Microsoft KB Archive/286721

= The &quot;More Programs&quot; Button Is Not Displayed Correctly When You Use Earlier Themes =

Article ID: 286721

Article Last Modified on 1/15/2006

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows XP Professional
 * Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

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This article was previously published under Q286721





SYMPTOMS
After you installed a desktop theme, the More Programs button is not displayed correctly on the Start menu.



CAUSE
This behavior can occur because you installed an earlier desktop theme that does not contain essential Microsoft visual style information.



STATUS
This behavior is by design.



MORE INFORMATION
There are two types of themes in Windows XP:
 * Classic themes: are represented by a theme (.theme) file that contains information on colors, fonts, icons, cursors, wallpapers, and sounds.
 * Windows XP themes are represented by a theme (.theme) and a visual style (.msstyle) file. Visual style files contain information, such as, bitmaps (skins), colors, fonts, and other style information. The .theme file contains an internal pointer to the .msstyle file. Microsoft visual style information can take precedence over the theme information.

Windows XP can use any desktop theme (.theme) file. Classic themes can be present on your computer if:
 * The operating system is upgraded from Microsoft Windows 98 with the Plus! desktop themes installed.
 * The operating system is upgraded from Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Me).
 * Windows XP is set up to dual boot with either Windows 98 or Windows Me.
 * Third-party desktop themes are installed.

When you apply a Classic theme, all of the elements that are defined by a Microsoft visual style file are either missing or incorrect. This behavior is the reason a small arrow (>) instead of a large arrow (>) is displayed on the More Programs button of the Start menu.

Also, you may observe that under Taskbar and Start Menu Properties, the Start Menu screen can display a bitmap of the large arrow button regardless of the current theme. However, this bitmap is not properly updated and it does not accurately reflect any theme changes.

Keywords: kbenv kbprb KB286721

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