xpize 5 is a system-tweaking tool for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. It is a nice, open-source tool that allows you to change the look of your computer. xpize doesn't really replace any files on your computer. It rather patches files and modifies them to display new elements on your screen. It changes your themes, icons, various screens within windows, your logon and boot screens, and more.
When you install xpize, you will be able to choose from one of the many new themes that this app brings to your XP desktop. Some of the themes are very similar to the default XP theme. However, there are some interesting alternatives. My favorite one of all the themes that I tried was "darkside". It gave my desktop a nice, dark look, and it replaced the start menu text "start" with a fancy windows flag icon. I also liked the addition of the color orange to my start menu. The wallpaper fit very well with the theme. Also, I saw many new screensavers available after installing this theme. All the windows now look a little different.
xpize installs TaskSwitchXP Pro, from where you can customize your system a little more. I was unaware of this, so it was hard for me to figure out where to go to configure xpize. After a successful installation, a text file is opened with some information about the process, but there aren't clear instructions there, neither on the website. To change the theme, I guess you have to install the program again. That worked for me.
xpize can also be easily uninstalled, which makes things way easier for beginner users. The system might run a little slow after a fresh install, but after a while, it goes back to normal. As with all graphical system modification tools, it is up to you whether you like what is done to your system or not. I found a theme that I liked, but you might not. Since you can easily uninstall the app, you can try it; worry free.
Vista Inspirat will transform your old XP Theme to the attractive Vista Theme
