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--- lb:windows [2025-05-22 07:49:15] – [Software Recommendations] ninjasr
+++ lb:windows [2025-05-29 07:45:35] (current) – [Seelen-UI] ninjasr
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 ==== Cairo Desktop ====
-First, Cairo. I used Cairo regularly for a few years because I didn't like the Windows 10 taskbar (or even my customized start menu, honestly), so I know a bit about it. Cairo is a very restrictive Shell, in that you don't have a lot of customization options...well, you can skin it, but there aren't many custom themes available for it, because nobody uses it. I tried to look into skinning and, honestly, I didn't get it. Maybe if I dedicated some time, I might be able to figure it out, but it isn't exactly straightforward. Though what you //do// get is something that is fairly polished. It's pleasant to use, despite its limitations...and the Programs Menu it provides is just nice.\\  Cairo can be run on top of the Explorer shell, but it also has the option of just straight-up replacing the it...which means Explorer doesn't even load upon a log-in. I would not recommend replacing the Shell, as Cairo just isn't good enough to be used like that yet...and you'd need to replace File Explorer, because you ain't running that. Also, none of the wallpaper software will work, so you'll have to set the wallpaper yourself using the Cairo settings.\\  On top of all that, development is slow.\\
+First, Cairo. I used Cairo regularly for a few years because I didn't like the Windows 10 taskbar (or even my customized start menu, honestly), so I know a bit about it. Cairo is a very restrictive Shell, in that you don't have a lot of customization options...well, you can skin it, but there aren't many custom themes available for it, because nobody uses it. I tried to look into skinning and, honestly, I didn't get it. Maybe if I dedicated some time, I might be able to figure it out, but it isn't exactly straightforward. Though what you //do// get is something that is fairly polished. It's pleasant to use, despite its limitations...and the Programs Menu it provides is just nice.\\  Cairo can be run on top of the Explorer shell, but it also has the option of just straight-up replacing it...which means Explorer doesn't even load upon a log-in. I would not recommend replacing the Shell, as Cairo just isn't good enough to be used like that yet...and you'd need to replace File Explorer, because you ain't running that. Also, none of the wallpaper software will work, so you'll have to set the wallpaper yourself using the Cairo settings.\\  On top of all that, development is slow.\\
 ==== Seelen-UI ====
-Now for Seelen. I briefly tried Seelen and, honestly, wasn't too impressed. Then again, I don't like Linux, so something intended to replicate it will not appeal to me.\\  Unlike Cairo, Seelen can only run on top of Windows, which means that it is not as resource-efficient. Also, unlike Cairo...it's just not as resource-efficient.\\  It is theoretically way more customizable than Cairo but, just like Cairo, this is not as straightforward as it could be. Also also, tracking down custom themes has been difficult for me.\\  It's more of a ‘make Win11 better’ than ‘make Win10 better’ applications. I don't have much else to say about it.
+Now for Seelen. I briefly tried Seelen and, honestly, wasn't too impressed. Then again, I don't like Linux, so something intended to replicate it will not appeal to me.\\  Unlike Cairo, Seelen can only run on top of Windows, which means that it is not as resource-efficient. Also, unlike Cairo...it's just not as resource-efficient.\\  It is theoretically way more customizable than Cairo but, just like Cairo, this is not as straightforward as it could be. Also also, tracking down custom themes has been difficult for me.\\  It's more of a ‘make Win11 better’ than ‘make Win10 better’ application. I don't have much else to say about it.
