You've probably clicked on this topic because you've noticed that when you make BlitzPlus applications, all the the buttons and other GUI gadgets have the old Windows 9x/2000/me style look, and you want them to have the nice-looking Windows XP style theme. It is possible, and very simple. All you have to do is add a little file called a "manifest". If the manifest is in the same directory as your application, it will automatically be executed with your program and you will have the Windows XP theme. Here are four simple steps to add a Windows XP theme to your program:

1. Open up notepad and paste this into it:

   <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="yes"?> <assembly xmlns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:asm.v1" manifestVersion="1.0"> <assemblyIdentity version="1.0.0.0" processorArchitecture="X86" name="CompanyName.ProductName.YourApp" type="win32" /> <description>Your application description here.</description> <dependency> <dependentAssembly> <assemblyIdentity type="win32" name="Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls" version="6.0.0.0" processorArchitecture="X86" publicKeyToken="6595b64144ccf1df" language="*" /> </dependentAssembly> </dependency> </assembly>

   
   
2. This step is optional: Change the settings in this file to whatever you see fit. This is unecisary, though, and is not recomended as I don't know what you could do by playing around with it.
3. Save the file as "YourApp.exe.manifest" and put it in the same folder as your program.
4. This step is for advanced users and is optional. Use your favorite Resource Hacking program and add a folder called "Manifest" then put this file inside of it. This way you don't have to include extra files with your app.


And that's all there is to it! If you have further questions, email at Kenneth_Decius@msn.com.

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