XPize – Make your XP look like Windows Vista!
XPize is a GUI enhancer which gives a complete makeover to Windows XP or Windows 2003. XPize tries to enhance the GUI in such a fashion that it gives the look Windows Vista. It makes use of task switcher XP to give that not so Aero experience but still better than the old ALT+Tab dull looking feature. Let’s look at the PROS and CONS of XPize :
PROS of XPize :
1. Makes XP look almost like Windows Vista : XPize is good enough in its work that it almost makes XP look like Vista. The color scheme or you may say the theme of Vista is almost achieved (by almost I’ll say that it makes it look 90%). Any one will feel that you’ve switched to Vista but you can still relish yourself without worrying about the extra security measures which won’t help you run your favorite programs, until they become compatible with Vista.
2. Changes the Logon Screen & Boot Load screen, etc. : Apart from the default look, it also takes care of the Logon screen, boot load screen, screen saver, wallpaper (not big deal) but overall look gives the feel of updated version of Windows.
3. Lot of options while installing : XPize gives you lot of options while installation and some are really helpful. It gives you the option of simple installation or if you actually fall in love with this software then it gives you the option of patching the Windows Installation so that next time you install the windows, you don’t have to worry about installing XPize. It also creates the System Restore point to ensure that in case anything goes bad (remember, it’s a Beta version) then you can safely roll back to the settings which were working for you.
It also allows you to customize the un-installer in a way that you can restore all the settings like wallpaper, screen saver and similar things to ensure that you don’t lose the settings in case you decide to un-install it.
CONS of XPize :
1. Fails to uninstall it properly : I tried to un-install it and unfortunately it didn’t do the work properly. It restored all the settings but it failed to reduce the size of the icons which became bigger on the installation and some configuration. Eventually, I had to use the System restore point to get everything back, the way I wanted.
2. Doesn’t give much options and themes : It just has one default theme (with no option of installing more) and just didn’t give too many options to customize the look and feel.
Software Version & Summary :
Version : 4.7 (Beta 2)
Licence : Free
Limitations : None
Homepage : XPize
OS Required : Windows XP (32 Bit edition only), Windows 2003
Overall Review & Views :
XPize is a nice GUI enhancer which is available for free. Although, it doesn’t have much options at this point of time but hopefully by seeing the way it has improved and that it includes new features with every release, we can expect more and more features to be included in future releases. It does the task well and works as advertised.
Have you tried XPize ? If yes, then please share your thoughts and tell us that how will you rate this software.
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