Resolved Run a DLL as an App Error, computer clean!

I downloaded some themes for my Windows XP a few days ago, as soon as I opened them all hell broke loose, the theme switched from the standard XP theme (Luna) to that "classic" depressing windows '95 theme. I can't switch it back, it's stuck, every time I try it gives me the same error (Run a DLL as an App has encountered a problem that needs to be closed) and it gives me 2 options, debug and close.
Even the preview doesn't show, Properties - appearance---- every time i click on another theme it tells me that it failed to load.
I started a thread in the Malware forum, and the Malware Analyst helped me clean up my computer, I'm sure it's clean, but I'm still having the same problem.
He suggested that I should start a thread here about my current problem.
Please Help

 

I was afraid you were going to say that.
Is there any other way? to me, formatting my computer is the last option.
Also, if I don't do anything about it, will it affect the rest of my computer?

 

Are you getting the problem in one user account or in all the accounts ? What version of XP are we talking about ?

 

Hi,

Try # 187 both right and left:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

also see:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_t.htm#themes

another possibility:
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Desktop-Enhancements/Themes/RestoreXPthemes.shtml

If you use the above softpedia link, once you click the download button a 2nd page will load, click on the download "site buttons" on the right side. Don't mistake or be fooled by the left side blue "download button ". That's for the sites "Registry Mechanic" cleaner application. Some find this confusing and I imagine softpedia was hoping for this.

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This is from your logs in the malware forum:

Perhaps this problem should be tackled by trying to find and replace this uxtheme.dll. See:
http://www.anetforums.com/posts.aspx?ThreadIndex=40096

Have to be most careful here. This dll will be version and service pack sp2 or sp3 specific. Got to think on this though. As I recall, many themers will patch this and a couple of others files.

http://www.belchfire.net/index.php?showtopic=9001

 

Dear gaddez1;
You were right, I replaced the .dll file and restarted my computer. It worked!!!
Thank you soooo much for your help. I can't even tell you how relieved I am I won't have to format.

 

Hi yosef7000,

You are most welcome and I'm glad this turned out so well. Your comp is clean and your Luna theme is back. As a big fan of Luna, when I was using XP, I know how important this can be.

Please do, as Arie instructs and mark post as resolved.

Watch those themers in the future and read the readme's. As I said, some do and will replace or patch files that will be the wrong version.

 

My computer is clean and Luna is back thanks to you guys I am so thankful for finding this forum and your help. I marked this thread as resolved.