UxStyle: Out with the old, in with the new
Updated: UxStyle Core will be free.
About 9 years ago, when “Themes” emerged in Windows Whistler back in the day, I picked up a habit of modifying a system file called Uxtheme.dll unlocking the ability to use custom .msstyle files. As an alternative to retail software applications that provided identical functionality, I provided a free copy of my pre-patched file for tinkerers around the world. Jumping around from domain to domain, server to server, I managed to upkeep a repository of pre-patched Uxtheme.dll files and build up quite a following.
The theming engine in Windows has changed over the years. Patching of Uxtheme.dll went from being a simple overwrite of 5 bytes of code in one file to a complex multi-byte multi-file multi-architecture ordeal. The term “uxtheme patch” now usually applies to any/all files related to the “Theming engine” (e.g. themeui.dll, themeservice.dll, etc.)
The replacement of system files raises a number of servicing, code trust, and possible stability issues that everyone loves to ignore. Users can replace system files with malicious copies, non-functional copies, screw up folder permissions in the process, etc. A few years ago, I made it a personal goal to find an alternative.
In my quest to seek out an alternative, I came across a slew of software titles that patched the Theming engine, but in memory. This was clearly the way forward but digging deeper I discovered all these titles were broken in some way. TuneUp Utilities. for example, uses extremely elaborate system-degrading hooks to corner and patch copies and copies of files in memory. StyleXP, in competition with Stardock’s WindowBlinds, implemented a nicer method using a kernel driver but resorted to the use of “file version <-> offset tables” that had to be updated with every single change of the Theming engine (e.g. hotfixes, service packs, OSes), eventually leading to its downfall (it doesn’t currently work on Windows XP SP3).
A kernel driver writing guru friend of mine, Max, and I got together and decided we’d come up with a proper solution to this problem. Given the easier low-level access to Theming engine memory in kernel mode we decided it would be best to stick with a kernel driver. The whole point of our solution was to eliminate the need for human static disassembly/analysis of the Theming engine every time some files changed. We sat down and analyzed samples from Windows XP up to Windows 7 and wrote logic to perform what a human would do sitting in front of the PC.
As far as we know, we are the first to write a multi-platform (x86, amd64) disassembly engine that supports patching the Theming engine in Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, and Windows 7.
Say hello to UxStyle.
UxStyle is our solution consisting of a light-weight system service named Unsigned Themes, complimentary to the Themes service, and a kernel driver, sizing in at ~500k and ~17kb respectfully (beta builds). The service handles the enabling/disabling of custom theme support and the kernel driver handles patching. For 64-bit platforms, the kernel driver is signed with a digital certificate, as required by Microsoft.
To recoup the enormous amounts of time I personally invested in the Theming engine over the years, UxStyle cannot be made freeware. I understand this may upset a few people that cannot appreciate the countless hours and large sums of money we put into this project. With the formation of a Limited Liability Company (The Within Network, LLC) to protect our assets, payment of digital certificates, domains, hosting, electricity, food, gas, etc., this project has become quite costly. Think thousands of dollars. Really.
To make the transition from pre-patched files to our solution as easy as possible, I decided to split the product into two SKUs. There will be a Core and a Premium package.
(may not be representative of final branding)
UxStyle Core will offer functionality closest to the pre-patched files as possible and will obviously be the cheapest of the two solutions. Current thinking is Core will be free about 4USD. I do plan on having a promotional launch event that will give away free copies and have an introductory first-month (or so) price of merely 99 cents.
UxStyle Premium will offer a tad more, including live/automatic updates (should we need to tweak the engine), additional code to correct the infamous “Windows Aero” theme name issue in the Appearance Settings window on Windows Vista/7, along with direct support from Max and I. Planning for the premium SKU hasn’t been finalized in any way. but the thinking along pricing is to mark it at about 8USD.
Both SKUs will be for the duration of your life, none of this subscription silliness. Licensing may be tied to a simple email address, details in this area aren’t available at this time.
We are currently trying to push for a release alongside Windows 7, near the 2009 holiday season. Whenever a release is made, I will officially end support for pre-patched files at that time. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
To those that rely on my constant updates to keep their “patchers” up-to-date, we may offer licensing of the UxStyle engine. More on that later.
With that, I’m opening up for comments. Anything and everything is still open for change, so your feedback is greatly appreciated. Please keep all feedback constructive, however. Don’t go on a rant about how “this should be free”. Give me some concrete reasons. Put some thought into your replies, please.
Good.
Seriously, good. 9 years of your life not charging for this service seems like time flushed, so it’s good to see something now.
Now thats really interesting and I think anyone can spend a few bucks to use this awesome app. I’ll eagerly wait for this new app. :)
Looking forward to the Premium SKU!
Sounds cool!
Can I beta test :P?
Nice project, does your promotional laught will allow small blogs to offert 2/3 giveway licences, i would love to do that..
Diagg
Great work Rafael. It is about time you start charging… well for your time.
I’m afraid this will make it spread as warez if it’s not freeware. Probably there’ll be a keygen, loads of s/n db, or patch/cracked files for it…
Not to mention that those peoples that usually uses patched uxtheme doesn’t really care about licensing, all they care about is they can use unsigned themes!
Forgive my ignorance, but what is the advantage of this over patching the uxtheme.dll??
where/when can I download it?
where can I buy it?
what will be the system requirements?
