Introduction: Build a Better Vista for Free.

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How to build a better Vista for free.

Many people reported serious problems by updating there existing Windows XP (TM) machines to Vista (TM).

Even on brand new machines. See for example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVbf9tOGwno

So many people planed to switch to Mac OS/X but still need WinXP up and running on there existing machine. See http://www.apple.com/switch

One solution is to have in the mean time the same Look & Feel for your XP.

Check the two screen shots. Before and after.

Links:

Step 1: Just Do It.

FlyakiteOSX

Everything you need is described in detail here: http://osx.portraitofakite.com/

Download the Package. There is only one installation file you need.

The installation is very easy.

- You can choose what to to. Optional create a restore point.
- What features you what to need.

During the installation, It will change different files from your XP system.

Here, I select all options, so this will change my XP in a Mac OS/X Look&Feel as much as possible. - Also the login screen will be changed.
NOTE: It will need less then 300MB!

Step 2: Reboot.

After reboot, you will not know your Windows system anymore.

But note: It's still Windows ;-)

You will also notice that the Look&Feel will change during the installation. The start menu bar will go to the top of the screen and also some action sounds will be changed to the Mac sounds.

Attachments

Step 3: Problems With the Dashboard?

The only problem I had till now is, that after booting, the so called Dashboard on the bottom was not able to load and so not there.

Go to
C:\Program Files\Tiger System Preferences v2\Skins\gif
find the file "skin.ini".

Open it. The Dashboard section should look like: (There was no path given to Path=, so enter the correct path and filename to "RKLauncher.exe" witch is the Dashboard.)

...[DashBoard]NormalImage=dashboard.gifDownImage=dashboard_d.gifPath=C:\Program Files\RK Launcher\RKLauncher.exeLabel=Dashboard && Expose...