Windows 8 Transformation Pack 4.0

Every new version of Windows involves adapting to change, and Windows 8 will be no different, promising a radical new look as it attempts to bestride tablets and phones as well as your laptop or desktop. If all you want to do is preview the new look and some of the tools on your Windows 7-powered PC, try the Windows 8 UX Pack.

If you’d like to emulate the look on an earlier version of Windows, you’ll need this Windows 8 Transformation Pack tool instead. It takes the UX Pack and adds in a number of extra elements that emulate key aspects of Windows 8 already built into Windows 7 such as the translucent Windows Aero interface. Basically, if you want to get the Windows 8 look in Vista, XP or Windows Server, you need this instead.

Installation is simple enough: extract the setup file from the zip archive, then double-click it to get started. If you’ve installed the pre-requisites (.NET Framework 4.0, plus .NET Framework 2.0-3.5 if you’re running Windows Server or the 64-bit version of XP) you can select what to install and then click Install to see if the program will be able to supply you with the features you desire.

Be patient, it can take a while to apply everything, and it occasionally appears stuck, but persevere and if all works you’ll be prompted to reboot at which point you’ll be able to get a feel for Windows 8.

For Vista and Windows 7 users, the changes will be largely superficial, with access to the Metro-like user interface and various gadgets the big attraction. XP users will notice the most radical changes, with a completely revamped interface to contend with. You may encounter glitches – if these prove too troublesome, or you decide the new look and feel isn’t for you, just re-run the setup tool to remove it from your system. 

Windows 8 Transformation Pack v4.0 additions and new features:

-Added Charms Bar as alternatives for those who can't get full Immersive UI to work
-Added new Segoe family fonts from Windows 8 Consumer Preview with Windows Vista/7 font update support
-Improved system files modification framework (More secure and safe to handle)
-Fixed disabling system files modification that won't work on installation
-Fixed explorer not restoring after choosing to cancel restart during configuration
-Fixed permission problems in some programs that perform changes in Program Files
-Fixed system files modification bug in Program Files on x64 platform
-Fixed unchecking large icon doesn't restore icon size bug
-Fixed uninstallation script that removes legacy theme registry
-Updated component UI font to Tahoma and info font to Segoe UI
-Updated default Metro Desktop UI option to Immersive UI with Charms Bar as default option
-Updated default pictures of guest and user to Windows 8 Consumer Preview ones
-Updated Metro Inspirat Windows XP visual style to version 3.0
-Updated Newgen to version 8.0
-Updated Newgen UI to match with Windows 8 Consumer Preview
-Updated system files resources
-Updated TrueTransparency skin based on Windows 8 Consumer Preview default color
-Updated wallpapers to Windows 8 Consumer Preview ones
-Unchecked 'Aero's auto-colorization (Vista/7) only' feature to get Windows 8's default colorization

A surprisingly elegant and effective way to give your ageing version of Windows a major makeover, but you may encounter the odd glitch. And make sure you back up your PC first.