I’m extremely bored with the ordinary themes provided in XP-Vista-Win7
I’ve tried Litestep, Blackbox, StyleXP, Windowblinds, the alpha version of Cairo Desktop
and I’ve yet to find the most appealing desktop-shell experience!
Good luck with the development! I’ll keep an eye on this blog!
Great news! I would not mind to pay a bit for a tool like this… ok, really. I can’t wait.
:)
Best of luck with this Rafael! :-)
Brilliant news, Rafael! :) For the time and effort you’ve put into this, you deserve to charge for it! A lot of people who aren’t programmers/software engineers just don’t understand!
I’m finally glad you have put this into one program which will do it automatically, rather than patching system files ourselves, which is dangerous.
Any body who pirates this is disgusting seeing as the premium may only cost $8!
I’ll look into using this program if the default theme in Windows 7 stops pleasing me so much :P
Eh, cool, but – who cares about uxtheme patching if there are no good styles available?
I’m talking Windows Vista/7.
“Both SKUs will be for the duration of your life, none of this subscription silliness. Licensing may be tied to a simple email address, details in this area aren’t available at this time.”
So, my question becomes, what kind of ‘license’ are we talking about? Is this going to be a “one per person per computer” or just, purchasing of a tool that can be used by said person as many times as he or she wants within reason, as long as they don’t give it away?
And I agree about the concerns of theses apps being passed around file sharing communities… Although, with your level of experience, Im sure you can think of a cleaver trick or two to stop, or at least slow that down.
As said above, it’s going to be heavily pirated, there should be a free version, make it really bare bones and perhaps even have some kind of subtle and non intrusive yet noticeable nag, or time limit, if it’s really simple and somewhat cheap to upgrade to the cheaper SKU you’ll sell a lot more I grantee, free versions with an easy way to pay to upgrade works in the same way as a demo does, gets people interested and in the end hooked enough to pay, if there isn’t a legal way to try the software for free ahead of time people will pirate it to test it, and since they already have the full version most will not bother to buy it afterward.
It’s the cocaine model of retail. ;)
Would it be possible to streamline the service into OS discs? would save a lot of time.
you have been playing with this idea of payware as far back as 5 years ago. its about damn time you did it
Signed is only half the story for 64-bit drivers; don’t they need to be cross-signed by Microsoft WHQL?
Signed is a flat requirement – unsigned drivers will not be loaded – but I thought signed *and* cross-signed by Microsoft WHQL was actually the requirement to run a 64-bit driver outside of Test Mode (which nobody likes seeing every time they boot).
If so, are you planning on pursuing cross-certification (or have you already done that?) and do you anticipate any issues with the certification process, given you’re essentially subverting a feature of the operating system?
it’s possible WHQL don’t care about that, and will cross-sign anything that meets other requirements.
The cost of the signing certificate (not to mention the cross-signing process) more than justifies the tiny fee you’re charging; assuming all else can be fixed, I’d worry about pricing it too low; $4 and $8 gets me unlimited installs on all computers I own? Doesn’t that tend towards zero value? And if I perceive the cost as being negligible, perhaps the base level could be free, and the premium version offer something more compelling (personally, and it’s just me, I didn’t spot the “twice the price” reason the Premium version is good, sounds a little “Ultimate Extras” to me at this point).
And if both versions auto-update, you can address some of the piracy issues at that point with a EULA that dictates that you’re allowed to collect registration numbers, and may block heavily-pirated reg codes in future updates. (if the base version is free, you may not care).
@Diagg [re: blog promotions] Sounds decent, I’ll put it on my list.
@Marcus [re: advantages] Good question. Users of the static patches have to wait for me to patch them. When a hotfix comes out, for example, you’re themeless until then. UxStyle dynamically patches the theming components on-the-fly.
@Jaryth000 [re: licensing] Although licensing hasn’t been nailed down, I’m envisioning a one-license-per-human type deal. I think charging people for multiple copies of the software for multiple machines is pretty extreme, but as you can see, I’d have to limit this in some way. Maybe come up with an arbitrary number of PCs — 3? 5? 10? 1254?
@KriLL3 [re: slipstreaming] Good idea, I can see this scenario being popular. I will put this on this list.
@Sark [re: signing] Kernel components need only be signed by a kernel-supported CA. In Windows today, you have a few choices — Verisign, Globalsign and several others. WHQL testing is for logo certification and doesn’t apply here.
@Sark [re: pricing] You’re right, we haven’t nailed down pricing just yet nor all the features we’ll throw into Premium.
I’m already excited about this. No more themes vanishing when system updates and then trying to find the right version if your archive.
at first i was annoyed, that i would have to pay for this new program, then i read your prices, $8? wow, that’s actually a totally reasonable price for a peice of utility software! so yeah, i will give ya $8 for that no problem, can’t wait to see it.
@Rafael [re: arbitrary number] well, for someone like me, $10(ish) is a fair amount to pay for patching of my own computers, and the computers of people I manage. as far as an arbitrary number goes, I’ve always been partial to 42.
59 however, is also a completely acceptable number.
(and I meant number as in for randomness, not necessarily for licensing needs.)
Nice! This project looks to be very interesting,
I will surely pay for this if you do good, and 8USD is nothing for such a nice software! And I really don’t pay for software for the most, but for this I would pay you to support you and let you continue to development.
