The Problem: Auto-installing Skin/Theme files are downloaded as zip files.
The Cause: SP2 appears to be common factor here, but some people report no change after SP2. What's happening is this... self installing file extension for most skinning programs are simply renamed ZIP archives. For some reason after SP2 is installed on XP, the extensions are renamed back to .zip when downloaded. But it's easily fixed.
The Solution:
Step 1. File extension must not be hidden. If you're unsure what that means, open Control Panel > Folder Options > View tab > "Hide extensions for known file types" should be un-checked.
Step 2. Right-click the file and select Rename. Change the zip part of the name to the proper extenion. Example; skin1.zip = skin1.wba (for a WindowBlind skin)
DesktopX Themes = .dxtheme DesktopX Objects = .dxpack WindowBlinds = .wba LogonStudio = .logonxp BootSkin = .bootskin CursorXP = .CurXPTheme IconPackager = .ip
If you get a warning about changing the extention, click OK
Step 3. Double-click the renamed file.
Lantec pointed out that if you use Firefox (or Opera), this file extension won't be renamed when you download.
Jason Carver suggested this work around......... rename the files when you download.
First write down the file extensions listed here. Next pick something to download. In this case , ill download a Window Blind file. When you click download. It shows the save as dialog. Below it , you have two choices from a drop down menu. "Zip files" and All files. Select all files , and add .wba to the end of the file name. When its done saving , you click open and TADA! its installed.
**UPDATE**
So, you like Internet Explorer....you don't want to switch browsers? It appears that the problem can be fixed by installing a 3rd party archive program [WinZip, ZipCentral, IZArc, etc.] The problem seems to be caused by XP's built-in zip program.
Just spotted this thread.... it should help if you use ZA... https://www.wincustomize.com/Forums.aspx?ForumID=70&AID=70598
http://raheel.yi.org/skinner.php
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