[Mak213]

Hampton you do NOT need a legit copy to use nlite, or to do mods or to use skins. The only benefit is the updates. The rest can be done no matter what versions of Windows, legit or not you are using.

[Hampton]

well, thats a shame.. not sure how you can install all that with out the necessary updates.

doesn't WGA check the validness of your install?

[Mak213]

You dont need updates to use a UXTHeme patcher. Which you can use to change your theme. You dont need the updates to install Windowsblinds which can be used to change your theme.

You dont need the updates to make a custom install disk using nlite. nlite allows you to include updates yes but you do not need them to make the disk.

Same thing with the mods.

The only advantage is getting Windows Updates and some (Not All) downloads from Microsoft.com that require Validation.

nlite is a 3rd party tool which is not controlled or operated by Microsoft.
Windowsblinds is 3rd party.
UXtheme Patchers were created cause Microsoft refused to support skinning of the OS for the longest time.

So no. You dont need anywhere near a legit install to do this stuff.

Yes WGA check the validity of your install. But again that is a Windows Update. Not needed for anything else.

[Hampton]

I have used a few of the theme/skinners before.. WinBlinds, style XP.. never knew you had to or were able to mod the UXTheme.dll here is the SP3 version I found when googling

Download SP3 UxTheme Patcher 1.2 - This little patch will enable the user to have his own unsigned themes ready to use on the new Service Pack 3 install. - Softpedia

[Mak213]

Yes...just like there are UXTheme patchers for SP1, SP2 just as you found for SP3. There are version available from such places as Softpedia to Major Geeks to Neowin.

They are not hard to find at all. Any search will provide a answer.

[forrestcupp]

Originally Posted by Mak213

You dont need updates to use a UXTHeme patcher. Which you can use to change your theme. You dont need the updates to install Windowsblinds which can be used to change your theme.

You dont need the updates to make a custom install disk using nlite. nlite allows you to include updates yes but you do not need them to make the disk.

True, but in Hampton's defense, he was originally saying that you can use nlite to make a custom disc with slipstreamed updates and service packs. The skins was just one of the things mentioned. So Hampton was right in that you can't make a disc with the updates and service packs unless you have a legit copy.

[Mak213]

You can still use nlite to make a disc with all updates and service packs. There are ways. Check your PM's. I send you the name of the tool that can be used.