Best luck ;)
good luck to you :-)
I love the idea, I have plans for this app already (mostly for customers who hate the bland xp theme, or customers with kids)
As soon as it comes out, I am probably going to get 2 copies, just so that I don’t feel guilty for using 1 liscense on 2 systems.
as a suggestion for the product key, you should do something along the lines of a 15 box by 10 digit key, keeps people from keygening it easily, and it puts MS’s keys to shame
I agree with everyone — this is a great idea and I look forward to giving you money. I’ve always *hated* WindowBlinds/StyleXP/etc. and much prefer straight-patching .dll’s and letting the OS handle the rest. Sounds like with uxstyle, it’s as close to hands-off as I can get, which sounds delicious.
It’s been a while since I’ve actually cared about theming Windows… does anyone have a refresher? For instance, I had a theme I really liked when I was using Windows XP — would that theme work on Vista? (probably with no transparency?) How does one go about making a theme these days? Are there any nice and handy tools?
I say, price your product as you see fit, and don’t apologize for it. People that value what the product does for them will pay for it. People that don’t, won’t. Seems fair to me.
@J.R., until recently Windows Vista msstyles had to be edited manually with tools like aging ResHacker and Visual Studio. Andreas, however, created a sweet tool called Vista Style builder (http://www.vistastylebuilder.com) that will let you create msstyles from scratch.
I definitely agree that you should be compensated for your efforts. However, what if you distribute it exclusively from your website (don’t allow download.com etc to host it) and smear your website with ads; couldn’t you make a lot from ad-revenue due to all the hits?
just my 2-cents
@Rafael This is a great idea. I will buy this software when it comes out. Even if I don’t use it much, I would be glad to support a fellow Software Developer. Thank you. :)
You might want to consider a different logo… it’s very similar to the Debian logo.
I think it’s a good idea, and for the price, count me in…
When it comes out, I’ll definitely get it, but what will happen to stuff like Vista Glazz? (http://www.codegazer.com/vistaglazz/) Do they use your UXTheme patches?
Raf, ok I don’t want to seem like a noob but what exactly does this program do? an OS replacment? or
Can you explain in detail what will change (that a normal user will notice) in a current version of Vista?
@James – Re-read the post. It’s not an ‘OS replacement’ – it allows you to use third-party un-signed themes in XP/Vista/Windows 7.
While it’s great to see that you’re making a neat little project at a nice price point for many people (“Oh, it’s less than $5!”) this frankly isn’t something I would buy, ever, simply because there are free alternatives that are “close enough”.
There are a few tools out there that will patch many versions of MS’ theming engine automatically on disk. Although these can fail if Windows Update unpatches them, it’s a temporary situation, not to mention it’s unlikely to happen on XP. Your program doesn’t offer much more than a resolution to this little quirk plus a few others in the “premium” sku… and those are also minor enough that I predict most sales will be for core. Unless you have to pay for each new “core” version update and not for “premium” ones (which would be just evil! I HATE that!) or your program turns out to be a bit unstable and requires that support (would also be evil, but I don’t see it happening :).
Also there is a minor advantage (at least in my mind) of using an on disk solution… I rather enjoy not having another driver or another service running all the time, taking up memory and cpu cycles that could be better allocated elsewhere, no matter how small. Even if it’s negligible impact and just in my head, as a gamer I like having a clean system. As a gamer with a video card overpowered for his cpu, I like getting every cycle I can to my game so I can get something resembling a frame rate. Maybe it’s all in my head and even loading WindowBlinds (which is definitely noticeably slower than native MS theming) wouldn’t impact my games’ performance. Whatever.
Basically, it’s a good idea to make small useful programs for a few bucks apiece, it’s just that I think this particular market is already oversaturated with free tools.
Hmm maybe I should start selling some of my little .NET-based tools.
@Dan – What other free alternatives are you talking about? Name one. Every single one of those “patches” just REPACKAGE MY WORK. It all boils down to three categories. My free work, StyleXP, and WindowBlinds. There’s nothing else out there. Prove me wrong.
@Dan One of the things to keep in mind is that a good number of the free tools out there make use of Raf’s patched UXTheme files. Once he stops supporting that method, there’s a good chance a number of those solutions will disappear.
All that said, I hope you recoup the money you spent in development. Maybe in time you can add on to it to make it more enticing.
Personally, I hate not being able to see the taskbar in the theme preview. A separate made theme browser would be nice that could display more themed elements than the built-in one does. I was going to make one in .NET but the only suitable library I found read directly from XP msstyle resources and didn’t use any normal APIs (does the Display Properties dialog do the same thing?) so wouldn’t work on Vista. Not to mention in only took .theme files and doesn’t appear to be able to read .msstyle files directly (it reads the size and font styles from the theme file and selects those into the .msstyle… haven’t gotten around to figuring out how to just enumerate those size and font styles from the .msstyle instead).
Rafael: I was not aware of the origins of the patches, my apologies. However you are still your biggest competitor… your free patches are already out there.
I simply wanted to make it clear that, normally I would love to support tools such as this, but there’s simply nothing in it over what I already have, and I thought others might feel the same way.
It’s like if some new fast food place opens and they give out free fries to anyone who comes, they don’t even have to buy anything else. It’s not a promotion, just their normal operation. Then every other fast food place starts doing the same to compete. Suddenly the original guys start charging for the fries, maybe it’s a new improved recipe or something. Even if it’s less than what we were used to paying for fries in the first place, McDonalds over there is still offering free fries I’m going to start going to McDonald’s more often.
I don’t mean to troll or flamebait, just telling it like it is.
