Here's the interesting thing, I don't remember having altered the Themes service. Then you can then select any Windows Aero theme and it will provide the toolbar transparency again Even if it is started and automatic, try restarting it. That is the Windows 7 default mode for this Service. Run 'services.msc', ensure the 'Themes' service is Automatic (and Started). If you have this problem, where Desktop (right-click) 'Personalize' 'Windows Color' showing only as Windows Classic). It turned out the Themes service was not automatic. Some folks, including me, followed a performance tweak and were stuck with the Windows 7 toolbar being a white (Windows Classic). When I boot the computer, I get a notification stating that windows failed to communicate with the windows desktop services.ĭouble check the Windows 7 'Themes' Service is running. What can I do? My drivers are all up to date, there are no viruses on the computer, directx is installed and updated, and the registry is all correct. Personalization - 'This theme can't be applied to the desktop. I follow through the wizard and let it do its thing and then I get an error window that pops up: The closest I got seems to be when I went into:Ĭontrol panel (category view) > Find and fix problems (System and Security) > Display Aero Desktop Effects These solutions included registy changes, stopping/starting services, and force starting the aero theme. I've done and attempted many fixes and I still don't understand why it doesn't work. Brand new machine that was working fine then randomly it changed the theme when I booted into a sort of 'basic' theme (white task bar, no see through windows etc)

Windows 7 switch user greyed out