Linux Gnome Clearlooks - XP Theme How To

As much as I enjoy using both Windows XP and Linux desktops, I have always preferred Clearlooks, the default Gnome theme on Linux.

After a quick Google, I found an outdated article (Linux-looking Themes on Windows XP).

So here is my quick updated guide, using the latest tools and I managed to find an even better Clearlooks port.

Clearlooks XP Theme.

1. Theme Patching

The first thing that needs to be done is patch the themes service to allow unsigned themes.

I used Uxtheme Multi-patcher 5.5. Simply download and install. You may need to reboot and you do want to enable the theme service if prompted by the installer.

2. Installing the Theme

After hours of searching I found Clearlooks Gummy - Colors by WinGNOME-XP. This theme provides many colour alternatives AND taskbar options (more later).

Go to the link above and download the theme and extract the contents into the following folder: C:\WINDOWS\Resources\Themes

3. Configuring the Theme

You simply need to go to the "Display Properties" dialog, I do this by right clicking anywhere on my desktop and selecting (usually) the last option "Properties".

Once in this dialog go to the "Appearance" tab and click on the drop down under "Windows and buttons" and select one of the Clearlooks themes (various names like SkyCG and AncientCG).

Below this is the "Color scheme" drop down. From here you can select different variants which change the appearance of the taskbar.

4. Bonus - Icons

The author of the theme recommends using the Tango Icons, using Tango Patcher by vertigosity.

I have not tried these icons yet, if you do, let me know how you get on.

Cheers, Nick