Want to make minimal changes to Win 7 but where to start?

from Stardock Forums

What is the best way to proceed with WB/Skin Studio?  I just want a very minimal change to Win 7.  I have purchased Windows Blinds and Skin Studio, but am intimidated by all of the options.  The closest thing I want is the Echo theme, but it has too much.  Especially the font changes (too small and skinny).

All I really want is a more solid Win 7 taskbar and no screen borders.  Maybe replace the Windows Start orb.

I want to keep screen fonts, keep windows controls (min,max, close), keep buttons.

Should I try and modify the Echo theme (I've tried but it's alot to absorb), or should I start with trying to add a taskbar and screen border changes?

windowblinds
4,231 views 8 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top

You can change the fonts and other aspects in the WindowBlinds configuration.

Give this a look - https://www.wincustomize.com/article/455321/

 

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

Thanks, I'll give it a look.  The article looks like a great start for the new user like me.

DeskScapes - Bring your desktop background to life.
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top

There's a list of tutorials for many apps here.

https://forums.wincustomize.com/447749

If you have any questions, just ask. :)

 

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

So I do have a question.  The tutorial is a good overview of how to change an existing theme.

 

If I wanted to start from scratch and only change the taskbar color and window border size, would I need to start from an existing theme and strip everything else out?  Is there a way to say default everything to windows 7 then only change the two items?

Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top

could be wrong on this but it would seem that wba is the file format for skinstudio so you would need an existing skin to modify. again not sure but...

Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting meebee, reply 4

So I do have a question.  The tutorial is a good overview of how to change an existing theme.

 

If I wanted to start from scratch and only change the taskbar color and window border size, would I need to start from an existing theme and strip everything else out?  Is there a way to say default everything to windows 7 then only change the two items?
End of meebee's quote

 

Then switch to Windows default theme and change color patterns you like. Come on,People used Windowblinds wasn't just looking the minimal changes,it's drastic that enticed them to try and buy it.   

Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Gaspershooters, reply 6
Then switch to Windows default theme and change color patterns you like.
End of Gaspershooters's quote

I don't think any of the elements mentioned in the OP can be changed in this fashion, but it sure does bring back memories of early windows modifications. Then came along WB and changed the whole game.

Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top

Ok, I started with the New Skin for Basic.  Even though it had more than I needed, it is a good place to start from.  Thanks everyone for your input.