 ==== Other Shells ====
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 }}]
-The picture on the right shows the themes in the list. A text file is included with the download which lets you decide which to go for.\\  **However**, this will not restore the aero glass effect. To do that, you need to install either [[https://github.com/Maplespe/DWMBlurGlass|DWMBlurGlass]] or [[https://github.com/ALTaleX531/OpenGlass|OpenGlass]]. You should use DWM instead of OpenGlass and, if you do choose OpenGlass, pick ‘legacy’. But, again, you should choose DWM – even the developer of OpenGlass recommends DWM.\\  After setting up DWM (not that hard), you'll want to enable the Aero option and the two Windows 7 options...or you don't have to, if you don't want to...but it's for that //authentic look//.\\  After setting it up and enabling the theme, the glass effect should be working. Yay!\\  Now you'll want to install [[https://msfn.org/board/topic/170375-oldnewexplorer-119/|OldNewExplorer]] and [[https://winclassic.net/thread/1971/aerexplorer|Aerexplorer]]. The latter is available through Windhawk (which you also need). This is to properly restore the look of the Windows Vista/7 File Explorer, as well as adding a few more features.\\  Next, you'll want to install [[https://github.com/Open-Shell/Open-Shell-Menu|Open-Shell]] and [[https://github.com/dremin/RetroBar|RetroBar]]. RetroBar does not currently have a Windows 7 skin, but it's somewhere on the horizon. For restoring the Windows 7 taskbar more accurately...hold that though, that's for the more //advanced// stuff.\\  For Open-Shell, download and install [[https://github.com/EJSnow/Windows-7-skin|this]] per the instructions. I haven't found a Vista one, though you can check [[https://winclassic.net|WinClassic]].\\  Finally, for icons, you'll want to use [[https://get-ntmu.github.io/|this]] and then use the [[https://get-ntmu.github.io/#!/pack/pane7|Pane7]]. It's comprehensive and restores the icons perfectly. **Or**, you can use [[https://winclassic.net/thread/2881/windows-7-resource-redirect-theme|this]] together with [[https://windhawk.net/mods/icon-resource-redirect|this]] to restore the icons instead.\\  Now you've got the basic look down...so is there more you can do? Yes.\\
+The picture on the right shows the themes in the list. A text file is included with the download which lets you decide which to go for.\\  **However**, this will not restore the aero glass effect. To do that, you need to install either [[https://github.com/Maplespe/DWMBlurGlass|DWMBlurGlass]] or [[https://github.com/ALTaleX531/OpenGlass|OpenGlass]]. You should use DWM instead of OpenGlass and, if you do choose OpenGlass, pick ‘legacy’. But, again, you should choose DWM – even the developer of OpenGlass recommends DWM.\\  After setting up DWM (not that hard), you'll want to enable the Aero option and the two Windows 7 options...or you don't have to, if you don't want to...but it's for that //authentic look//.\\  After setting it up and enabling the theme, the glass effect should be working. Yay!\\  Now you'll want to install [[https://windhawk.net/mods/aerexplorer|Aerexplorer]]. This is to properly restore the look of the Windows Vista/7 File Explorer, as well as adding a few more features.\\  Next, you'll want to install [[https://github.com/Open-Shell/Open-Shell-Menu|Open-Shell]] and [[https://github.com/dremin/RetroBar|RetroBar]]. RetroBar does not currently have a Windows 7 skin, but it's somewhere on the horizon. For restoring the Windows 7 taskbar more accurately...hold that though, that's for the more //advanced// stuff.\\  For Open-Shell, download and install [[https://github.com/EJSnow/Windows-7-skin|this]] per the instructions. I haven't found a Vista one, though you can check [[https://winclassic.net|WinClassic]].\\  Finally, for icons, you'll want to use [[https://winclassic.net/thread/2881/windows-7-resource-redirect-theme|this]] together with [[https://windhawk.net/mods/icon-resource-redirect|this]] to restore the icons. You //can// use [[https://get-ntmu.github.io/|NTMU]] with [[https://get-ntmu.github.io/#!/pack/pane7|Pane7]], which has mostly the same effect. **However**, I experienced a few things breaking, so I recommend creating a system restore point before you apply it...then spend some time testing to make sure it's working fine. My open/save file dialogues ended up borked for reference.\\  Now you've got the basic look down...so is there more you can do? Yes.\\
 ==== Step 2: Further Configuration ====
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   * [[https://windhawk.net/mods/disable-immersive-context-menus|Disable Immersive Context Menus]]
-These all restore the look to a certain degree...but now we're moving on to the first complication: [[https://windhawk.net/mods/win7-alttab-loader|Windows 7/8.x Alt+Tab Loader]]\\  This mod requires that you locate the AltTab.dll from a Windows 7 installation (or installation ISO). Follow the instructions on the mod. Oh, right, if you want it for any language besides English, then you'll have to locate the proper localization files. If you're wondering //where// it is in the Windows 7 installation ISO, well it's in sources/install.wim...but I won't help beyond that.\\  [[https://get-ntmu.github.io/|This]] link includes a few other things you can restore. Notably: classic User Account Control; Windows 7 Ease of Access Tools; Windows 7 Network Flyout; Windows 7 Tray Icons; Windows Games Explorer.\\  All include instructions. I recommend <abbr>UAC [User Account Control]</abbr> and the Network Flyout personally. Something to keep in mind is that UAC //can// break and, in the even that happens read [[https://winclassic.net/post/30356/thread|this]] and follow the instructions.((:fn:>To boot into safe mode, just look it up online.))\\  Next you'll want the [[https://winclassic.net/thread/2946/openwithex-classic-open-dialog|Classic Open With dialog]]...I consider it a must-have.\\  The last two things I'll note here is the [[https://github.com/Ben2557/LogonVistaOrb|Logon Vista Orb]] and [[https://winclassic.net/thread/2966/authux-fully-custom-logon-ui|AuthUX]]. Of those, the latter is also a must-have, while the former is entirely optional. The latter replaces the Windows 10 logon screen with the Windows 7 logon screen. I haven't experienced any issues with it, but you should still be somewhat careful.
