Desktop Architect is a
third-party replacement for the Desktop Themes control panel in Windows 95, 98,
ME and 2000. It is also fully compatible with Windows XP and Vista. However, in Vista, the startup sound does not work, and the
Network Neighborhood icon has to be changed manually. It is not known at this time if this program works with Windows 7.
On Windows 8.1 (Pro 64-bit) the fonts may be garbled to the point the system is rendered unusable.
Changing the desktop colors (windows borders, 3D object bevels, scrollbar, etc.) do work, but the problem with text display is hard to correct since all Windows' and its applications screens are affected, and even rebooting or rolling back to a previous system restore point may be difficult.
Caution is advised; since Desktop Architect allows the user to select which changes to apply, making small changes and testing the results in steps, like marking only the Colors checkbox, is recommended.
Features
Appearance
Appearance allows users to customize the Windows Classic theme by changing the colour of various objects, such as scrollbars, active and inactive windows, menu bar, message box, window borders, window frame, selected items, font colours, 3D objects, and a few other things as well.
Wallpaper
Users can change the
desktop wallpaper image.
Sounds
Systems sounds can be customized and changed. Default sounds can be removed, or can be changed to a different sound file. When browsing for sound files users can preview the sound.
Icons
Users can change the system
icons, or restore default icons. These include folder icons, printers,
My Documents,
My Computer
On Microsoft Windows, a special folder is a folder that is presented to the user through an interface as an abstract concept instead of an absolute folder path. (The synonymous term shell folder is sometimes used instead.) Special folders mak ...
,
Recycle Bin
A recycling bin (or recycle bin) is a container used to hold recyclables before they are taken to recycling centers. Recycling bins exist in various sizes for use inside and outside homes, offices, and large public facilities. Separate cont ...
, Network Neighborhood, and more. It can also import and install 3rd party icon packages.
Pointers
The
mouse pointers can be changed with custom cursor files, or restored to default cursors. Animated cursors can be used, also.
Screen Savers
Screen savers
Screen Savers or screensaver or ''variation'', may refer to:
* Screensaver, computer programs intended to preserve CRT monitors from "burn-in"
** GNOME ''Screensaver'', GNOME Project's screen blanking tool
** Google Pack ''Screensaver'', a termi ...
can be changed or imported, and saved with the theme file.
Wizards
Desktop Architect has two wizards, the Theme Package Wizard, and the Theme Install Wizard. The Theme Package Wizard compresses the theme into a zip file for distribution. The Theme Install Wizard imports and installs themes downloaded from another source.
Theme Scheduler
This features allows user to have themes automatically set at a specific time of year.
Requirements
Desktop Architect requires version 4.2 or higher of the comctl32.dll, which is located in the computers system folder. It also requires 64MB of RAM and 16-bit 1024x768 Video graphics.
References
Windows-only software