@Dan – And my apologies for sounding ticked off, I really wasn’t. I’m actually very grateful you brought that up. You’ve brought up some interesting points, I shall do so more thinking ;)
Nice project, I think it’s fair that you charge for this after years of patching and hard work. By the way, your blog’s great! Keep up the hard work!
Should be priced at @2 max and it’ll sell like hot cakes. Pricing at $8 will make it go the scene way.
Rafael,
I know one thing _I_ would pay for. A managed library that makes it easier for me to create a shell replacement in code. Not just look and feel, I mean let me take over everything. I think you’d be the perfect person to approach with your knowledge of the low-level APIs.
After all the years you’ve put into this, its time you get paid. I just hope it remains cheap so that all of us can afford it (yes, you heard me right :)). Good to know you won’t be going for the sillyness of subscriptions and I hope you allow multiple machines too (within limit) because I have a laptop and a desktop that I’d like to use it with. And oh, having it US independent would be great.
imo, it would be great if you could squeeze the premium within 5 usd. I know you need to put in a lot of work but its just a thought. Keeping it cheap (1 usd for basic and 2-3 usd for premium) would mean that people (who aren’t total cheapos and who appreciate your work) will buy it instead of getting in other ways. If it starts coming out online, it would deter quite a few people from buying the software even though it is cheap and the work you’ve put in all these years does warrant a pay off :)
One question: is the premium package meant to have APIs for programmers to use in high level languages?
@Karun – What scenarios are you thinking about that would require a public API?
ok …eu topo …
Me wants and will gladly pay for such a product. I have been following your site for quite some time…
Do you need beta testers?
Personally I am exteremely grateful for all of the things Rafael has done for the Windows community. As long as the licensing was reasonable (IE not tied to one computer, and no DRM that blocks multiple installs (I have more than one computer in my house), I would be more than willing to pay for a premium version. Obviously I understand you have to have some licensing rules, but as long as they are reasonable and not too restrictive I see no reason not to pay, as the kind of service you are looking to offer would make it much easier for people like myself who like a Customised windows experience without the hassle. $8 (about £5) also sounds a reasonable price considering that things like Tune Up utils, Style XP, and Stardock Windowblinds are on average 3x that price.
You have my support, best of luck with this venture
Yes you should make a little back, you have done a lot of good stuff over the last few years.
As long as you make it possible to pay with PayPal I will buy this for sure. Its only fair that you will charge for your time and hard work.
But I wonder how it will be with theme database? From what i have seen from programs like StyleXP we have to download themes from sites witch bundles the package with lots of adware and spyware. Resulting in a bad deal where you have bought a program to unlock the theme engine but your only option is to use the deafult themes. I could of course be wrong, but where to look for themes without spyware? If I would buy your product it would be nice to know that we can use it to its potential.
(Sorry for bad english, not my native language.)
http://llucasrc1l.deviantart.com/art/Uxtheme-FAIL-116800033
:(
Good for you and good luck! I think you’re prices are fantastic and will probably deter some from pirating this. $4 & $8 is very reasonable and incredibly affordable.
great idea im just wondering what will be you last manualy patched uxtheme.dll?
final version of windows 7?
or vista sp2?
sorry if i sound stupid
totally looking forward to this, i will buy this for sure…good luck mate and great job!
peas
cityboy
@heinrik
To get those same themes without the spyware, you can usually extract the .exe files using 7zip of winRAR, I have found 7zip to be the better of the two because it is free…
Themexp.org is the place where i find my themes, but you MUST extract the files and scan them before trying to use them…
Two things:
1. Congratulations on the status of the project, the branding, logos, and most importantly, the overall idea. Sounds fantastic and valuable, and may prove a massive improvement.
2. Charging for the tool is 100% reasonable, and your pricing an licensing structure seem to take into account reality. If you make it cheap enough, which it sounds like you plan to, and you don’t use restrictive licenses, people are more likely to drop the small change on ensuring they get the safe, real version from you than to pirate it. And if they do pirate it, well, that’s life, isn’t it? A lot of people are complaining about that side of it, and how it’ll lead to keygens and viruses and such, but the reality is that that’s the risk people take when they pirate. If the don’t want the risk, they drop a few dollars and buy the legit tool from you. Meanwhile the sales you lose to those who download pirated copies still won’t be as much as you’d lose by giving it out free permanently.
So good work, and you have my full support (whatever that’s worth). I haven’t really patched my themes in years, to be honest, but you’ve raised my interest in doing so with this and I’ll probably be purchasing UxStyle when it’s released. Why not?
Hey rafael, windowblinds isn’t free what are you talking about? Also, I sent you an email a couple of days ago but have yet to receive a response. Did you receive it?
8 USD for a lifetime? hell yes! sure would buy the “premium” package
Can’t wait for “Before August”- Microsoft’s arbitrary Win7 Release
I must say I am somewhat saddened that this will not be free, but who wouldn’t be? Who doesn’t like free?
Then again, I must say that your prices are MORE than reasonable. I would have no qualms in paying the mere $8 for something that will work as planned, no hassles. I hope this turns in to a profitable venture for you and Max and I commend the hard work put in to this project.
I will be purchasing this nice little utility when it arrives since I’m already itching for some really cool themes for Windows 7. I have been running it for over 3 months now as my full time OS and have already begun to become less than placated with the appearance.