+These all restore the look to a certain degree...but now we're moving on to the first complication: [[https://windhawk.net/mods/win7-alttab-loader|Windows 7/8.x Alt+Tab Loader]]\\  This mod requires that you locate the AltTab.dll from a Windows 7 installation (or installation ISO). Follow the instructions on the mod. Oh, right, if you want it for any language besides English, then you'll have to locate the proper localization files. If you're wondering //where// it is in the Windows 7 installation ISO, well it's in sources/install.wim...but I won't help beyond that.\\  [[https://get-ntmu.github.io/|This]] link includes a few other things you can restore. Notably: classic User Account Control; Windows 7 Ease of Access Tools; Windows 7 Network Flyout; Windows 7 Tray Icons; Windows Games Explorer.\\  All include instructions. I recommend <abbr>UAC [User Account Control]</abbr> and the Network Flyout personally. Something to keep in mind is that UAC //can// break and, in the event that happens read [[https://winclassic.net/post/30356/thread|this]] and follow the instructions.((:fn:>To boot into safe mode, just look it up online.))\\  Next you'll want the [[https://winclassic.net/thread/2946/openwithex-classic-open-dialog|Classic Open With dialog]]...I consider it a must-have.\\  The last two things I'll note here is the [[https://github.com/Ben2557/LogonVistaOrb|Logon Vista Orb]] and [[https://winclassic.net/thread/2966/authux-fully-custom-logon-ui|AuthUX]]. Of those, the latter is also a must-have, while the former is entirely optional. The latter replaces the Windows 10 logon screen with the Windows 7 logon screen. I haven't experienced any issues with it, but you should still be somewhat careful.
 ==== Step 3: Advanced ====
-This is the point that I personally stopped, because this is where stuff starts to noticeably break. What am I referring to specifically? **explorer7**.\\  [[https://winclassic.net/thread/2588/explorer7-windows-explorer-10-11|explorer7]] is a port of the Windows 7 desktop shell (explorer) to Windows' 8, 10 and 11. So if you want a 100% accurate restoration of the Windows 7 taskbar and start menu...here it is.\\  **But** keep in mind that it's most stable on Windows 8 and 10...and, on 10, it still has several bugs and some features are missing. That link is to the thread which includes information on it. What's notable is no UWP applications (currently) work. So if you need to access Windows 10 settings, you're out of luck, since it can’t run. I assume this is just a temporary issue though. However, I use the Affinity Suite and those didn't run when I tried, so I had to switch away from it.\\  Another thing that's notable about it is that you need Windows 7 installation media to actually install it. So if you don't have that (or can’t find it on Archive.org) you're out of luck.\\  Though, in its current form, I would not recommend using it.\\
+This is the point that I personally stopped, because this is where stuff starts to noticeably break. What am I referring to specifically? **explorer7**.\\  [[https://winclassic.net/thread/3005/explorer7-restoring-windows-7-experience|explorer7]] is a port of the Windows 7 desktop shell (explorer) to Windows' 8, 10 and 11. So if you want a 100% accurate restoration of the Windows 7 taskbar and start menu...here it is.\\  **But** keep in mind that it's most stable on Windows 8 and 10...and, on 10, it still has several bugs and some features are missing. That link is to the thread which includes information on it. What's notable is no UWP applications (currently) work. So if you need to access Windows 10 settings, you're out of luck, since it can’t run. I assume this is just a temporary issue though. However, I use the Affinity Suite and those didn't run when I tried, so I had to switch away from it.\\  Another thing that's notable about it is that you need Windows 7 installation media to actually install it. So if you don't have that (or can’t find it on Archive.org) you're out of luck.\\  Though, in its current form, I would not recommend using it.\\
 Another thing you might be interested in doing is restoring the control panel...to do that, I recommend reading [[https://winclassic.net/thread/1779/restoring-control-panel-applets-links|this]] as it's not something that I can just...say here without getting suuuper technical. There's also [[https://winclassic.net/thread/1922/programs-components-ported-previous-windows|this thread]] which is relevant for Win7 restoration too. And, finally (for now, maybe), [[https://winclassic.net/thread/1652/list-metro-ified-components-windows|this thread]].
