Skinning for vista and xp

from WinCustomize Forums
I'm currently working my way through my first skin. I've got windows vista and I'm obviously working through making sure everything works ok in the vista environment, but I don't have a clue what this thing will look like if installed on xp machine. Am I best just focusing on vista or is there a way of making sure it all works ok on xp.

Anyone been through this at all? Will it work fine on both?
skinning
2,092 views 6 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I can't help with the skinnign . . but I do reccommend that you hook up an XP virtual machine

VirtualPC:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/virtualpc/default.mspx

XP build: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=21EABB90-958F-4B64-B5F1-73D0A413C8EF&displaylang=en
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I installed a vista only wb "innova for vista" on my xp machine to see what would happen, it worked fine, tho i think lightstar frowned :p from behind his his/her computer & told me to get the xp version instead..lol.. ,i'm not a skinner so it looked normal to me, my conclusion vista for xp it is :p
Multiplicity - Control multiple PCs using one keyboard and mouse
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
You can't make a skin that will look 'correct' on both. You have to make an XP version..and a Vista version..or..substyles.

Each OS uses elements the other does not.

Conversely..you can make a Vista only skin. It will work on both just wont look as good in some areas.
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
thanks everyone, I think I'll just make it vista compatible, as I have no way to check it all out on xp. Is it just me or do you not have as many things you can change in vista compared to xp?
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
as I have no way to check it all out on xp
End of quote
Did you try the free VM?
And yes . . Vista has some limitations XP did not.
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Some XP elements are not used in Vista and vice versa..If all your gonna do is a Vista skin..do 2 things.. Take a fully skinned Vista skin.. Aero Executive is one example.. go thru it element by element until you have covered them all.. also.. SKS6 have a Vista Logo next to all images that are Vista only.. same for XP.

good luck.