How to Set Theme in windows 7 via script for all Users

—–UPDATED LINK—————–

The process of setting the theme for all users outside of group policy is still tedious in Windows 7.  The method I came up with is not the cleanest, but it is supported by Microsoft and easy to implement.

Procedure:

1. Build .ThemePack file on test machine via the “Personalization” control panel applet.
* If Aero is desired, ensure test machine supports Aero.

1a. Set all desired settings, Background, Background Color, Sounds, and Screen Saver settings.
1b. Right-Click on new “Unsaved Theme” listed under “My Themes” and click on “Save Theme for saving”.  This will output the .themepack files.
* .Themepack files are self extracting files, which include all dependent files for theme to apply on new machines.

2. Rename Outputted .themepack file to “CustomTheme.themepack” and download zip archive below:
https://panaconsulting.box.com/s/7wdszgsweecn0d71jzi3
3. Extract archive and inject the new “CustomTheme.themepack” to the same directory.
4. Run “silent.bat” for visible run boxes, or “CallSilentBatch.vbs” for silent and hidden.

The script basically calls the “.themepack” file for any new user that logs into the system once and then closes the “Personalization” applet, which auto opens when .themepack files are initiated.