 ===== Software Recommendations =====
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   * [[https://www.voidtools.com|Everything]]
     * A search utility that can search through //everything// instantly. I recommend installing the [[https://www.voidtools.com/everything-1.5a/|Alpha]] version because it's stable and has //waaaaaay// more features.
+  * [[https://www.videohelp.com/software/LAV-Filters-Megamix|LAV Filters Megamix]]
+    * As far as I'm aware, the //best// codec pack available. This will allow you to install the best video player too (MPC-HC).
+    * Though you //will// probably want to change the ‘logo’ in MPC-HC. Just click ‘View’ and there should be an ‘Options...’ menu item. Then you'll see a tab labeled ‘Logo’ where you can change it.
   * [[https://junyx.breadfan.de/Min2Tray/|Min2Tray]]
     * A small utility that lets you minimize applications to your tray.
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     * A port of a MacOS feature to quickly preview a selected file. Just press space on a file and it'll show a preview.
     * Runs on the inferior UI framework so if you restored Win Vista/7 like me, it'll clash a bit. Also means it's kinda slow.
+    * QTTabBar comes with its own preview feature which runs much faster, so if you want/need something like it, then it's the better option.
   * [[https://www.dcmembers.com/skwire/software/|Skwire Applications]]
     * A bunch of free to download software that varies in usefulness and function. Some of them just don't work anymore, but others do...and work fairly well.
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     * I don't //technically// recommend this unless you're crazy like me.
     * This allows you to install several older Windows Live applications that are otherwise unavailable. It's way more straightforward than restoring the Windows Vista-era applications too.
-    * Though I haven't tried these extensively...yet, so I can’t say for sure if, for example, it's better to use the calendar included here instead of restoring the Vista Calendar (which I use).
+    * <del>Though I haven't tried these extensively...yet, so I can’t say for sure if, for example, it's better to use the calendar included here instead of restoring the Vista Calendar (which I use).</del>
-      * After some more experimentation, it probably isn't a good idea to use these because they're borked in a few ways. The calendar in the mail client just doesn't work as would be expected and doesn't allow me to add events. Whether the mail part of the mail client works well I can’t really say right now. I mean, it loads my emails just fine.
+      * <del>After some more experimentation, it probably isn't a good idea to use these because they're borked in a few ways. The calendar in the mail client just doesn't work as would be expected and doesn't allow me to add events. Whether the mail part of the mail client works well I can’t really say right now. I mean, it loads my emails just fine.</del>
-      * The Photo Gallery is probably the most functional of all those included and appears to work //fine//.
+      * <del>The Photo Gallery is probably the most functional of all those included and appears to work //fine//.</del>
+    * Ignore above. I tried something and now, mysteriously, stuff works. So I'm going to be ‘conducting an investigation’ and, once I'm done, I'll create a dedicated article for these applications.
 ===== Trivilinks =====
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     * Fixed!
   * I'll leave a brief note here about //languages//. Most of the Aero/Vista/7 restoration is focused around //English//. Dealing with a different language is a bit more complicated, though it's not impossible...and I haven't tried yet, so I can’t give much advice beyond ‘find the corresponding mui files’.
+  * I'm not sure exactly where to note this, but you might have come across something called ‘[[https://msfn.org/board/topic/170375-oldnewexplorer-119/|OldNewExplorer]]’.((:fn:>I realized I had recommended it here, oops.)) This application does a number of things related to restoring the ‘old’ File Explorer...making it resemble Windows 7's Explorer more. However, I wouldn't recommend using it nowadays because its functionality overlaps with Aerexplorer (the Windhawk mod) and ExplorerPatcher((:fn:>Something I'm also considering uninstalling because it overlaps with several Windhawk mods as well. I just don't see much of a point in keeping it.))
+  * Although I've made my Win10 install look more Aero, I haven't actually gone out of my way to make it as accurate to Vista or 7, meaning it's kinda a hybrid. This is mostly because I like how the Vista theme and taskbar look, for example, but I don't like a few specifics. I also originally disabled the ribbon in File Explorer, but ended up re-enabling it for the simple fact that I think it's actually good.