Put me down for the lifetime subscription bro. :)
This sounds fantastic, finally there will be a no-nonsense and affordable way to theme Windows without replacing system files by hand and without the overhead of an engine like WindowBlinds (which has a lot of bloated themes, another reason why I don’t use it). For $8 USD, I’ll definitely spring for Premium. :)
Hi i think this is a great idea, and the prices are great, just one thing i would like is to have a limit of no less of 10 PC installs! PLEASE!
Buen dia!
I e-mailed you a while back, but you didn’t seem to answer (I noted that you might be very busy and that you might have several hundreds of e-mails, but it’s been a long time). The site looks professional, but the service could be questionable. I plan on buying and hopefully it’ll easier to get in contact with you when some green is involved.
Paying for something that millions of programmers can replicate (Speaking of the Customization Community in general), very easily is not going to work my friend. I can assure you they will come up with an alternative which is free. Look at Winmatrix.com, some talented programmers already discussing this in the forums. There is a answer already for your infamous “Windows Aero Naming Convention”, the program Deskhack might be reworked to include Windows 7.
My Advice:
Make UxStyle Core free and put a donation link up. This would let the Customization Community feel you are sympathetic in the belief that we all do this because we like making themes, we like customizing our windows, we like sharing our work and that it should not cost someone a premium for these beliefs.
For UxStyle Premium, you should rethink the pricing. Why rethink Pricing? Your not mailing out a disc to people (More of a headache and cost for you), I assume this would be a simple download. which would make it more universal appealing to people. They wont have an issue spending some dollars on a more complete and supported program, as opposed to the free version and they get there hands on it right way via download.
Thanks for the comments, guys. I posted this update two days ago @ WinMatrix (http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=23241&st=15) and just updated the article here.
First off, I’m a firm believer in Brad Wardell’s thoughts of pirates. Just ignore them. There will always be people out there that won’t pay for your software, regardless of how cheap, so don’t waste time thinking about it.
That said, after posting that article on Within Windows, I sat down with some more people and thought about it some more. While I would love to recoup lost time and money in the short-term, I came to the conclusion that doing so by charging for UxStyle Core was not in best interests of everyone. Charging for the basic SKU would spawn a thousand different “uxtheme repositories”, which isn’t what I (or you) want. You can see evidence of this already happening (user: Lord Devrexster doing some evil research).
So some new points to consider:
* UxStyle Core will be free. No adware, crippledware, etc. I will throw up a donate link for those that would like to thank me for spending months and months of time and money on this. No obligation of course (you better sleep with the light on, though)
* UxStyle Premium, to be created/released later, will not be free. Anything I have to sit and think about will be thrown into this SKU, e.g. auto-updating. I’d be happy to send some sort of disc I could sign and you could idolize.
* UxStyle will page itself out to disk when idle (99%+), freeing memory. The impact to resources is negligible so don’t even start with me on memory usage vs. disk patching.
* Patched Uxthemes will not be continued.
I think this should satisfy everyone for now.
It seems like a great idea Rafael, I’m looking forward to it.
WOW! Free for core? That was unexpected! Thank you for that! You didn’t have go and do that lol. :)
@Rafael I agree with Brad Wardell as well. The best course of action is to notify hosting sites to be on the lookout for it being uploaded and let it be at that. :) He and I had a chat a long time ago about this subject when it came to Vistadreams. It just is a futile effort. Pirates always find a way lol. However, if you put your faith in the majority of people out there, it tends to be that the majority of customers are honest enough to pay for the product if it is good enough (in hopes of future updates and support). :)
I will purchase the premium version if it gives me the ability to easily change Windows 7’s boot screen (Like you can in the registry with build 7057). I know I can change the wallpaper easy enough however having a tool do so would be nice as well. Maybe with this feature you could have it set so that it won’t modify any system files if you just want to change that wallpaper.
First of all, I would like to say that your ideas and works are great. congratulations. On the right hand, let me tell you that your software should never be free because it is your time and you should get a benefit from it. now, on the other hand, do not make your premium software exceeding the $4.99 because there are many people in foreign countries who will make a great effort to buy it but currencies exchanges increase daily against USD. I hope you can understand what I’m talking about. I wish you the best of success. Thank you.
8 bucks for ~10 machines sounds good to me. Who really needs to do more than that? If they do just drop another 8 bucks. Where do i send my CC info?
Maybe you could setup the site similar to some beta programs in which they track which machines you have activated their software (your own personal code for generating a machine ID) on for a limited number of activations and then via the web interface the end user can keep track of the activated machines and even deactivate ones no longer in use to free up some of their X number of available activations. At that point you could possibly drop 4-5 machines per $8, I dont think even that is too much to ask, when such functionality is in place.
——————-
and to folks thinking this will be hacked if its not free thats highly unlikely. This is Rafael we are talking about. Hes not God, but pretty close to a programing god. All he would have to do is integrity checks and some server side check for account / activation status and its sealed. Besides anyone hacking it would find it not worth the time because he isn’t charging you out the nose. The price he is suggesting is low enough to make hacking it petty, guilty, and worthless.
I will gladly pay for a solid and well tested solution going forward. I recognize your time and hard work, and I’d certainly be willing to pay a nominal fee for that. I think $10 or less for maybe 2-3 machines would be reasonable, and I’d love to beta test if you need testers. :)
for offline uxtheme patching and unattended solutions we need patched files too. please dont stop patched files option. we need it relly. mostly i dont liked ever windowsblinds kiind of software because i always try to keep the system as clean as it can be. dont want extra services and software work at background.
