F5F Stay Refreshed Software Operating Systems Ensure Windows apps display correctly on Windows 8 and newer versions

Ensure Windows apps display correctly on Windows 8 and newer versions

Ensure Windows apps display correctly on Windows 8 and newer versions

L
LAG1945
Junior Member
Find
7
08-19-2016, 04:08 PM
#1
Many programs continue using old Classic theme buttons and controls even though most of Windows has moved away from them. These look outdated and irritating. I’m looking for a way to make these apps use modern visual styles so they appear correctly on Windows 8 and later, without needing third-party tools or modifications. This problem mainly impacts Kega Fusion, which has almost no other options. I had to set up a virtual machine just to run it. If you need images to help remember what I’m talking about, just let me know. In reality, this issue started with Windows XP and the introduction of visual styles—you could simply switch back to the classic theme. Windows and the app itself remain functional, but the overall interface suffers. Windows 8 removed the classic theme entirely. Trying to restore it usually leads to either a broken look for the OS or a completely unusable interface.
Reply
Reply
L
LAG1945
08-19-2016, 04:08 PM #1

Many programs continue using old Classic theme buttons and controls even though most of Windows has moved away from them. These look outdated and irritating. I’m looking for a way to make these apps use modern visual styles so they appear correctly on Windows 8 and later, without needing third-party tools or modifications. This problem mainly impacts Kega Fusion, which has almost no other options. I had to set up a virtual machine just to run it. If you need images to help remember what I’m talking about, just let me know. In reality, this issue started with Windows XP and the introduction of visual styles—you could simply switch back to the classic theme. Windows and the app itself remain functional, but the overall interface suffers. Windows 8 removed the classic theme entirely. Trying to restore it usually leads to either a broken look for the OS or a completely unusable interface.

Reply
Reply
A
anto2003roma
Member
Find
80
08-22-2016, 09:23 PM
#2
You can definitely use Linux alongside Windows 8 in a virtual machine. Some sources mention a Linux version exists, and newer software often performs better on modern Linux distributions.
Reply
Reply
A
anto2003roma
08-22-2016, 09:23 PM #2

You can definitely use Linux alongside Windows 8 in a virtual machine. Some sources mention a Linux version exists, and newer software often performs better on modern Linux distributions.

Reply
Reply
S
Smart_man_0709
Member
Find
161
08-22-2016, 10:56 PM
#3
I avoid using virtual machines because the software needs drivers that can conflict with other programs. I plan to test a Linux distribution inside a VM. I’ll search for a lightweight option that fits within a 16 GB disk image. If needed, I could also run Windows 2000 or Vista in VMware. Ideally, I’d stick with Windows 2000 since Vista via MISSINGWIN isn’t well suited for VMs and tends to be large. VirtualBox isn’t my go-to, though—it works okay but has limitations with Direct3D and audio. It could possibly handle Linux, but not Windows guests. I’d rather find a method that lets Kega Fusion support visual styles without all the hassle.
Reply
Reply
S
Smart_man_0709
08-22-2016, 10:56 PM #3

I avoid using virtual machines because the software needs drivers that can conflict with other programs. I plan to test a Linux distribution inside a VM. I’ll search for a lightweight option that fits within a 16 GB disk image. If needed, I could also run Windows 2000 or Vista in VMware. Ideally, I’d stick with Windows 2000 since Vista via MISSINGWIN isn’t well suited for VMs and tends to be large. VirtualBox isn’t my go-to, though—it works okay but has limitations with Direct3D and audio. It could possibly handle Linux, but not Windows guests. I’d rather find a method that lets Kega Fusion support visual styles without all the hassle.

Reply
Reply
C
Cheesefund
Junior Member
Find
10
08-23-2016, 12:27 AM
#4
Discovered the method! Use Resource Hacker to swap the app's manifest with this XML snippet:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="yes" ?>
<assembly xmlns="urnConfusedchemas-microsoft-com:asm.v1" manifestVersion="1.0">
<dependency>
<dependentAssembly>
<assemblyIdentity type="win32" name="Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls" version="6.0.0.0" processorArchitecture="*" publicKeyToken="6595b64144ccf1df" />
</dependentAssembly>
</dependency>
</assembly>
Thanks to that Reddit thread for the guidance: https://old.reddit.com/r/WindowsHelp/com...se_visual/
Reply
Reply
C
Cheesefund
08-23-2016, 12:27 AM #4

Discovered the method! Use Resource Hacker to swap the app's manifest with this XML snippet:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="yes" ?>
<assembly xmlns="urnConfusedchemas-microsoft-com:asm.v1" manifestVersion="1.0">
<dependency>
<dependentAssembly>
<assemblyIdentity type="win32" name="Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls" version="6.0.0.0" processorArchitecture="*" publicKeyToken="6595b64144ccf1df" />
</dependentAssembly>
</dependency>
</assembly>
Thanks to that Reddit thread for the guidance: https://old.reddit.com/r/WindowsHelp/com...se_visual/

Reply
Reply