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Vista Transformation Pack (also referred to as VTP) is a compilation of programs created for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. It has the ability to change the user interface to simulate the Windows Vista graphical user interface by adding several themes and visual styles, installing some 3rd party software, and patching system files. The program effectively simulates Windows Vista and is a popular choice for Windows XP users that prefer the Windows Vista appearance but do not want to actually install Windows Vista.

In the latest version (ver. 8.0.1), users are able to get the Instant Search function and the new All Programs feature in the Start Menu (using ViStart by Lee Chantrey, you can also get the Sidebar (using the Vista Sidebar by Thoosje) which includes 19 gadgets. The Windows Aero feature is now part of the transformation pack, using a program called True Transparency or the user has the choice to buy WindowsBlinds from Stardock.

VTP was the successor of Longhorn Transformation Pack (LTP), when Windows Vista was still known under its codename, Longhorn.

Future version
A new version of VTP is expected to be released in June/July 2008. "VTP 9.0" will include "a robust, instant and reliable My Document’s file search in ViStart" (the Start menu alternative used in the transformation pack). There is also a beta version of the new ViStart released recently.

The ninth version of this transformation pack will include a better glass border, more visibility and less distortion on the blur (TrueTransparency will also have improved borders to blur-like effects). The Visual Styles Pack's update will also be released after the upcoming VTP with this skin and have the TrueTransparency skin included.

Extra Ultimate Extras will be bundled with VTP 9.0 and full support for Windows XP Service Pack 3 will be included.

Versions

 * VTP 1.0 : Version 1.0 was the first version of the VTP, released in a forum. It included various features to make earlier versions of Windows look more like Vista. Some features included Vista icons, a Vista-themed logon screen, an updated Windows Sidebar, a Vista Aero theme and other GUI changes.


 * VTP 2.0 : The second version of the VTP included some minor bug fixes, as well as new features. Some new features included window transparencies with GLass2k, fixes to the sidebar, more Vista-style icons and several other third-party applications to enhance the Vista feel of the pack. The update also included a new visual style with improved Vista effects.


 * VTP 3.0 : This version included many bug fixes as well as updates to the visual styles, various icons, the logon screen, and other parts of the UI. The most notable addition was the WindowBlinds glass theme, which allowed for actual window border transparencies like Vista's Aero interface.


 * VTP 4.0 : The fourth version fixed most of the remaining bugs and also added some new features, including more changes to icons and visual styles. A Vista-style system properties window was added, and an FAQ was included, as well.


 * VTP 5.0 : Version 5 included many bug fixes, as well as some new visual features and a customizable setup file. Some of the notable features included a modified logon screen, updated visual styles an improved transformation process.


 * VTP 5.5 : This is the updated version of 5.0. Version 5.5 fixed many of the problems from earlier versions. In version 5.5, many installation problems were fixed, missing files problems were remedied, and some new patches included. It also contained updated versions of Vista cursors, icons, tray icons, and the logon background.


 * VTP 6.0 : Version 6 was built as a stepping stone for 7.0. It added the new Vista Sidebar made by Thoosje. Also, it included VisualTooltip, a program used to view thumbnails of open programs on the taskbar. As usual, many bugs were fixed and Vista items were updated once again.


 * VTP 7.0 : Although not a huge jump in physical appearance, Version 7 fixed many problems. An Express Mode was added the setup, making it easier to configure the setup for users. Also, ViStart, a Vista Start Menu port was added. Blaero's Start Orb was replaced with ViOrb, and many things were updated.


 * VTP 8.0.1 : Version 8.0.1 basically fixed hotfix programs, allowed users to save changes made to the transforming information, and added/updated third-party applications. In this version, True Transparency was added to simulate the Aero theme, and WinFlip was added to simulate Flip 3D. (Both are disabled by default because TrueTransparency can be system taxing and the ViStart and ViOrb programs conflict with WinFlip.)

Criticism

 * Slow Performance : Vista Transformation Pack has been linked to a large number of performance issues involving RAM usage. There have been some reports of the Vista Transformation Pack using up to 3 gigabytes of RAM at idle. The Vista Transformation Pack has also been known to cause some CPUs to run at 100% usage while at idle.


 * However, many users have reported that VTP barely uses any CPU speed whether in idle or in use (3% OR lower). Also, most reports state that very little RAM is used.


 * Inappropriate programs : Vista Transformation Pack includes additional software that is supposed to add more to the Vista feeling to Windows. However, the included program Glass2k makes the whole window transparent, which is far from the Vista 'Aero' transparency, and LClock, the system tray clock replacement, simulates the look of older Vista builds (known as Longhorn) - the new style clock was removed from the final Vista builds.