How to apply different themes in XP SP3?

[Quattro Pete]

Apparently, if you have XP SP2, all you need to do is install this Universal UXTheme Patcher before you can change themes (use 3rd party ones):
http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/OS-Enhancements/Universal-UXTheme-Patcher.shtml

But it does not work with SP3. So, I found this one for SP3:
http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/OS-Enhancements/UxTheme-Patch-for-Windows-XP-SP3.shtml

But this latter one is just a single .dll file, not an installer, so what do I do with it? Do I still need to install the old Patcher, and then just copy over the .dll from the new (SP3) Patcher? Anyone knows?

If there is a simpler way to enable 3rd party themes in XP SP3, I'm all ears...

Thanks.

 

[97tbird]

I'd be interested in this as well.
QP: once we finds a way, what is the safest/best place to get 3rd party themes, etc?

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

WindowBlinds.net has a slew of them for free.

 

[97tbird]

BUMP

 

[Amkeer]

I do not know about SP3 and XP Themes since I have SP2 with XP Themes, but I will attempt to tell you what I know.

You need a patch as has been mentioned. Once you get the the patch you can download the themes and apply the settings under DISPLAY PROPERTIES.

I use customize.org for themes. http://customize.org/xpthemes

I use the http://customize.org/xpthemes/47990 theme on my system since it is a sleek setup. I also use Rocketdock for the icons, which leaves me with just that console, and a picture or wallpaper on the screen.

Hopefully this info helps.

Eric