Vista Transformation Pack

infobox software
name = Vista Transformation Pack



caption = Windows XP with Vista Transformation Pack 8 installed
developer = Windows X
latest_release_version = 8.0.1
latest_release_date = November 29, 2007
latest_preview_version = VTP Express Updater for Welcome Center (VTP 9 Pre-release for VTP 8.0.1)
latest_preview_date = September 2008
operating_system = Windows XP and 2003
genre =
license =
website =

Vista Transformation Pack (also referred to as VTP) is a compilation of programs created for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. It has the ability to change the user interface to simulate the Windows Vista graphical user interface by adding several themes and visual styles, installing some 3rd party software, and patching system files. The program effectively simulates Windows Vista and is a popular choice Fact|date=May 2008 for Windows XP users that prefer the Windows Vista appearance but do not want to actually install Windows Vista.

In the latest version (ver. 8.0.1), users are able to get the Instant Search function and the new All Programs feature in the Start Menu using ViStart. You can also get the Sidebar using Vista Sidebar which includes 19 gadgets. The Windows Aero feature is now part of the transformation pack, using a program called TrueTransparency or the user has the choice to buy WindowBlinds from Stardock.

VTP is the successor of "Longhorn Transformation Pack" ("LTP"), when Windows Vista was still known under its codename, Longhorn.

Future version

A new version of VTP is expected to be released in late 2008. "VTP 9.0" will include "a robust, instant and reliable My Document’s file search in ViStart" [ [http://www.jcxp.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=27564&st=0&gopid=285736&entry285736 Things to expect in up-coming Vista Transformation Pack] ] . A beta version of the new ViStart was released recently. [ [http://lee-soft.com/news/vistartbeta6.jpgScreenshot of ViStart Beta 6] ] Unfortunately, VTP 9's release has been delayed so it may expected to release sometime in late 2008 or early 2009., along with the recent hack of Windows X's Paypal account. [ [http://www.windowsxlive.net/lee-to-stay-in-usa-for-2-weeks...delay Lee to stay in 2 weeks...Delay] ] [ [http://www.windowsxlive.net/my-paypal-account-was-hacked-causing-delay-of-vtp9 Hacked paypal account making VTP9 delayed!] ]

Meanwhile, Windows X released an express update for VTP 8.0.1, to update Welcome Center with enhancements from Vista Transformation Pack 9. However, this is not an update to have ViStart's file search and ViSplore itself. This update only contains enhancements and problems fixed from VTP 9.0 [ [http://windowsxlive.net/vista-transformation-pack-express-updater-for-welcome-center Vista Transformation Pack - Express Updater for Welcome Center] ]

The ninth version of this transformation pack will include an improved glass border, more visibility and less distortion on the blur (TrueTransparency will have improved borders to blur-like effects, to further the emulation of Windows Aero). The Visual Styles Pack's update will also be released after the upcoming VTP with this skin and have the TrueTransparency skin included.

Ultimate Extras will be bundled with VTP 9.0 and full support for Windows XP Service Pack 3 are expected and should be included.

A few weeks ago, WindowsXLive.net website has been down. According to Lee Chantrey, WindowsXLive.net had a DNS issue. Apparently the site has been moved and the problem will be resolved soon. [ [http://lee-soft.com/forums/index.php?topic=25.0 WindowsX's site down?] ]

While Windows X is still fixing his accounts and his website, development for ViSplore is still ongoing. According to Lee, it is almost finished and ready to be included in VTP 9. [ [http://lee-soft.com/forums/index.php?topic=3.0 ViSplore - Finishing Touches] ]

Releases

Versions

VTP 1.0

Version 1.0 was the first version of the VTP, released in a forum. It included various features to make earlier versions of Windows look more like Vista. Some features included Vista icons, a Vista-themed logon screen, an updated Windows Sidebar, a Vista Aero [http://img476.imageshack.us/img476/6026/vtp6kz5zv.jpgtheme] and other GUI changes.

VTP 2.0

The second version of the VTP included some minor bug fixes, as well as new features. Some new features included window transparencies with Glass2k, fixes to the sidebar, more Vista-style icons and several other third-party applications to enhance the Vista feel of the pack. The update also included a new [http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/9798/vitrans8sc.jpgvisual style] with improved Vista effects. This version generally had the look of Windows Vista during its development around Build 5112.

