I've imported named color schemes into the registry key:

HKCU\Control Panel\Appearance\Schemes

I've also successfully created, edited, named and saved color schemes using
the PCMag utility "DisplaySet". DisplaySet places a value name and data
under the registry key indicated above.

PROBLEM:

Even after the new scheme is created, the Color Schemes dropdown box (Win XP
Display Properties dialog box, Appearance tab) DOES NOT show the new color
schemes, and therefore they cannot be selected from that dialog box. Only
the original WinXP schemes seem to be listed.

Moreover, although WinXP allows you a way to edit color schemes, it does not
seem to provide a way to save them with a name, as did Win9x/Me.

Now, I realize, I can save a *theme*, but that saves a lot of things all at
once - background image, sounds, cursors, etc. I'd like to be able to save
just the color scheme without disturbing other elements.

Has XP really eliminated the ability to create/apply color schemes (as
distinct from themes)?

Those color schemes are only available when the 'Windows & Buttons' selection is "Windows Classic". When XP styles are in use, the available color schemes are set within the .msstyles file in use. You need 3rd party apps or the uxtheme.dll patch to use/modify other ..msstyles files.

Keith

"Spoon2001" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> I've imported named color schemes into the registry key:
>
> HKCU\Control Panel\Appearance\Schemes
>
> I've also successfully created, edited, named and saved color schemes using
> the PCMag utility "DisplaySet". DisplaySet places a value name and data
> under the registry key indicated above.
>
> PROBLEM:
>
> Even after the new scheme is created, the Color Schemes dropdown box (Win XP
> Display Properties dialog box, Appearance tab) DOES NOT show the new color
> schemes, and therefore they cannot be selected from that dialog box. Only
> the original WinXP schemes seem to be listed.
>
> Moreover, although WinXP allows you a way to edit color schemes, it does not
> seem to provide a way to save them with a name, as did Win9x/Me.
>
> Now, I realize, I can save a *theme*, but that saves a lot of things all at
> once - background image, sounds, cursors, etc. I'd like to be able to save
> just the color scheme without disturbing other elements.
>
> Has XP really eliminated the ability to create/apply color schemes (as
> distinct from themes)?
>
>

I use Autocad more than any program and I have a
combination of floating toolbars on the workspace, docked
toolbars, and the menu to select tools from. Over the
years I have found the sizes and colors that make it
easiest to use (in Windows NT) and now that ability to
change those settings in XP has been eliminated. So I
have 3 color choices that cannot be customized, like puke
green. I am not going to spend more money for a program
that makes rediculous "themes." That might be cool for a
16 year old kid. So I use Windows classic, and my
computer runs slower than it did with NT. So I solved the
problem and installed NT again on my computer. My next
computer will be an apple.



>-----Original Message-----
>Those color schemes are only available when the 'Windows
& Buttons' selection is "Windows Classic". When XP
styles are in use, the available color schemes are set
within the .msstyles file in use. You need 3rd party
apps or the uxtheme.dll patch to use/modify
other ..msstyles files.
>
>Keith
>
>"Spoon2001" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>> I've imported named color schemes into the registry
key:
>>
>> HKCU\Control Panel\Appearance\Schemes
>>
>> I've also successfully created, edited, named and
saved color schemes using
>> the PCMag utility "DisplaySet". DisplaySet places a
value name and data
>> under the registry key indicated above.
>>
>> PROBLEM:
>>
>> Even after the new scheme is created, the Color
Schemes dropdown box (Win XP
>> Display Properties dialog box, Appearance tab) DOES
NOT show the new color
>> schemes, and therefore they cannot be selected from
that dialog box. Only
>> the original WinXP schemes seem to be listed.
>>
>> Moreover, although WinXP allows you a way to edit
color schemes, it does not
>> seem to provide a way to save them with a name, as did
Win9x/Me.
>>
>> Now, I realize, I can save a *theme*, but that saves a
lot of things all at
>> once - background image, sounds, cursors, etc. I'd
like to be able to save
>> just the color scheme without disturbing other
elements.
>>
>> Has XP really eliminated the ability to create/apply
color schemes (as
>> distinct from themes)?
>>
>>
>.
>