In order to use Windows Visual Styles in your application, please follow the instructions below:

  1. Create a file titled <Application name>.exe.manifest in the same folder as your project
  2. Open the file in a text editor and copy/paste the following:
    		<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="yes"?>
	<assembly xmlns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:asm.v1" manifestVersion="1.0">
		<assemblyIdentity
			version="1.0.0.0"
			processorArchitecture="$ARCH$"
			name="$NAME$"
			type="win32"
		/>
		<description></description>
		<dependency>
		<dependentAssembly>
		<assemblyIdentity
			type="win32"
			name="Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls"
			version="6.0.0.0"
			processorArchitecture="$ARCH$"
			publicKeyToken="6595b64144ccf1df"
			language="*"
		/>
		</dependentAssembly>
	</dependency>
</assembly>
  3. Replace $ARCH$ with either X86 or X64, depending on whether your application is 32 or 64-bit.
  4. Replace $NAME$ with the name of your application.
  5. Save and close the file.
  6. In your Visual Studio project properties, go to Manifest Tool -> Input and Output.
  7. Add the name (and path if necessary) of the file you just created to the "Additional Manifest Files" field.
  8. Relink and run your application, and it should be using the XP/Vista/7 visual style.
  9. If this doesn't work, or you have difficulty with any steps, please contact Providence Software at: support@xvt.com