Windows XP Blinds, Stardock, Style XP...Final Verdict

Okay I searched the internet for some final verdicts on best ways to "restyle" your Windows XP look, and with the advent of the "Vista Experience" it seems like a lot of people are wanting a better look than windows xp offers...[I even think I have seen a Windows shell program to make it look like a Mac...but it seemed fishy]. Personally, I have just recently found the Zune theme, which was actually approved by Microsoft...a shocker I know...and I love it, just the small color change is like a breath of fresh air to the experience (photoshop with black looks amazing btw). This brings me to the main reason why I thought of posting this. Okay, when people are looking for ways to change XP's visual appearance, it seems they want three more things:
1) No Spyware, Viruses, Malware, etc attached to the program they are using to change Window's appearance
2) Continued system stability and doesn't cause the system to crash
3) Doesn't hog resources and thereby excessively slow down your system a lot

Also I would assume people would prefer it to be free Cause who wants to pay right? So my question/survey to the MajorGeek community:

If you have ever used WindowsXPBlinds, Style XP, or things like Object Dock (OR other programs out there, preferably freeware), which adds a visual element or reshells the Windows interface, I'd love to hear your comments and reviews. Mainly, did it come with some spyware,etc. attachment? Was it stable? Did It hog your resources? And did it have a lot of options to choose from (ie: things you wanted to change to)?

Thanks in advance to everyone out there, I'll be on periodically to see whats up and give my own reviews as I try these products as well...

 

You forgot about replacing the uxtheme.dll, which is responsible for XP's theming. It can be replaced manually or with something like Neowin's uxtheme patcher, which will replace the file with one compatible with your current service pack. It can also be ran again to return the in the event of another service pack update. This will use no more resources than the original file.

I'm certain none of those contain spyware. The main spyware danger is from self installing theme packages like those from themeXP.org.

 

Oh that's right! Good point Just Playin, I remember reading something about that when discussing that Zune theme I mentioned earlier. Yeah, if you don't know what we are talking about the uxtheme.dll is the file which (i assume) is what keeps you from using the themes that aren't registered by Microsoft. That was one of the nice bonuses when using the Zune theme because you didnt have to mess with the uxtheme.dll.
So far I would agree with Just Playin on the "not containing spyware" thing. I have tried Object Dock and Windows Blinds and haven't seen any spyware...Right now I am keeping Ad-Adaware, Spybot, and Avast up for protection and haven't seen anything...I guess testing stability will take some time so I'll get back to everyone on that. They both can be fairly easily removed and don't seem to leave behind anything a ccleaner run can't remove. Next Up I'm gonna try StyleXP/uxtheme replacement method...I assume they are the same as they are both apart of the Belchfire community (see related threads below for more info)...I'm gonna do them individually...I assume the ux theme replacement is different that stylexp program....

And do remember not to try two skinning programs at the same time! I haven't yet but I'm sure it can't bode well...uninstall one and then try another...

 

I have tried quite a few of the UXTHEME patchers, but run into the same problem every time.