Create a custom colour scheme

[Guest Rado]

Hi everyone,

I've decided to fine tune and customize my smartphone at last. After several weeks of usage the default backgrounds and themes become boring, but I never found the time to play with it so far. :-)

Now my first question is - I've seen that the default Windows theme has got a selection of 3 colour themes built in. Is it possible to create my own color theme and add it to an existing home screen? I.e. I'd like to continue to use the Windows default homescreen, but with my own colour scheme.

If yes - how? An XML file copied somewhere?

If not - again - how? :) Will I have to create a separate homescreen for that, which will be based on the Window Default and only add my own colour schemes?

Thanks for any hints in advance!

Rado

[Guest SinisterJunkie]

You should fine the default color schemes (*.scheme.xml) and homescreens (*.home.xml) in the Windows folder of your phone. Copy one of the schemes to your computer and edit with your prefered text editor (I use Scintilla Text Editor but you can just use notepad). To determine the settings for a color I usually use a graphics program, Photoshop or The GIMP, but there are also some web site that will give you the color codes for a particular color. Try ZSPC Super Color Chart. For an explaination of what the standard color names control, check out Customizing the Microsoft Smartphone 2002 Home Screen. Once you have the colors set the way you want, rename the file and copy it to the /Storage/Application Data/Home/ directory on your phone and it sould then show up as a possible selection. You can also use IE to open the file while they are on your PC to check for any xml formating issues.

[Guest Rado]

Thanks a lot for all the helpful links, SinisterJunkie!

I've already started to customize the whole homescreen, but it is really good to know how to create a standalong colour scheme as well. Now I'm still discovering how many things can be customized, it's great.

Thanks again,

Rado

[Guest timnicholson]

You should fine the default color schemes (*.scheme.xml) and homescreens (*.home.xml) in the Windows folder of your phone.

Ok. I found them in the /windows directory on my MPx220, but only the *.home.xml files can be copied. The *.scheme.xml files give the error message "executables and resource files in ROM cannot be copied". Any clues on how to get around this?

Edited December 22, 2005 by timnicholson