Hello There!

Please refer to the attached screenshot & help decipher the meaning & effect when this option is checked.

"Disable Visual Themes"...what can it CAUSE & prevent when checked?

[recovering disk space - old attachment deleted by admin]This looks like the properties to a shortcut or program. Disabling visual themes stops visual themes from altering the window of the associated program. Some older programs or even newer programs which incorporate their own visual themes won't work PROPERLY with XP's visual theme.Hi Quaxo!

But how can a user make a decision in advance that "Visual Theme" is to be disabled or else!?

As far as screenshot goes, this reflects properties of an EXECUTABLE file.In most cases it isn't necessary and shouldn't be enabled unless a program is appears to be having problems with Windows desktop themes.

When it is not enabled, if you aren't experiencing problems, then don't change it.Also, it probably won't make MUCH of a difference, since you are USING the classic theme anyway. although it's more likely to cause problems, since it also enabled a couple of graphic and common dialog related compatibility shims.Thanks to both Quaxo & BC!(Wish if I had "Thumbs up" icon to choose for!?)