I decided to make this F.A.Q. page since I receive a lot of messages asking some basic things. I hope this might help you out, so there we go:
They are add-ons for Windows 95 found on the Plus! pack from Microsoft (and a standard feature from Windows 98 on). They allow you to set up sounds related to a certain actions of your PC (like minimizing windows, empty trash can, opening programs, etc.) and change the overall look of your desktop though icons, animated cursors, the wallpaper, etc.
2. Do these themes work on Apple™ computers?
As far as I know, they don't. You must have at least a PC computer running under Windows 95 platform.
3. I have Windows 98/2000 installed, will these themes work here?
Most definitely.
4. Do I need to have Plus! installed to use these themes on Windows 95?
Not necessarily, but my themes are designed to work better with this program. If you don't have Plus! on your PC you have 2 options: install similar theme management programs (click here to know a good one), or set up everything manually through your Win95 Control Panel, which is a pain - and you won't be able to change the desktop icons...
5. What's the minimum hardware configuration that I should have?
You'll need at least a SVGA monitor (preferably under 800 × 600, high-color setting), a SoundBlaster™ compatible multimedia kit (speakers, sound card, etc.) and a desktop theme manager.
6. How do I install your themes?
Most of my theme files are compressed on a zipped archive - a *.ZIP file. By default, you gotta run this file on the root (C:\) directory on your PC, since the file locations and new folders are automatically created. Then, move some pre-determined files to their respective folders, as explained on a README.TXT file included in every theme.
These commands are not necessary on the themes released after December '99, which are self-extracting (*.EXE) files. Just run these files and the installation is nearly complete, you'll just need to rename the screen and move the font files (as explained on README.TXT).
7. The sounds don't work here, what should I do?
First of all, check again if the sound files are on their correct location - for example, if the Samael question.wav file is on the C:\Program Files\Plus!\Themes\Samael\ folder. If they're not, move 'em to their respective folders! If that still doesn't work, here's the technical explanation:
I use the Microsoft ADPCM sound pattern on all sounds. This sub-type of WAV files allow me to compress the sound and don't lose quality - that is, you get a top-notch sound on a file way smaller than a standard WAV. Check out if your multimedia kit accepts this kind of WAV - most SoundBlaster™ compatible sound cards recognize this format.
8. Where are the startup/shutdown screens?
You must remember that the LOGO?.SYS files are sometimes hidden - check if this option is enabled on Windows Explorer, then check again if the *.SYS files are indeed in the C:\Program Files\Plus!\Themes\Bandname\ folder. Finally, set up the screens as explained on the README.TXT included in the theme file. Remember to backup the original screen files!!!
9. How can I create my own themes?
First of all, you gotta have patience to create a well-done theme, specially regarding the cursor animations and the recording/editing of sound files - this last one usually drives me nuts! And remember: rush is the enemy of perfection...
With that in mind, I suggest you to get some shareware programs that I use - such as EasyIcons (for icons and cursors), Cool Edit (for sounds) and Paint Shop Pro (for images). There are plenty of similar programs on these sites, go hunt 'em...
10. How abouth themes of other styles than Extreme Metal?
Sorry, but the answer is definitely NO! There's already a handful of themes around the web featuring heavy, thrash and other "lighter" metal genres. The Windows 666 site is exclusively dedicated to the art of Extreme Metal - Death, Black, Doom, Grindcore... - since the very few themes around the web dedicated to this lack both quality and quantity IMHO.
Microsoft, Windows 95/98/2000, and Plus! are trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.