I thought your article to be a step by step procedure for changing my outlook theme, but it is otherwise

However, it will also cause dialog boxes to display that same color that you use for the 3d Objects

This doesn’t even require hacking with files.

Go to Display Properties -> Appearence -> Advanced, select “3D Objects” as the Item, and change the color to whatever you want, I use Red:188, Green:221, Blue:245.
Whatever color you choose here is what Office will use to render the interface. Note that this will also set the same color to the “Menu” and “Application Background” items. So after doing this you might want to change “Menu” back to white and “Application Background” back to dark grey.

James, the solution is really simple.
I’ve posted it for you (and anyone else who might be interested) here:
http://kunal.kundaje.net/2005_07_01_archives.php#pl112235551710525804

Mauricio, I believe Royale has the same problem with Outlook. It’s been a while since I tested it but I think Outlook onlylooks good in Luna. I wonder if there are some registry values in Outlook that Luna sets?

You should try the Royale Theme – inspired on the MCE Theme with some XP touches. Available from MSFT NZ website. I ahve a screenshot on http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=4569 and link to download there.

I have experienced this problem as well and there is an easy fix. Go into Windows Display Properties and to the Appearance tab. Tap the advanced button, and click the first drop down box (select 3D objects). Then use the second drop-down box to choose a light blue colour apply the settings and voila,

I agree completely! I’m sticking with Energy Blue, but I sure wish there were a way to give Outlook back its colors.

Dang! You’re right… I now have changed back to the Windows XP default theme and am enjoying more color.

Thank you for the tip.

This has been a huge bugbear of mine ever since it was discovered that you could theme XP. I’ve not known a single theme from any source actually get Outlook to use the system colours. As such I’ve always used Luna simply because of this.

There’s obviously got to be some way of doing it but if MS don’t even get it right in their own theme…!

Yes, I remember that you mentioned that before. I also have TEO and I’m trying to get WindowsBlinds set up. If I can get it working I’ll let you know and post some screenshots.

I had a lot of problems with WindowBlinds (TEO for example) so I disabled it.

Good call James. I have the Energy Blue theme enabled too and I’d not noticed the difference in Outlook. I guess I don’t use it as much as you but even so Outlook is bland. Perhaps WindowBlinds may be a solution.