So you want to have Windows Vista, but you don't want to give up Windows XP yet and – of course - you don't want to spend a single cent on it. Believe it or not, we have the solution!

The answer to your prayers is called Vistamizer and it's a complete theme that will transform your current Windows XP system into a brand new Vista with all the 3D effects, transparencies, shiny icons and other eye candy. Don't worry, Vistamizer is just a Vista disguise for XP; the system core files and backbone will still be XP.

After trying a few Vista themes for XP, I was really glad to find Vistamizer, just because it's so easy to install! Unlike other similar tools, which demand external applications, third-party libraries and other strange elements, Vistamizer includes just about everything you need to have it up and running in no time. Installing it is a question of pressing on the "Next" button a few times, rebooting and you're done. Uninstallation is also very easy: as the program creates a restoration point, you won't have any problems to go back to the good ol' XP if you ever grow tired of Vista's style.

Vistamizer lets you select exactly which elements to install and which ones not. The list includes not only Vista graphical elements, but also some extra apps that reproduce Vista's features such as the sidebar, the toolbat tooltips or the 3D effect to switch between running applications. Note that if you want to uninstall any of these later on, you'll have to open the Control Panel and start the Vistamizer uninstalling process, as there's no visual interface from which to manage installed components.

On the downside, I noticed some icons don't show properly, for instance in the Start menu and My Documents folder. But in my opinion these are just minor flaws in a full featured theme that can transform Windows XP into Vista in a couple of clicks.

Vistamizer is one of the best Vista themes for Windows XP available today: it's very easy to install, lets you choose what elements and apps should be included and the final output is pretty much the closest you can get to Vista in Windows XP.

Download VistaMizer 2.2.10 in Softonic

This frame lets you create appealing visual styles to your applications in all Windows versions. All new default styles (XP, XP dark, Vista, Office 2003 and Media Player 10) and themes are supported (blue, olive, silver, royal). My Frame enables you to customize the appearance of your applications to suit your individual needs.

Download My Frame Panel ActiveX 2.01 in Softonic

This special theme was created specifically for XP with the Zune player in mind. It will turn your task bar in and windows shiny metal dark and the start button to bright orange. The Zune theme also installs a cool Zune wallpaper image for you to enjoy.

Download Microsoft Zune Theme for Windows XP 1.0 in Softonic

The Crystal Clear pack integrates a visual style which will bring some freshness to your Windows. In order to answer all your desires, several versions of this style are proposed. So, you have the choice between an Aero style or a Classic one, a Tux or a Windows button, a normal taskbar and a thin taskbar.

The aim of Bricopacks is to make your desktop more beautiful, but also more practical.
So Crystal Clear Bricopack brings some additional software. For example, you will be able to change the colour of your folders so you can locate an important folder easier.

The Crystal Clear Bricopack also has a new control panel! You decide which software you activate or not, and if you want to restore your old Windows XP, uninstalling the pack will bring everything back!d

Download Crystal Clear Bricopack 1.0 in Softonic

"XtremeXP" was created to celebrate both the look and feel of the recent XBOX game console by Microsoft. It was inspired by the amazing Windows Media Player Xbox skin found at www.xbox.com Contains both default green and blue color schemes

Download Xbox XtremeXP 2.0 in Softonic

No less than 18 new visual styles, all based on Windows Longhorn, that will completely change the appearance of your PC.

This pack will install 18 different styles, that you will then have available from the "Screen Properties" or more specifically, the "Appearance" tab. With all these different ways to view your OS, you're sure to love one.

The styles include:

• Aero Concepts
• Aero Style
• Aero Style (Glass)
• Aero Style (Vista - Beta 1)
• Aero UI (Day)
• Aero UI (Night)
• Diamond
• Jade Style
• Longhorn Aero
• Luna (Longhorn Revolution)
• Plex Style
• Plex Style (Media Center Edition)
• Royale Glass
• Slate Athens
• Slate PDC
• Slate Refresh
• Slate XP
• Windows X

Download Longhorn Visual Styles Pack 3.0 in Softonic

FlyakiteOSX is a transformation pack. It will transform the look of an ordinary Windows XP+ system to resemble the look of Mac OS X. The installer simply automates the process of replacing critical system files, setting registry tweaks, and installing extras such as cursors, sounds, visual styles, etc.

In case you are not happy with the results of FlyakiteOSX, everything is completely removable. Just run the uninstaller from the Start Menu or from Add/Remove Programs. FlyakiteOSX does not contain any spyware or ad-ware of any kind. All files needed for FlyakiteOSX are stored in the Windows directory in a folder named 'FlyakiteOSX' that is hidden by default.

Download FlyakiteOSX 3.5 in Softonic

DameK UltraBlue was designed to make Your WinXp theme alike the Longhorn beta versions. Naturally the visual style itself doesn't match the Longhorn design but the desktop is much the same. This is another version of DameK UltraBlue theme.

In this pack you will find:

• VS file
• Shellstyle.dll-new design of SideBar (Explorer Bar)
• Desktop Sidebar application - sidebar which is similar to the one used in Longhorn beta
• Aqua Dock application
• Y'z Toolbar application
• 5 wallpapers (with 2 Longhorn style)

Download DameK UltraBlue 1.9 Visual Style in Softonic