How to use Winforms with Vista

This info is pulled directly from Winforms but I would like to pass it on so you have it if you need it.

I will start on the premise that you already have Winforms installed. Currently Winforms works under Vista but you have to make one change before running Winforms. This applies to both Winforms Desktop and Winforms Online.

Basically what you need to do is disable your current theme and use the Windows Classic Theme. Yes, I know whats the point of having Vista if you can’t use the eye candy. But this is what they say has to be done, and I have verified this myself.

First Step:
Right Click on Desktop and select “Personalize”

Second Step:
Select “Theme” from the current window

Step Three:
Select the Theme “Windows Classic”
Click Apply -> Then Ok
(no you don’t have to hit apply if you don’t want to just click ‘ok’)

Once you have done that you can now run Winforms Desktop or Winforms Online. I have tested this with Winforms Online and it does work.

Here is the interesting thing. I setup a Vista machine today and installed Winforms Desktop and I didn’t have to change the theme for it to work. So for the desktop version you can try it first without changing the theme and if it works GREAT, but if it doesn’t then follow these steps to change your theme and try again.

Loren Nason
Future of Real Estate Technology

1 Comment

  1. Kim Torres on March 4, 2009 at 2:38 pm

    Hey Loren

    My worked for a while on Vista but then I had to find this post of yours to fix it. THANKS your ALWAYS so helpful!!

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