes Vista tools that you would get with the real thing!!!!
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0 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: Vista Transformation Pack 8.0.1
"Does an awesome job of transforming XP to immulate Vista."
Pros: Overall a good tool for changing the look and feel of XP.
Cons: Needs further development and a trustworthy sidebar. I do not recommend the Thoosje sidebar included!
- See all 90 user reviews Write review
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