This website has been archived to preserve the historic record regarding 3rd party apps created to assist with the deployment and use of Windows XP. Developer credits include Mig Sumarian, Donna Limbik, and Tina Rose, who also provided the funding. I was planning on helping out with the funding, but I had an unexpected family emergency and needed to move my aging parents from Maryland to the Washington DC area where I live. Now that my parents are relocated to a lovely assisted living facility near me, I can get back to focusing on this site. Our team is still attempting to recover some of the content that is no longer available on archive.org. Microsoft also provided some of the code specific instructions posted here, and both Systems 2000 and GoDaddy provided technical support. If you use of have used any of the apps or programs mentioned here, and would like to contribute to this post, please contact us at archive@windowsx.org
Site Information
Webmaster: Windows X
Site Name: Freestyle - Unleashed
Site Version: 5.1.2903.1106
Developer Profile
First Name: Keetakawee
Last Name: Punpeng
Birth Day: 24 August 1986
Nationality: Thai
eXPerience Pack - Unleashed is advanced version of eXPerience Pack product. This version will give you more experience about XP. You can change more icons and sounds. In Unleashed, you will get more options to enhance your Windows appearance. Best is you can change Windows color to your favourite themes like schemes in appearance but now it works in all Windows and stable with Color Schemes Chooser! It will modify color registry for new color and no more for crash and hang like changing schemes. With more and more to come so you will get the best experience for Windows appearance with no utility required.
Longhorn Transformation Pack
This will update your Windows XP with Longhorn M4 GUI by adding some themes and patch system files. Check the feature list below.
Changes in Version 6.0 (Re-Release)
-Fixed Service Pack checking bugs that program didn't choose manual transformation automatically on XPSP2 and 2K3SP1
-Fixed system files problem in Windows XP without Service Pack 1
Changes in Version 6.0
-Added Avalon and WinHEC Leaf wallpaper
-Added Change system font option (with Segoe UI as choice including font file!)
-Added How to donate dialog
-Added How to transform perfectly dialog during transformation
-Added Jade, Jade (Mockup), and JadeLuna visual styles
-Added Longhorn icons mod in every options
-Added Longhorn user pictures
-Added transformation mode feature to let user replace or modify system files theirself
-Added Windows X wallpaper and user picture (Use it if you're my real fan :D)
-Added WinHEC UI transforming option
-Changed Uninstall SideBar to Disable SideBar so you can re-enable it again
-Fixed driver cache folder problem while replacing system files (boot screen didn't change or in some machines cause this)
-Fixed grammer and spelling in program
-Fixed previous operation checking script after transformed problem
-Fixed replacing system file problems for user who install Service Pack which is not slip-streamed into Setup CD
-Moved OS Checking to the first function (Solve install SP after installed Longhorn Transformation Pack and crash while rollback)
-Updated Boot Screen UI
-Updated Longhorn SideBar 4.0
:Added Aero PDC and Jade and Slate (WinHEC) skin
:Added Aero WinHEC clock
:Clock was seperated from Skins for more customizing with optimized for resizing mode (512x512 pxl)
:Fixed color problem in css
:New SideBar file structure
:New Tile mode (You can choose it during installation or maintenance)
:Updated Aero PDC (Night) clock
:Updated Neowin.net skin from Neowin Transformation Pack
:Updated SideBar layout
:Updated uninstall script to keep memo and slideshow pictures
-Updated all Logon files with Segoe UI font and graphics tuneup (Getting closer)
-Updated Longhorn visual styles
:Longhorn Aero 6.0
:Slate 5.0
-Updated system files from latest hotfixes
-Updated Transformation GUI
Changes in Version 4.0 Refresh
-Added Aero Enmeshed wallpaper
-Added Setup CD path line in dialog to notify user to eject CD in that drive or move that folder to somewhere else
-Fixed Boot Screen deselected installing problem (Cannot find ntoskrnl.exe)
-Fixed license and readme spelling and grammer
-Keep Longhorn Screensaver while uninstalling
-Minor fixes for Longhorn Keynote PDC theme in Longhorn Aero
-This time I will tell you guys about extracting only files. You can do it by add /x after command line e.g. "Longhorn Transformation Pack 4.0 Refresh.exe /x"
-Updated processing operation script (More stable and reliable)
Changes in Version 4.0
-Added Install Options dialog to let user customize installing Longhorn Transformation Pack
