Trouble with transparency using uxtheme.dll

[que]

I recently tried using a modified uxtheme.dll from here http://themes.belchfire.net/uxtheme_files/SP1/5.1.2600.1106.rar

Using WinXPro SP1. I can use almost all themes fine, with no problems. Kinda have two questions :x

First, I'm not sure why I can't get transparency to work on themes, such as http://themes.belchfire.net/themes_file-2048.html. Tried googling it and messsing with my video card settings, but I haven't been able to accomplish anything. I'd rather try to keep from using software on my system (ie starskin, stylexp, etc)

Second, I've noticed the skins come in two different types files: "Windows Visual Style File" and "Windows Theme File". The Visual Styles just seem to change the coloring of the current theme. Windows Theme files seem to do quite a bit more (plus I can access them through my Display properties). Anyway, is what I'm saying correct?

And is anything I said confusing? I'm not usually very good at explaining thigns :X

 

[dreamliner77]

Probaly bad design of the theme...

 

[que]

Is there anything special I need for transparency? Maybe some video card setting I need to change? I honestly can't seem to get transparency to work with any theme or visual style.

 

[que]

Y'z Shadow

Ah, I found out what I needed. In the screenshots I've seen from others, they use a program called Y'z Shadow

 

[muzikool]

You found it before I got here, but you are correct that Y'z Shadow is necessary for the transparency. A VS or theme can't do that on its own.