Change theme in Windows XP or Windows 7 (silently)

Question

could you please help me?

What I need is a method to change the theme on a Windows machine without prompting the user with the display properties (personalization) window. The themechange should apply a .theme file from the c:\windows\resources\themes\ directory and NOT apply a new .msstyles. Method should only apply a .theme file. I have just been unable to find a way to apply the theme without causing the personalization window to appear. To emphasize, I dont want to solve this via scripts or macros. And also, closing the window via "sendkeys" is not an option, because it will still be seen momentarily.

Maybe there is a way out through WINAPI function or simple registry hack? Please, give me advice. Thank you.

Best regards

Answer 1

'Script name: yourtheme.vbs
'Object: Automate without command prompt the application of a Windows Theme by a VB script
'
'SCRIPT CONTENTS:
'Define Variables : 

    Set ShellApp = CreateObject("Shell.Application")
    Set WsShell = CreateObject("Wscript.Shell")


'
'Define path for your file theme (put it on a network share and don't forget to apply "read and execute" ACL for your Users)

    Theme = "typeyoursharepath\typeyourtheme.theme"
    Theme = """" + Theme + """"


'Open Display Properties Windows, Select your theme and apply with keep focus on Windows

    ShellApp.ControlPanelItem cstr("desk.cpl desk,@Themes /Action:OpenTheme /file:" & Theme)
    Wscript.Sleep 100
    WsShell.SendKeys "{ENTER}"
    While WsShell.AppActivate ("Display Properties") = TRUE
        WsShell.AppActivate "Display Properties"
    Wend

'In case of problem try to use a timeout value more important like "Wscript.Sleep 2000"
'END OF SCRIPT 

'NOTES:
'APPLIED SUCCESSFULLY ON WINDOWS XP AND WINDOWS SERVER 2003R2 X86   AND UNDER CITRIX XENAPP 4.6FP7 (OS: W2003R2X86 SP2) TO APPLY WINDOWS EMBEDDED THEME WITH BLUE BACKGROUND COLOR MORE LIGHT. 
'LOOKS GREAT ON CITRIX SESSION USER!
'INTEGRATED IN USER CONFIG GPO AT USER LOGON UNDER CITRIX XENAPP.

Answer 2

I don't think there is a native way to change Windows 7's (and windows 8's) theme silently, but you can try to use winaero theme switcher. you can read about and download it here.