-Added Longhorn PDC Bliss and Aero Grass wallpaper
-Added Slate, Longhorn Aero, Plex Style MCE and Plex M3 theme
-Fixed Pre-caching system files replacement problem about boot screen while run this to configure
-Fixed install checking error problems
-Updated Longhorn SideBar 3.0 with Aero PDC skins
-Updated Slate, Longhorn Aero, Plex Style MCE, Plex Style and Plex M3 themes
-Updated shell32.dll video resources and fix pink spot bug
-Updated system files for Windows XP and Windows XP with Service Pack 1
Changes in Version 3.0
-Added Dialog Settings to let you Configure SideBar, Enable/Disable Themes service and Uninstall
-Added Longhorn M5 Screensaver
-Added Longhorn SideBar 2.0
-Added new M5 wallpapers
-Added Service Pack 2 checking script (Avoid problems for user who install on SP2)
-Changed GUI (Sleek)
-Changed Progress Dialog to M5
-Fixed system files patch script become more stable (Less errors or none)
-Updated Plex Style visual style
-Updated Windows Logon UI
Changes in Version 2.0
-Added Longhorn M3 Bliss wallpaper
-Added open visual style after restart (To notice user that can change more)
-Added Progress dialog in operation
-Added Setup files detection script
-Added Sharing Violation Test script
-Added OS detection script
-Added Themes services script
-Fixed Auto Apply Visual Style problems (Sorry, my fault)
-Fixed Longhorn screensaver picture problems
-Fixed Plex Style name
-Fixed scripts works more compatible on other PCs.
-Fixed some replace file system in Windows XP without Service Pack problems
-Fixed Start Button flag shadows
-Fixed UXTheme update in Windows XP without Service Pack
-Removed auto set ClearType after restart
-Removed icon registry settings which not used with themes
-Removed OS selection dialog
-Removed Waiting Windows File Protection... dialog (See finished dialog for info)
-Supported Windows Server 2003 build 3790
-Updated Plex Style visual style
Longhorn Transformation Pack Functions:
-This program can choose Longhorn type for each section like Start flag, Progress dialog login and ToolBar. There's Aero, M4, M6, PDC or Don't change it
-This program can customize additional installation like Longhorn SideBar and Aero ToolBar type
-This program can check Themes services to let user enable or disable this Themes.
-This program can detect setup files before run program to avoid system file replace problems
-This program can use on Windows XP build 2600 or build 2600 with SP1 build 1106 and Windows Server 2003 build 3790
-This program can test sharing violation to avoid system file replace problems
-This program will apply Plex Style with new taskbar and Longhorn screensaver after restart. You can change it yourself and choose other Plex themes and wallpapers
-This program is not recommended for multi-language edition of XP. (However, you can use it)
-This program can use rollback function by run setup again after restart (get previous OS files)
-This program can extract only files by run this program with /x after command line e.g. "Longhorn Transformation Pack 4.0 Refresh.exe /x"
Longhorn Transformation Pack Features:
-Add Longhorn Visual Style name "Plex Style" with patched UXTheme
-Add Longhorn Screensaver
-Add Longhorn wallpaper
-Change Boot Screen to unofficial Longhorn Boot Screen
-Change Logoff Panel to Longhorn button in Classic mode
-Change Logoff screen to Longhorn view
-Change LogonUI to Windows Longhorn LogonUI
-Change Shutdown screen to Longhorn view
-Change Start Panel text image in Classic mode to "Longhorn XP Professional"
-Change ToolBar to Longhorn blue ToolBar
-Change Windows flag to Blue Longhorn flag
-Change Windows flag to Longhorn flag in Start Button
-Change Windows XP's brand in About Windows to Longhorn XP Professional
-Change Working screen (Like Logoff and Shutdown) to Longhorn view
Legal Issues
1. You can install this patch to any computer as you want.
2. You can give this patch to your friends or company within personal use.
3. You cannot sell, rent or use this product and any material which in this patch in commercial.
4. You cannot redistribute any file which comes from this patch without my permission.
5. You cannot use any material in this patch and public through internet, website, e-mail or somewhere else without my permission.
More Background on WindowsX.org
WindowsX.org was once a prominent unofficial resource for Windows XP enthusiasts, providing a wealth of information, tools, and modifications for Microsoft's iconic operating system. Although the site is no longer active, its impact on the Windows XP community during its heyday was significant. This article delves into the history, content, and legacy of WindowsX.org, exploring its role in the broader context of Windows XP's enduring popularity.