About time, good luck with this :)
but deepxw who created TCP-Z (TCP/IP patch) offers the Universal Theme Patcher at no cost (latest version supports Windows 7 version7068)…
http://deepxw.blogspot.com
i think charging is a great idea, especially if the cost is low, someone had mentioned 8$. I wouldn’t even give it a second though. Infact I think you should charge a low fee, and put ads up like someone else had mentioned. I mean you don’t have to clutter them, but any extra bit of revenue to help some good developers is a great thing. Good Luck! and I’ll be awaiting a release.
@Rafael:
“* Patched Uxthemes will not be continued.”
I see your doing a microsoft move.
Forcing you product on users by not updating the Patched Uxthemes.
I guess money makes all people go evil….that’s humans for ya, and people still wonder why aliens avoid this place…
“And yet again evil as won and corrupted yet another soul and once again I stand alone protecting the ‘little people’ against the evil in this world…..” – my conscious
oh wait, “UxStyle Core will be free”, getting better…BUT yet another thing eating up my cpu cycles, ram, harddrive space, yes every byte counts !!
Think all this pain because microsoft put a block in, sooo anyone still thinks mircosoft thinks about there users ?
too much ?
my rant for the day…done
Oh no, your poor 1mb of disk space and less than 1mb of memory. Boo hoo. Go cry to someone else.
I gotta tell ya, you may or may not have luck with this. I truly hope you do! But i only use freeware, so my apologies i won’t be buying!
i truly wish you the very best of luck! i will point my friends in your direction
Free rulez , we will just wait for someone else to patch them…
Free, is the word
http://niwradsoft.blogspot.com/2009/04/niwradsoft-uxtheme-patcher-11.html There we go, now wait for the x64 version, (and its free)
Free rulez ;)
[...] http://www.withinwindows.com/2009/03/20/uxstyle-out-with-the-old-in-with…; [...]
[...] http://www.withinwindows.com/2009/03/20/uxstyle-out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new/ [...]
[...] http://www.withinwindows.com/2009/03/20/uxstyle-out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new/ [...]
All the folks up there who’re opposed to the idea of u charging for the premium version should be ASHAMED of themselves.
Not only are you(Rafael) providing the core version free, you are the Reason these folks have been able use uxtheme patches all this while, & you are the reason they’re become so used to getting it free, now they don’t wanna pay…
By the way everyone who wants premium for free, why don’t you folks install linux… Forget windows themes… Dunno how you folks have windows in the first place without paying for it…(Mebbe you didn’t) But it really sucks that you folks can deny what someone really deserves..whose hand you’ve been eating out of for years…
Anyway,
All the best Rafael… Your site is great… A Salute to you & your work… I’ll surely pay for the premium… Cheers
Good work Raf, I still have builds of this thing from years back when you first started working on it.. I’ll buy it even if I dont end up using it :)
[...] You can read more about UxStyle at Within Windows. [...]
Can’t wait for the premium version. You deserve compensation for the years of work you have done for all of us.
[...] Neowin, Within Windows. Tema utilizado na screenshot: Aero Hilled 7077 por alkhan. Print Friendly Deskmod, msstyle, [...]
[...] Within Windows, donde tienen un post muy completo (en [...]
[...] sea riesgoso. Y es por eso que Rafael Rivera decidió seguir otro camino (el cual pueden leer detalladamente aquí) y, en lugar de modificar archivos de sistema, es un servicio que se mantiene corriendo en nuestro [...]
[...] March, I announced that my unsigned theme patch-less vision was being realized. Today, I’m happy to let everyone know beta bits of UxStyle Core are now available for public [...]
[...] a va da o idee despre ce este UxStyle Core, incepeti prin a citi istoria. Pe vremea lui XP, puteam modifica un fisier numit Uxtheme.dll pentru a adauga temele .msstyles [...]
I’ve spent a couple days looking at themes and trying to figure out how to use them, just to get blocked at the last instant because I’m running a stupid new service pack.
I’d love to have a supported style sytem that works in a reasonable fashion under XP (and potential new builds/packs/releases), and I absolutely do not mind paying for it. Considering the time I’ve spent/wasted until finding this site, if the system works as you outline, there’s no price you could sanely choose that wouldn’t be a bargain.
I’ve spent my time in service industries, so I know most customers want more-cheaper-faster, no matter how must you’ve given in the past. In fact, they get used to being treated well and rebel with surprising ferocity if you lean toward making a reasonable return.
I want this product, dammit! I earn a living, rather than an allowance, so I’m looking forward to pitching in on your premium release and helping you continue the effort.
To: “The one god left behind”
First: Stay stuck in the past. It’s the reason for all the junk backward compatibility we have today because of your very statement.
I can’t WAIT till Windows goes x64 only. Then your poor pathetic butt will really be crying.
If your 486 can’t handle all the new stuff coming out, then stop complaining and upgrade, or are you too cheap/poor. Maybe you shouldn’t own a PC in the first place.
For all of you complaining about the foot print of this app, I say….
Huh??? You can’t afford another stick of RAM? Can’t afford a 500G or better HDD?
Ohhhh,,, too many pirated HD/BD Movies and Games resting on your system. Hmm,, sucks to be you.
Raf, as long as your app is stable and doesn’t cause me problems, actually works, and there are good themes, doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, and doesn’t phone home unless it is auto-updating (which should be able to be disabled). I realize the consequence of having it possibly break due to MS patching.
Thanks for your time and effort Raf.
