FreeTheme v1.1 (8/8-1997) FreeTheme is a FreeWare Theme loader for Windows95. With this program installed you can load Themes WITHOUT the MS Plus! package. This way you'll be able to enjoy themes even if your employer doesn't think MS Plus! can be a vital part of your workplace :-) How to install/first time installation: --------------------------------------- 0. Unzip the file into an emty catalog. You've got to use an unzipper that supports LONG FILENAMES!!! this is important, if you don't setup won't be able to find it's files. 1. Run setup to install program (if you're upgrading, uninstall the old version first) 2. When you run the program for the first time. FreeTheme will create a Theme Directory(ThemeDir) below the FreeTheme path for example: For example: C:\Program Files\FreeTheme\Themes This will only happen if you haven't installed FreeTheme before. 3. Download some themes and unpack the files to the the above ThemeDir. 4. Select a theme in the listbox. You CANNOT write in the listbox, click on the little arrow on the righthand side of the box. If nothing appears in the box, it's because FreeTheme didn't find any files in your Themedir, that matches *.theme This is important, even if some themes ask you to place it's files in a sub directory below the Themedir the *.theme file itself must ALLWAYS be in the theme directory. 5. You'll have to reboot the computer for all the changes to be effectuated If you wan't to restore to default, a "windows 95 standard" theme comes with FreeTheme. If FreeTheme 1.0 is the first version of FreeTheme installed on your computer, this theme will already have been copied to the ThemeDir created below FreeTheme. If you've already installed an earlier version of FreeTheme a copy of "Win95std.theme" has been placed in the FreeTheme directory. For example: C:\Program Files\FreeTheme\win95std.theme After this you'll be able to select "windows 95 standard" in FreeTheme. How to upgrade: --------------- 1. Uninstall the old version(via "Crontrol Panel") 2. Run setup for the new version as above Change history: --------------- v0.3 Fixed bug regarding load/convert of some BMP desktop pictures. Fixed bug regarding different Theme path locations v0.4 Better handling of themepath select box Cannot press "OK" without selecting a theme Includes a Windows95 standard theme. Copy this file to your Themecatalog v0.5 More tolorant to errors in Themefiles Waits for Djpeg to return (from converting JPG to BMP) Changes desktop wallpaper without rebooting Will work with windows in other directories than C:\WINDOWS v0.6 Activates screensavers v0.7 Activates wave for "emtyRecyclebin" V0.6 didn't activate screensaver if screensaver was deactivated New ZIP format (NO long filenames) v1.0 Includes a browser window for selecting the Theme directory Easier installation procedure, will create a ThemeDir below FreeTheme, if run for the first time. More help messages and minor changes to layout v1.1 Fixed error, when themepath does not exist any more Minor changes in messages Known issues/problems -------------------------------------------------------- 1. FreeTheme uses the external DOS program DJPEG for converting Jpeg to BMP. This program will not allways exit, and you'll have to close it yourself. You may try to select proporties on the program(when started), select "Exit on close" and run "minimized" This may not be the correct labels (I cannot check, I'm currently running a Danish version of Windows95) 2. Will not load fonts & metrics FreeTheme was written by Klaus Thrane. If you've got a problem, please check the FreeTheme Help page on my Homepage BEFORE emailing me with a problem! Also check if there's a new version available, your problem may have been fixed. I will NOT answer questions on old versions of the program. If you have any comments on the program, you can contact me via email: klat@csc.dk HomePage(Helppage): http://www2.dk-online.dk/users/klat This program is distributed as FreeWare on as is basis and may be copied freely, as long as this file follows the program!