VTP 3.0

This version included many bug fixes as well as updates to the visual styles, various icons, the logon screen, and other parts of the UI. The most notable addition was the WindowBlinds glass theme, which allowed for actual window border transparencies like Vista's Aero interface.

VTP 4.0

The fourth version fixed most of the remaining bugs and also added some new features, including more changes to icons and visual styles. A Vista-style system properties window was added, and an FAQ was included, as well.

VTP 5.0

Version 5 included many bug fixes, as well as some new visual features and a customizable setup file. Some of the notable features included a modified logon screen, updated visual styles an improved transformation process.

VTP 5.5

This is the updated version of 5.0. Version 5.5 fixed many of the problems from earlier versions. In version 5.5, many installation problems were fixed, missing files problems were remedied, and some new patches included. It also contained updated versions of Vista cursors, icons, tray icons, and the logon background.

VTP 6.0

Version 6 was built as a stepping stone for 7.0. It added the new Vista Sidebar made by Thoosje. Also, it included VisualTooltip, a program used to view thumbnails of open programs on the taskbar upon the mouse hovering on top of it. As usual, many bugs were fixed and Vista items were updated once again.

VTP 7.0

Although not a huge jump in physical appearance, Version 7 fixed many problems. An Express Mode was added the setup, making it easier to configure the setup for users. Also, ViStart, a Vista Start Menu port was added. Blaero's Start Orb was replaced with ViOrb, and many things were updated.

VTP 8.0

Version 8.0 basically fixed hotfix programs, allowed users to save changes made to the transforming information, and added/updated third-party applications. In this version, True Transparency was added to simulate the Aero theme, and WinFlip was added to simulate Flip 3D. (Both are disabled by default since TrueTransparency can be system taxing and the ViStart and ViOrb programs conflict with the version of WinFlip included in this version.)

VTP 8.0.1

Version 8.0.1 is the updated version of VTP 8. VTP 8.0.1 basically fixed some problems for better performance. It fixed some third-party applications, made pre-configured specifications to improve performance, and updated some configurations and system files.

Miscellaneous releases

VTP Express Updater for Welcome Center

Although not a completely new version, this update fixes multiple problems from the previous version. The update features enhancements from Version 9. It updates certain issues such as incorrect WindowBlinds detection, non-optimal Vista optimazation, the bloated bar in some areas within Windows Explorer, Sidebar bugs, and also helps the user manage their way to gaining Vista experiences more easily. Most major issues from ver. 8.0.1 are fixed. Although the update contains enhancements from version 9.0, the final release of 9.0 may or may not reflect upon the update.

Criticisms

low Performance

Vista Transformation Pack has been linked to a large number of performance issues involving RAM usage. There have been some reports of the Vista Transformation Pack using up to 3 GBs of RAM at idle. The Vista Transformation Pack has also been known to cause some CPUs to run at 100% usage while at idle.Fact|date=June 2008

However, many users have reported that VTP barely uses any CPU speed whether in idle or in use (3% OR lower). Also, most reports state that very little RAM is used. Fact|date=June 2008

Inaccurate programs

Vista Transformation Pack included additional software that was supposed to add more to the Vista feeling to Windows in previous builds. For example, the included program Glass2k made the entire window transparent, which is far from the Vista 'Aero' transparency, and LClock, the system tray clock replacement, simulated the look of older Vista builds (known as Longhorn). Longhorn's styled clock was removed from the final Vista builds. Of course, these programs were, and still are, able to be disabled by the user through VTP's Welcome Center.

Viruses in the pack

Some virus scanners reported a trojan to be present in the Transformation Pack, but those were all false positives.The virus scanners detected it as a virus due to its patching of some system files, such as uxtheme.dll. In the newest versions of the pack, and the most up to date anti-virus software, there should be no false positives anymore.

References

External links

* [http://www.lee-soft.com/ Lee-soft: The home of ViStart and ViOrb.]
* [http://www.thoosje.com/ Thoosje.com-Windows Vista sidebar.]
* [http://www.jcxp.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=29720 Important message regarding VTP 8 and XP Service Pack 3.]
* [http://www.crystalxp.net/galerie/en.id.5139-truetransparency-lefreut-explorer-tools.htm True Transparency Download]