Post Last Updated on 08 – June – 2007

After I started using Ubuntu last month, I was really impressed with the clean and attractive interface of Ubuntu. So I decided to make my Windows XP look like Ubuntu Linux.

Why would anyone want to do that ?

  • Firstly to have a consistent look across the two operating systems, if you are using a dual boot system with Ubuntu and Windows XP.
  • Secondly, to have the clean super sexy look of Ubuntu on Windows XP.

Before & After Screenshots

Before you begin the transformation, I thought you would like to have a look at how your final desktop will look after the transformation.

Before

winxp_desktop winxp_mycomputerwinxp_firefox

 

 

 

After

Final Transformation Look 1 Final Transformation Look Screenshot 2Final Transformation Look Screenshot 3

 

 

 

Make Windows XP look like Ubuntu Linux

1. The Visual Style

ubuntu_stage1The first part of the customization is to change the visual style. You will need to download and install the Uxtheme Multipatcher before you can use the theme. Then download the Human Visual Style. It is the best port of the Ubuntu default orange look, I have seen.

Extract the archive to C:\Windows\Resources\Themes, assuming you have installed Windows XP in C drive. Now right click on your Desktop and click on Properties. Go to Appearance and select Human as the theme.

2. The Icons

ubuntu_stage2The second part, change the icons to orange tango theme found in Ubuntu. For that download the Super Turbo Tango Patcher. Double click on the downloaded file to start the installation. Select the Icon Set as Tangerine while installing. The Tangerine set has the icons which are included with the latest version of Ubuntu Linux. After installation restart your computer to see the new icons.

3. The Wallpaper

Next part is to change the wallpaper on your desktop. Go to C:\WINDOWS\Resources\Themes\Human\Wallpapers. You will find matching wallpapers there. Set the one you like as the wallpaper. The default Ubuntu matching wallpaper is the Intelmac Orange one.

3. The Mouse Pointers

Next come, the mouse pointers. Luckily you already have them on your computer. Go to C:\WINDOWS\Resources\Themes\Human\Cursors to find the mouse pointers used in Ubuntu. The problem is you need to change the pointers manually. You can do that in the Control Panel.

You will find an “install.inf” in the mentioned folder. Instead of assigning the pointers manually, simply make a right click on the install.inf and select “Install”. Then open the Control Panel and choose the newly added cursor theme as “xFree Cursors (Alphablended)” – saves a bit of manual work. ( Method suggested by Boomer )

Ubuntu BootScreen4. The Boot Screen

Download the Ubuntu style Booscreen from here. To use it you need either BootSkin or TuneUpStyler. BootSkin is free. You can get it from Stardock.

5. The Logon Screen

Get the Ubuntu style Logon screen from here. It is not exactly perfect but will serve our purpose. ;) To apply the logon screen use LogonStudio from Stardock. (Logon Studio is free too ;)

Customizing / Installing 3rd party applications

1. Mozilla Firefox & Opera Web Browser

To make Firefox blend with the Ubuntu look, install the Ubuntu Tango theme from Mozilla Addons. Opera fans can find a matching theme Dapper Retouched at Opera skins.

Update 29-04-07

2. Windows Explorer

You can use this beautiful Ubuntu Human Styler toolbar. Makes Windows Explorer blend better with the Human Visual Style. :)

Before using the above toolbar, you will need to install the free Styler software. You can download it here.

Update 09-05-07

3. Instant Messenger Pidgin

Install Pidgin, the default instant messenger for Ubuntu Linux. You can download it from here.

P.S. - I will update this tutorial as I keep finding new and better resources. So bookmark this article now. ;) And if you want me to add anything more, let me know in the comments. :)