Some useful system utilities

[Joachim]

Guys!
I hv seen many times and hv been asked by many members about:

How to disable Windows File Protection service?
How to use 3rd party Visual Styles?
How to delete the files which are in use by windows?

and many other questions!

So I decided to start this thread to share some useful system utilities, that can be useful in such cases! I'm sure that many members would know about many of these utilities but many new members and others may find this useful!

1.) UXTheme Patcher

It patches the UXTheme.dll for Windows XP and 2003 and allows you to use un-signed custom visual styles.
To patch the UXTheme.dll file run the program, it will determine your operating system, then patch the appropriate file and reboot your PC.
To un-patch the UXTheme.dll file, run the program again, and it will un-patch the .dll and then reboot your PC.




2.) Windows File Protection Switcher

Windows File Protection Switcher lets you disable and re-enable Windows File Protection (WFP) permanently.




3.) Replacer

Replacer is an easy to use system file replacer for Windows 2000 and XP. It safely replaces protected or in-use system files.




4.) Unlocker

Many times we face following ERROR messages while deleting or moving a system file in windows:

=> Cannot delete file: Access is denied
=> There has been a sharing violation.
=> The source or destination file may be in use.
=> The file is in use by another program or user.
=> Make sure the disk is not full or write-protected and that the file is not currently in use.

Unlocker is the solution of this problem! U can easily move/delete system files w/o ne problem even while windows is running using unlocker.




5.) Log off / Shutdown Text Remover

In Windows VISTA, the text on Log off & Shutdown buttons has been removed, so if you also want to remove the same text in xp, then this software is for you. It has following features:

=> Simple and easy
=> Works on all XP/2003
=> Support non-English OS (every language)
=> Related strings in String Table 439 won't be modified.

PS: It is known to be buggy with non-english XP versions.




6.) Glass2k

Glass2k is a small little program that allows Windows 2000/XP users to make any window transparent. Right-click on any window or press the keyboard shortcuts (Control + Shift + [0-9]) to make any window transparent.




7.) Vista Start ORB (Make XP Start Button look-a-like VISTA)

The whole Vista Start ORB that never hides behind the taskbar, and you can use it on any skin. Set it in "Always on top" first.




8.) Styler

This application allows you to do a lot of interesting customizations, though it is not easy to use at first.
It can add a drop shadow to your windows, change Clear Type contrast, change a visual style's color or a wallpaper's and much more . But its most useful function is located in the "Styler Toolbar" which can entirely change the look and feel of the Windows XP's toolbar. So, you can change your toolbar to make it look like Windows Vista's.

Styler doesn't use much memory (less than 1MB when it's used in the background), but to use all its function, especially for the drop shadow, you'll need a powerful computer.

[Devasis]

I have used unlocker for ages, and always love utilities that are useful like this, thanks, there are a few here that sound like really useful for me.