[...] March, I announced that my unsigned theme patch-less vision was being realized. Today, I’m happy to let everyone know beta bits of UxStyle Core are now available for public [...]
i won’t be buying it.. tell Microsoft to stop being assholes. patching the uxtheme is a stupid and retarded shit idea in the first place, if it wasn’t for ass clowns at Microsoft we wouldn’t have had to patch it in the first place.
[...] 2: UxStyle Core will be free [...]
$8 is good, even $10 is acceptable for lifetime use per machine. But please don’t do what so many others like Stardock does — if you charge $29.95 no one will buy it and only pirate it. It’ll ruin you. Think like Apple or Canonical and go with the economy of the small; you’ll find that more people are willing to buy it that way — even with a few asshats saying “I’ll never buy anything” and expecting you to convince MicroSoft to change their structure to fit your own needs. I am certain that if, say, 1000 of us pay you $10 each a year, $10G will more than cover your costs. And I am certain that it’ll be more than just 1000 of us…
edit: I should have said “1000 of us a year pay you $10 each” meaning 1000 new users a year rather than paying every year.
The most reliable work on the Internet!
This work – work on the Internet. With it the unexperienced user will consult even. It is the MOST RELIABLE way well to earn from any other variants offered on sites. Why the reliable? Yes because‚ having read it to the end (do not regret 5 minutes!!!)‚ you will understand‚ in what SENSE of action of the given system and, accordingly, real earnings that it not next «deceit»‚ and system which really WORKS!!! For good money reception, of course, it is necessary to work well how to be told‚ free cheese only in a mousetrap‚ but all your work will be is made without leaving the house‚ is exclusive behind the computer.
I offer you system about which and itself first was sceptical. However‚ in difference from many similar offers‚ it WORKS!!! Everything written more low‚ I the same as also you once read for the first time‚ but all having considered‚ I have made a choice and here, as you can see, I am engaged in it.
For undertaking of your “business” you will need to spend only 7 dollar. Believe‚ it not «deceit»‚ and these 7 dollar will not go to my pocket or a pocket developer the given system. Why? You will understand‚ having read the given information up to the end.
Whether you if someone tells will believe‚ what it is possible to earn some thousand dollars for 3-4 weeks at an investment of all 7 dollar? At once I warn‚ your income depends on your efforts and time spent by you! Certainly‚ I do not promise to you that dollars will fall down at once on you a rain‚ at first you will earn on 4-10 dollar a day‚ and can and in a week. But here the main diligence and diligence‚ and then – PATIENCE‚ and already same 4 dollar you will earn not for a week‚ and it is possible to tell for FEW SECONDS! And in a week at you it will already turn out 3-5 thousand!!! Probably and it is more‚ once again I repeat that it will depend on your diligence and spent time.
That is primary from you it is required‚ so it: to create a purse in payment system Liberty reserve (as it to make‚ it is painted in the instruction more low). To fill up a purse on 7 dollar. Then to list on on seven purses (their numbers are specified in the instruction more low). I assure you‚ these 7 dollar you precisely in any way do not lose‚ because they to you to return‚ and even to hundred‚ in thousand times more‚ YOU are convinced Of IT‚ when will understand SENSE of the GIVEN SYSTEM of earnings‚ having read the given information up to the end. I warn‚ money at you will appear not in the first put‚ and can at all in the second and not in the third. But it is not necessary to lower hands since 7 dollar you already will lose yours (as you will suspect that moment)‚ simply operate with accuracy under the instruction and all will turn out‚ I promise to you! I at this stage too have faced it when has given 7 dollar‚ did all with accuracy as is told in the instruction‚ and any money to me did not come. But I especially was not upset‚ because initially suspected that it «deceit»‚ means itself and is guilty. But only in couple of weeks I have found out the first (the truth‚ at first insignificant) receipts on my purse. It was 4 dollar. Well‚ has calmed myself that I at least not 7 dollar have lost‚ and to 4 me though have returned. Well through a week has once again looked in a purse‚ expected there to see at least next 4 dollar‚ but my surprise when I have found out that in me in a purse 220 dollar was great! These are mine 7 dollar have returned to me in **** the multiple size!!!! I at first have thought that it is any error that all this purse in general a lie and money in it artificial. But it was convinced of the return when held this money which has been removed from a purse‚ already cash. And with each week the sum of a purse increased in a geometrical progression!! Why? You will understand‚ having read the information up to the end.
And now I will tell to you how it works and‚ the most important thing‚ why? I promise to you that if you in accuracy will observe more low listed instructions you will start to receive much more money‚ than you thought‚ without applying on it special efforts. Follow the instruction‚ and money will start to arrive on your purse. And‚ the most important thing that illegal in it is not present anything! All Legally. An abstract mathematics. And your contribution makes only 7 dollar. You than do not risk‚ but it works and works SUCCESSFULLY!
And so that you should make:
1 STEP: to Come on system Liberty site reserve to the address http://www.libertyreserve.com Familiarize with the given system and as it works.
- be registered! Registration in system liberty reserve will occupy what that time, read reports of information., and also observe registration rules.
Further it is necessary to fill up the account on 7 dollar. Before it read with ways of replenishment: http://www.libertyreserve.com “ways of input usd”. To fill up the account‚ choose any way of replenishment offered by system convenient for you. (For me, for example, the most convenient way is purse replenishment through terminals‚ I think‚ now in any city they are. Now it is necessary to translate on 1 dollar on each of more low listed purses‚ At transfer of money to each of purses‚ in the field it is NECESSARY to write “Note” «I ask to enter me in the list liberty reserve» (without inverted commas) and then network moderators will include you in system.
