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September 17, 2001 12:00 AM

Windows XP: The Color Schemes That Never Were

Windows IT Pro
InstantDoc ID #22218
Rating: (6)

If you're wondering why Windows XP is shipping with only three color schemes—blue, silver, and olive green—the answer is that Microsoft simply ran out of time to create more. One of the big complaints that Microsoft received from testers about XP beta 2 was that the Luna UI needs more color options. So, Microsoft set out to create several color schemes. However, the original versions of two such schemes—ruby and emerald—proved problematic for the vision-impaired. These two schemes will probably be available in the Plus! pack or perhaps for download from Windows Update when XP ships this fall. If you're unhappy with Luna's default colors, fear not: You'll soon have a rainbow of options from which to choose.

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Comments
  • anarch
    4 years ago
    Dec 26, 2008

    kaptain cavemen website is down :(. Google has a backup of the original page, but not the jewels.txt

    Does anyone have that jewels file with the additional color schemes.

    Yes, I don't want styleXP, windowblinds all those other 3rd party stuff, all I want is a simple way to have different colors, that's it... How simple is that? :)

  • pete
    6 years ago
    Dec 19, 2006

    I was interested and have successfully downloaded and installed in Dec 2006. I applaud your efforts. It does exactly what it says - without any impact on the system. Only small issue is that the quoted web address has an incorrect uppercase "J". This initially stopped my browser from finding the site.

    URL should read:

    http://www11.asphost4free.com/kaptaincaveman/jewels.htm

    Follow the instructions and it will work.
    (XP Pro SP2)

  • kaptaincaveman
    6 years ago
    Sep 25, 2006

    Anyone still interested in this?
    "Instead of complaining about MS not having more than 3 schemes, why don't you expend this energy and create your own."

    I haven't complained, but I found this thread when I recently switched my home PC to XP and wasn't happy with the choices either. So I did go out and do something.
    (BTW: "If you can post a message you can figure out how to create your own schemes". It wasn't overly difficult, but I wouldn't nescessarily put the difficulty level the same as posting. LOL)

    If anyone is interested, I have created what I call the "Jewels" collection. 7 new Color Styles based soly on Luna, where the only changes are the main colors (no pics, graphics, sounds, icons, cursors, etc. ONLY colors).
    I'm happy to share my work if anyone wants it. No charge, but at your own risk.

    If you are just looking for some new colors, check out my "Jewels" page on my site for my writeup and downloads. Enjoy! (If the link posts and stays!) LOL

    http://www11.asphost4free.com/kaptaincaveman/Jewels.htm

  • Billy
    6 years ago
    Apr 01, 2006

    Instead of complaining about MS not having more than 3 schemes, why don't you expend this energy and create your own. If you can post a message you can figure out how to create your own schemes

  • lucasrogerson
    6 years ago
    Jan 12, 2006

    blue silver and olive green get tiring you know how about black or red purple i dont know any will work

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