Software of the Week: VistaMizer

When people think of customizing their XP with Vista interface, they first think of a software program called Vista Transformation Pack (VTP), which had been released up till the 9th version as of today and successfully offered rock solid Vista skin.

I don't fancy Vista Transformation Package due to two reasons: Firstly, VTP in my opinion, lacks too much stability as a software package. There used to be issues with both installations and uninstallations which are crippled and thus, left users' PCs in a "deformed" state, hovering between the XP and Vista interface. Secondly, the latest VTP 9 bundled many components; some i consider a waste of space while others are simply flawed. To put it short and simple, i would rather use separate software and build up a Vista interface on XP myself rather than going for a bundled software package such as Vista Transformation Pack.

However, i do recommend users another bundled software as a replacement for VTP. The software is lesser known compared to VTP and perhaps not as feature-packed, but it is (in my opinion) much more stable and cleaner. Furthermore, like VTP, it is a complete freeware!

VistaMizer is another available option for users to customize their XP interface totally into the Vista interface, all with a simple installation of the software. Like VTP, VistaMizer bundle certain system files and software to create a Vista-like environment for XP. VistaMizer primarily change the Windows Taskbar, Start Menu, window frame, icons and wallpaper. It even bundled a Vista sound package in the installation file, which changed the audio feel of XP into those of Vista.



VistaMizer also make sure users feel safe with the customization of their Windows XP. During the installation process, VistaMizer will create a backup of the original system files before replacing them with the modified system files. Whenever there are updates occuring on the machine, VistaMize will automatically rebuild its modified system files. If users are unhappy with the uninstallations and would like to remove the software, VistaMizer will automatically replace the modified files with the XP system files which are backuped during the installation process, making the XP machine just as original as though no attempt to customize the interface has ever took place.


Here are a brief summary of the features of VistaMizer:

• Vista-Look for Windows XP, MCE or Server 2003
• Modification of the own system files
• multilingual
• completely free choice for the modification files
• check the files for compatibility during the installation
• backup from the original system files
• re-modification of the system files after Windows Updates
• rebuilding of the original system files with un-installation

To download the latest version of VistaMizer, click here.