Preliminary :

• This method uses 7zip as extraction software. Using another extraction software (like winrar, winzip, ...), and this procedure could be slightly different
  
• File icons may also be slightly different
  
• Windows Explorer is configured with : "Big Icons" and "File extension visible"
• French language is used in all screenshots, but all instructions are in English
• OK, ready ... so let's GO !

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1) Go to the Website Themes page to download a theme example : Waves


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2) Download the "waves" theme in your computer


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3) Open Windows Explorer and go to the folder in which you downloaded the file named "waves" (or "waves.wr8")


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4) Right click on the file "waves" to extract it using 7-zip context menu option : Extract to "waves\"


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4) You have a new folder created named : waves


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5) Open the new folder named "waves" to see all files

• Boot.bmp : Setup background --> Format : bmp ; Size : 1024x768
  
• Bootw.bmp : Setup window replacement --> Format : bmp ; Size : 672x512 (check provided file properties)
  
• Lockscreen.jpg : Windows 8.0, 8.1 and 10 lockscreen picture (not necessary for Windows 7) --> Format : jpg ; Size : no restrictions
  
• Logo.bmp : System Control Panel Logo --> Format : jpg ; Size : no restrictions (not too big though)
• Preview.jpg : WinReducer thumbnails displayed when you load a WinReducer Themes for Windows --> Format : jpg ; Size : 895x300
• Readme.txt : Information about all resources you used in your theme --> Add your own information
• Theme.theme : Theme file which loads all other resources in Windows during startup to apply your theme. You could open it with Notepad.
• Wallpaper.jpg : Windows desktop wallpaper -> Format : jpg ; Size : no restrictions

==> To add your files : just rename them with the exact same names as in the "waves" folder and replace or delete the files do not need

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6) You could have a look in the "Cursors" folder

==> To add your files : just rename them with the exact same names as in the "waves cursors" folder and replace or delete the files do not need

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7) Once you customized the "waves" theme folder with your own files, select with your mouse all files like this

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7) Right click the files selection to create your zip compressed archive using 7-zip context menu option : Extract to "Add to waves.zip"

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8) You will see a new file named "waves.zip"

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9) Rename "waves.zip" with the name of your desired name "example.wr8" ("*.wr8" extension is the important thing otherwise it won't work in WinReducer)

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10) Congratulations ! You could use your first WinReducer Theme for Windows in WinReducer 10.0, 8.1, 8.0 or 7.0 ...

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11) If you want to share your beautiful creations, you could share them in the Forum by following this link :

• WinReducer Forum -> Resources -> Themes

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Updated : 07 Jan. 2015