Origins and Purpose
WindowsX.org emerged in the early 2000s, shortly after the release of Windows XP in 2001. The website was created by a group of passionate Windows enthusiasts who saw the need for a centralized hub of information and resources for the new operating system. At a time when official Microsoft documentation was often sparse or difficult to navigate, WindowsX.org aimed to fill the gap by providing user-friendly guides, tutorials, and tools for customizing and optimizing Windows XP.
Content and Features
The website offered a wide range of content catering to both novice and advanced users:
Customization Tools: WindowsX.org was particularly known for its collection of transformation packs and visual style modifications. These allowed users to dramatically alter the appearance of Windows XP, often mimicking the look of future or conceptual Windows versions.
Tweaking Guides: Detailed tutorials on optimizing Windows XP performance, adjusting hidden settings, and troubleshooting common issues were a cornerstone of the site's content.
Software Library: The site maintained a curated collection of freeware and open-source applications compatible with Windows XP, often focusing on system utilities and productivity tools.
Forums: An active community forum allowed users to share tips, ask for help, and discuss all aspects of Windows XP usage and modification. News and Updates: WindowsX.org kept its audience informed about the latest Windows XP updates, security patches, and relevant technology news.
Popularity and Impact
At its peak, WindowsX.org attracted a significant following within the Windows enthusiast community. The site's popularity was driven by several factors:
Long-term relevance of Windows XP: As Windows XP remained Microsoft's flagship operating system for an extended period (2001-2007 officially, with usage continuing well beyond), WindowsX.org maintained its relevance for many years.
Customization culture: The early 2000s saw a surge in interest for OS customization, with users seeking to personalize their desktop experiences. WindowsX.org catered directly to this trend.
Technical support: The site's forums and guides provided valuable troubleshooting assistance at a time when official support channels were often limited or difficult to access.
Nostalgia factor: As Windows XP aged, the site became a hub for users who preferred the older OS or needed to maintain legacy systems.
Controversies and Challenges
Despite its popularity, WindowsX.org faced several challenges throughout its existence:
Legal concerns: Some of the modification tools and techniques shared on the site operated in a gray area regarding Microsoft's terms of service. This occasionally led to takedown requests or legal scrutiny.
Security risks: While the site aimed to provide safe downloads, the nature of system modifications always carried some risk. Some users reported issues after applying certain tweaks or transformation packs.
Misinformation: As with many community-driven sites, not all information shared on WindowsX.org was entirely accurate. This sometimes led to conflicts between users or the spread of ineffective "optimization" techniques.
The Decline of WindowsX.org
Several factors contributed to the eventual decline and closure of WindowsX.org:
Windows XP end-of-life: Microsoft officially ended support for Windows XP in 2014, leading to a gradual decrease in the OS's user base and, consequently, interest in XP-focused resources.
Shift in online communities: The rise of social media platforms and more modern forums drew users away from traditional websites like WindowsX.org.
Improved official resources: Microsoft's own support channels and documentation improved significantly over time, reducing the need for third-party information hubs.
Changing customization landscape: Newer versions of Windows became increasingly locked down, making the deep system modifications that WindowsX.org specialized in more difficult or impossible.
Legacy and Influence
While WindowsX.org is no longer active, its influence can still be seen in various aspects of the Windows community:
Preservation efforts: Enthusiasts have worked to archive portions of WindowsX.org's content, recognizing its historical value in documenting Windows XP's customization scene.
Inspiration for newer projects: The site's approach to providing user-friendly tweaking guides and tools has inspired similar projects for more recent Windows versions.
Nostalgia and retro computing: As interest in retro computing grows, resources like WindowsX.org are being rediscovered by enthusiasts looking to explore or recreate the Windows XP experience.
Cultural Significance
WindowsX.org played a role in shaping the broader culture around Windows customization and enthusiast communities:
Democratization of OS modification: The site helped popularize the idea that users could take control of their operating system's appearance and functionality, beyond what was officially sanctioned.
Community-driven support: WindowsX.org exemplified the power of user communities in providing technical support and sharing knowledge, a model that has become increasingly common in the tech world.
Preservation of digital history: The site's extensive documentation of Windows XP tweaks and modifications serves as a valuable record of early 2000s computing practices and interests.
WindowsX.org stands as a testament to the passionate community that formed around Windows XP, one of the most influential operating systems in computing history. While the site itself may be gone, its legacy lives on in the continued interest in OS customization, the thriving online tech support communities, and the ongoing nostalgia for the Windows XP era. As we reflect on WindowsX.org, we're reminded of the important role that unofficial, community-driven resources play in shaping our interactions with technology and fostering a spirit of exploration and customization in the digital world.