Hi, I am using Windows XP tablet edition, when I go into display properties,
and go to the appearnce tab, under the windows & buttns drop down menu, I
only have windows classic style and not the XP style, other collegues have
exactly the same laptop, and they have the option.

Any ideas

Windows and buttons

If XP Pro use Group Policy and check this setting...
Start | Run | Type: gpedit.msc | OK |

Navigate to >>>
User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Control\Display\Desktop
Prevent selection of windows and buttons styles

Set to Not configured

Prevent selection of windows and buttons styles
[[Prevents users from changing the visual style of the windows and buttons
displayed on their screens. When enabled, this setting disables the "Windows
and buttons" drop-down list on the Appearance tab in Display Properties.]]

This registry key is what disables the "Windows and buttons" style control

HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Pol icies\System
Value Name: NoVisualStyleChoice
Value Type: REG_DWORD
Value Data: 0 or 1
0 = Windows and buttons Enabled
1= Windows and buttons Disabled

This fixes the Windows and buttons (visualstylefix.reg)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Read the instructions at the top.
214. Windows/Buttons Greyed Out -Appearance

If the Windows XP Style choice isn't available...
Visual styles are implemented by the Themes service. If the service isn't
running, Windows reverts to the classic Windows styles, which doesn't rely
on the Themes service.

To restore the Windows XP styles.
Open Services...
Start | Run | Type: services.msc | Click OK |
Scroll down to and double click Themes | Set to Automatic under Startup
type | Click the Start button | When Themes starts, close Services

If that doesn't fix the problem, open System Properties.
Right click My Computer |Properties | Advanced tab |
Under Performance, Settings button | Visual Effects tab
Select Use Visual Styles On Windows And Buttons | Apply | OK
-----

Make sure that you have Windows XP as a Theme choice.

Right Click My Computer| Properties | Advanced tab | Performance | Settings
button | Visual Effects tab | Select: Use visual styles on Windows and
buttons | Apply | Apply | OK

If you select a visual style other than Windows Classic, that style
determines the appearance of your menus, fonts, icons, and other Window
elements. Including Windows and buttons.

Windows and buttons
[[Lists the visual styles that are available for the theme that is currently
selected on the Themes tab. ]]

[[NOTE: You can change the look of individual items if you select Windows
Classic style in the Windows and buttons list on the Appearance tab of
Display Properties. (Right-click an empty area of your desktop, then click
Properties, and then click the Appearance tab). If you select a visual style
other than Windows Classic, that style determines the appearance of your
menus, fonts, icons, and other Window elements. ]]
How to Change the Font, Size, and Colors of Desktop Items
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;310543

[[1. You have an OEM version of Windows XP and the provider didn't include
the Windows XP Luna theme nor did they include any new Windows and Buttons
themes.

2. You are running the the Itanium (64-bit) version of Windows XP, which
does NOT install the Theme service, and does NOT have the Windows XP Luna
theme or any new Windows and Buttons themes.]]
Only 'Classic Windows' is listed in the 'Windows and Buttons' drop-down list
on the Windows XP Appearance tab
http://www.jsifaq.com/SUBL/tip5700/rh5781.htm


Themes (Won't Load or only Windows Classic is listed)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_t.htm#themes

See this also...

XP Display Properties Dialog & Information
http://www.tgtsoft.com/sb_help/xp.htm

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In news:9407574E-10EC-4006-B1EE-810F1EAD7810@microsoft.com,
Phil Wright <PhilWright@discussions.microsoft.com> hunted and pecked:
> Hi, I am using Windows XP tablet edition, when I go into display
> properties, and go to the appearnce tab, under the windows & buttns drop
> down menu, I only have windows classic style and not the XP style, other
> collegues have exactly the same laptop, and they have the option.
>
> Any ideas