Explanation of user interface (UI) skins (253739)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01, when used with:
    • the operating system: Microsoft Windows NT 4.0
    • the operating system: Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition
    • the operating system: Microsoft Windows 98
    • the operating system: Microsoft Windows 95
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0, when used with:
    • the operating system: Microsoft Windows NT 4.0
    • the operating system: Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition
    • the operating system: Microsoft Windows 98
    • the operating system: Microsoft Windows 95
  • Microsoft Windows Media Player 7.1
  • Microsoft Windows Media Player 7
  • Microsoft Windows NT 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition
  • Microsoft Windows 98
  • Microsoft Windows 95
This article was previously published under Q253739

INTRODUCTION

This article discusses user interface (UI) skins.

MORE INFORMATION

With UI skins, you can customize areas in Microsoft Windows programs such as backgrounds, title bars, buttons, and other graphical interfaces. For example, you can use skins to change the background in Microsoft Internet Explorer and the Windows Explorer toolbar. With skins, you can configure the interface by choosing different categories of skins. Some programs make automatic skin changes for you when you start the program or use certain parts of the program.

Most UI skins are developed by third-party vendors. You can use skins to modify the interface of many programs. With some programs and utilities, you can create your own skins.

The following list contains some programs that use UI skins:
  • Windows Media Player version 7.1
  • Windows Media Player version 7
  • Macromedia Shockwave
  • RealPlayer
  • RealJukeBox
  • Nullsoft WinAmp
  • Quake
Note Windows and Internet Explorer do not install UI skins components. If you have issues with UI skins, contact the vendor of the program for help.

Windows Media Player for Palm-size PCs contains the skins feature. To obtain this feature, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/player/skins.aspx

REFERENCES

Microsoft provides Web Accessories utilities that you can use in Internet Explorer 5. Web Accessories are similar to skins. For information about Web Accessories, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/webaccess/default.asp

The following third-party Web sites include skins or information about skins:

Macromedia
http://www.macromedia.com/

Nullsoft WinAmp
http://www.winamp.com

Real
http://www.real.com/rjcentral/skins/index.html

Microsoft provides third-party contact information to help you find technical support. This contact information may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this third-party contact information.

The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:8/17/2006
Keywords:kb3rdparty kbenv kbgraphic kbinfo kbui KB253739
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