1. U7627633
2. U0727036
3. U5486455
4. U2507267
5. U9257038
6. U9339021
7. U5611219
– Now ATTENTION! Delete from this list the FIRST (TOP) purse and move on its place a purse‚ which at number 2. Then the THIRD – to the place of the second‚ the FOURTH – to the place of the third . Under figure 7 now it is empty. Enter there number of the purse!
- I repeat‚ you necessarily should send on each of 7 purses on 1 dollar‚ differently network moderators liberty reserve you simply not will are included in system.
- Now the most important thing. Given article (already with number of your purse in 7th line) needs to be placed on various sites‚ forums etc. the Primary goal – to find new clients‚ but already for itself. That your income was essential‚ it is necessary to place given article at not less than 200 forums‚ news lines and work sites.Than it is more – that above your income. Placing of this article at 200 forums guarantees to you the income of $3000 in a current of two months. It is a minimum! It is more than placings – more income, thus, in a geometrical progression‚ it is already necessary for YOU!!!
A little bit I will explain‚ as well as why you in any case win‚ and the 7 dollar can precisely return! We will tell‚ from 200 placings I will receive only 5 answers. I.e. it is 5 people will become interested in this announcement and will send on 1 dollar on purses. My number of a purse is in announcements of these people on 7 positions‚ therefore I will earn 5 dollar. (Very small sum). Now these 5 people do 200 placings of the given announcement (my purse already on 6th position since they have moved the list for the line upwards and on 7th position the purses have entered). And only on 5 people answer that first 5‚ it already 25 dollar. Further these do 25 people on 200 placings (with my purse on 5th position) and only 5 answer‚ my income already 125 dollar. Now these 125 people‚ having placed and having received only 5 answers‚ give to me 625 dollar. Further‚ these do 625 people also on 200 placings and even if it will be answered only with 5 people‚ I already from it have 3125 dollar. Further‚ these 3125 people will make 200 placings‚ and it will be answered only with five I already receive 15625 dollar (my purse on 2nd positions). Now these will make 15625 people even on 200 placings and it are answered with 5 persons‚ it is 78125 dollar! Impressive figure‚ whether not so? If do not trust‚ count all it on the calculator! And such here the figure at you will turn out even in the event that will answer on 5 persons‚ and if on 10? Represent‚ how it will increase?!! You think‚ what people will not answer such announcement? And think that THOUSAND people from every corner of the globe join the Internet and read these articles every day the same as also you now read this! So the quantity of new users will grow still for a long time. Already on some sites there are articles of this kind. And it means that the given SYSTEM WORKS!!!
When you already will be on 1st position‚ and then and at all take off from the list‚ it will be necessary to send again on the data of 7 purses 7 dollar again to appear on 7th line (all to make‚ as well as did in the beginning with moving of purses on a line above). I think already now these 7 dollar will not be for you the big money with your income!!!
One more moment: Some people have started to write that already tested in this kind of earnings and receipts was a little‚ or was not in general‚ asserting that forums dazzle with announcements with their articles. It not so! It is the most effective and reliable system for today. The participant earns nothing only in 2-uh cases: 1) If he has sent article less‚ than on 50 forums; 2) If it is dishonest.
If YOU do not list on 1 dollar on 7 purses‚ you simply WILL not be included in system libertyreserve the purses‚ accordingly on the purse you do not receive any receipts.
The same will occur‚ if will start to subtilize and enter the purses. Because to deceive system of registration of the list liberty reserve purses it is impossible‚ and it is not favourable. Each computer has a name‚ each person has nameplate data‚ and at purse installation the computer name is fixed. Believe to me that inventors of system HAVE considered ALL! So at fair participants no problems will exist.
Still I will tell about some nuances of placing of article on sites.
- We open a search engine ‚ Google.com‚ yahoo.com etc.)
- We write in a line of search a phrase «work to add vacancy» (without inverted commas)
It is possible simply “work”‚ and there already on a site will find «to add vacancy»
- Thousand pages references on which result on millions various sites and the forums devoted to a theme “work” will open. Be not frightened‚ if on a site where you have wanted to place the announcement‚ already there are similar. It once again confirms that the given system works!
- Enter into fields the data. It is possible to bring them the same as they are brought for this article. Vacancy placing – specify: other fields of activity‚ an information technology or the Internet. A period of storage – on all 30 days. If want really big the income then put a period of storage 1 (or 3) day and send the given announcement everyone 1 (or 3) day then you will have many clients to whom you will send this file.
- One nuance concerning a field a city. You should choose ALL cities one after another‚ since the letter And and finishing J.Vy’s letter should publish announcements for EACH city. Is better‚ if you make it in one day (it will occupy 2-3 hours since sending announcements on each city‚ you will need to change only a city‚ all other data will remain) then it will be possible to forget about this site for a while‚ and then again to repeat. What for it is necessary to fill all cities. It is checked already up that when the person searches for work and comes on this site‚ he chooses the reference search of vacancies‚ there it is usually necessary to fill a field a city and if you publish article only for one city people from other cities never will see your announcement. For this reason the announcement needs to be placed for each city separately. It considerably will increase quantity of your clients and, accordingly, size of your income.
Here now you are completely acquainted with all nuances of the given system. I hope‚ the SENSE of its action to you is clear?