Today, I'm going to show you how to make Windows XP look like Windows Vista!

I don't recommend this for people with limited computer knowledge. It can be pretty confusing.

This is my first instructible, but I'll try to be as thorough as possible.

DISCLAMER:
I did not make ANY of this software, nor have I claimed to. I am not responisble for any damage done to your computer because of Virus, Spyware, or any other reason. This guide is for instructional purposes only.

NOTE:
I will remove this Instructable (or add credit) if the ceators of these programs request.

Vista XP.zip
Download

Step 1: Programs

This guide will show you how to install the following programs:

ViStart
ViOrb
WinFlip
Windows RTM Sidebar + Vaio XP
Vista Aero Cursors
Windows Vista Login
Vista Fonts
TransBar

Step 2: Downloading

I'm providing a ZIP file to install all the required programs. You will need WinRAR or WinZip to extract this file.

Download Vista XP.zip, and extract it somewhere you will remember.
Extract the files, and move on to step 3.

Step 3: Installing Cursors

Once the files have finished extracting, open up the folder, and enter "Cursors"

Copy Aero Cursors, and paste them in C:\WINDOWS (this is to make sure you don't accidently delete them.

Click on Start > Control Pannel > Printers and Other Hardware > Mouse

Select the "Pointers" tab.

Change the cursors to the following files

Normal Select -------------- C:\WINDOWS\Aero Cursors\aero_arrow.cur
Help Select ------------------ C:\WINDOWS\Aero Cursors\aero_helpsel.cur
Working In Background -- C:\WINDOWS\Aero Cursors\aero_working.ani
Busy --------------------------- C:\WINDOWS\Aero Cursors\aero_busy.ani
Precision Select ----------- C:\WINDOWS\Aero Cursors\aero_prec.cur
Text Select ------------------ C:\WINDOWS\Aero Cursors\aero_select.cur
Handwriting ---------------- C:\WINDOWS\Aero Cursors\aero_pen.cur
Unavailable ---------------- C:\WINDOWS\Aero Cursors\aero_unavail.cur
Vertical Resize ------------ C:\WINDOWS\Aero Cursors\aero_ns.cur
Horizontal Resize --------- C:\WINDOWS\Aero Cursors\aero_ew.cur
Diagonal Resize 1 -------- C:\WINDOWS\Aero Cursors\aero_nwse.cur
Diagonal Resize 2 -------- C:\WINDOWS\Aero Cursors\aero_nesw.cur
Move --------------------------- C:\WINDOWS\Aero Cursors\aero_move.cur
Alternate Select ------------- C:\WINDOWS\Aero Cursors\aero_alt.cur
Link Select ------------------- C:\WINDOWS\Aero Cursors\aero_link.cur

Step 4: Installing Fonts

Go in to Fonts, copy all the files, and navigate to C:\WINDOWS\FONTS
Paste them in this folder, and they should automatically install.

Step 5: Installing ViStart and ViOrb

ViStart is an awesome program from www.lee-soft.com that looks eerily similar to the real vista start menu.

Go in to the "Vista Start" folder, and double click ViStart OneStep. It should open up the program automatically, however if something comes up asking if you wish to install it for you, or Everyone, I recommend selecting Everyone. It will install to C:\Program Files\ViStart if you select everyone, which is very useful if you ever delete the shortcut.

ViOrb is a "sister" program of ViStart, that replaces the 'Start' button, with the Vista Orb. Use the same process to install ViOrb, except go in to the "Vista Orb" folder.

Step 6: Installing WinFlip

I believe I obtained this program off of www.crystalxp.net. It simulates the "Flip 3D" effect off Vista fairly well.

Go in to the WinFlip folder, and double click WinFlip.exe. This should open up the installer. (If it doesn't, try copying the WinFlip folder to C:\Program Files, that should install the program manually.)

Step 7: Installing the Vista "Theme"

I found this on www.deviantart.com. It looks somewhat similar to Vista, but of course its not perfect.

Go in to the Theme folder, in to YAFVC3 VS, and then select YAFVC3-32-UnMod.msstyles. (If this doesn't work right, try the other one.) This should open up the Display Properties. I recommend selecting "Noir" under Color Scheme. It looks the best in my opinion.

You'll probably want to save this folder somewhere you wont accidently delete it, like in C:\WINDOWS or C:\Program Files.

Step 8: Installing the Sidebar

Here's where it gets hard...when I was installing these next few programs, I got very confused.

This is a REAL copy of the Windows RTM Sidebar, so you can even install new gadgets. I didn't make this, I found it off www.google.com, and if MicroSoft asks me to remove the link, I wont hesitate.

This is meant for installation with VAIO XP, so first go into Sidebar > VAIO XP and double click the installer. (Restart your computer after installation if it asks you to.)

Go in to the Sidebar folder, and double click the installer. Follow its instructions until its done installing. Make sure to click Create Desktop item and Launch. (however I'm going to include a shortcut pack for those who are a bit confused.)

NOTE: If your gadgets are showing up as white boxes, you need to install Internet Explorer 7, apply it as your default browser, and restart the sidebar. You can then switch your default browser back to whatever you wish. It doesn't matter if you restart your computer, the sidebar should remain the same.

I had A LOT of trouble installing this. Post a comment if you need any help.

Step 9: Installing the Login

I found this login on www.deviantart.com, it was created by RaulWindows

NOTE: It's not 100% perfect. When you select switch users, the power off button doesn't show up. (or at least it doesn't for me)

Go into the Windows Vista Login folder, and follow the install.txt in that folder. It'll explain everything.

WARNING: Don't do this unless you're sure you want to. You can reverse it, but it may be difficult.

Step 10: Installing TransBar

Just double click the TransBar installer and follow its instructions.

Step 11: Finished!

Congradulations! Your computer should now look almost as if you have Windows Vista! I actually had a friend of mine that really has Vista come over, and ask if I had upgraded. Its very convincing :]

I recomend making a folder for all your shortcuts. I'll add a program that should autorun Vista XP if you ever close out of anything.

I've included screen savers and wallpapers, but I'm just going to assume you know how to install those. You can always post if you have questions.

In my next instructable, I'll teach you how to turn off those annoying programs that open whenever you restart your computer!