missing appearances

This might sound like a silly...


But after fighting a malware attack for reasons unknown to me i only have the Classic Windows appearance display... as in the menu, windows, toolbar, etc are all in the classic format. Usually i could just change this in the Display section of the Control Panel, but the two XP appearances (one blue and one grey from memory) are gone! Is there anyway i can get these back? Is it possible for someone to send me the files and tell me where to put them, or a link to a Microsoft solution to fix it, or is there someway i can get them off the original windows CDs that came with the computer?


Thanks in advance for any help.

 

You might try a repair install, that is insert the XP cds, choose to install, and specify repair when asked.

Maybe a little drastic, though. Try that if nobody else comes up with anything better in your given timeframe.

 

will that effect any of my files? or will nothing be deleted.

also, i have service pack 2.. will running a repair keep this?

 

No, you will probably lose all Service Packs and patches, and a repair isn't foolproof.

I think you are better off trying something less drastic like System File Checker.

Start, run and type in sfc /scannow (Note there is a space after sfc )

You will need a Windows CD with the same Service Pack installed, ie a CD with SP2.

 

ok thanks i'll try and locate the cd and give that a shot... please keep other options coming though.


oh, and i notice you're a sydney-sider. i'm on the gold coast!

 

wait, i won't have a CD for service pack 2 will i?

how am i supposed to do that then :s

 

this is what i mean:

http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/3959/appearance6li.jpg


i can select the option yet it isn't the actual XP appearance, and it's gone in the appearance tab also.

 

Then you have my sympathy.

Try the fix available HERE.

(Click on the ? next to the heading "Why does Windows XP Style change to Windows Classic Style?")

 

no luck i'm afraid.

same symptom, different problem.

 

Go to the link below and scroll down to line #187 on left-hand side, Restore Themes Functionality

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Save the REG File to your hard disk. Double click it and answer yes to the import prompt.

Steve

 

the .reg file didn't work, but then i tried the "restore luna theme" to the right of it, put the files in the right place and it's back!

thanks a lot everyone!