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Windows 8.1 Personalization, can't apply new themes

Anonymous
2013-12-30T00:51:27+00:00

and I am having trouble "installing" the desktop themes. They download ok, into my downloads, but then, when I go to click on them to open (the default is Windows Photo viewer which doesn't display the themes but it says it won't open that type of file).

On my Windows 7 on another pc and  I just click in the Personalization area, to download "more" themes, choose deck the halls(or any theme) click, and it downloads, and installs (showing little progress bar) within a minute!

So I don't get what is going on with Win 8, or Win 8.1 since 8 would not work either, same thing.

In Win 7 the default opening application says themepackfile (never heard of it, just was there and has always worked. In 8 and 8.1 I have Windows Photo Viewer in there as default.  I don't know what to associate the themefiles with, and themepack I don't find anywhere to download.

I have been on my own for a week trying to figure this out so I figured it was time to ask for some help.  If anyone is knowledgeable about this, I would so appreciate it:)

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Accessibility

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Anonymous
2013-12-30T14:18:45+00:00

Hi Denise,

The themes aren’t able to open as the default program has been changed to Windows Photo Viewer from default personalization CPL.

The Personalization CPL module allows interaction and changes to a Windows Theme programmatically. A theme is a combination of desktop background pictures, window colors, and sounds.

What we need to do is change the file format to open such themes using this module and see if it resolves the issue. Follow the steps:

a) Right Click on the downloaded themes file which you have saved on the computer.

b) Select Open With option and then click on Choose Default program. Check the box which says "Use this app for all .themespackfiles".

c) Click on Personalization CPL.

d) Double Click on the file and you would find the theme already applied and then the personalization window opening up on the desktop screen.

Please let us know about the results. We will be glad to assist you.

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-01-01T08:40:02+00:00

    Hi Denise,

    It's great to know that the issue fixed.

    Feel free to ask more queries on Windows.

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-12-30T17:36:25+00:00

    This worked perfectly!!  No problems at all;) 

    The only thing I had to do was on mine, a window comes open and asks whether or not to save the file or open with windows photo viewer.  I just "saved" the file into my downloads, then right clicked on it to apply the new "open with" personalization cpl.

    It worked great, I so appreciate you taking the time:) Thank you again, and a very, happy New Year! Denise

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-12-30T17:15:58+00:00

    Hi Denise,

    Thank you for replying.

    Yes, do reply to us with the status of this issue.

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  4. Anonymous
    2013-12-30T15:22:32+00:00

    thank you so much for this, I will try it today!  Yes, I will let you know how it goes:) Denise

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