da vinci 05,
Which library did you download the theme(s) from?
In general, you will need the following to be true:
1 - you have the correct software program installed on your computer to apply a skin or theme.
2 - you have downloaded the skin or theme file correctly, and it is compatible with the version of software you are running.
Activation is currently used with WindowBlinds 5 beta, which is only available to Object Desktop subscribers.
Note - there may be other programs that do not apply skins, such as Multiplicity which require activation - but I do not use them.
General outlines =
WindowBlinds - skins the explorer shell (Taskbar, Start Menu, Window frame, Toolbar buttons and icons, Progress animations, and Scroll bars).
IconPackager - applies a theme (set of icons) which changes many (not all) of the system icons, as well as file type icons depending on which are included in the theme (package).
DesktopX - allows users to run widgets on the desktop, as well as applying a DesktopX theme which is a combination of objects created to produce an alternative desktop.
CursorXP - applies a set of alternative mouse pointers.
ObjectDock - allows the user to run a dock (anchor point) on the desktop, which contains links to system commands, folders, programs, and internet links using icons displayed as high quality images.
These are a few of the basic programs designed to customize your Graphical User Interface (A.K.A. the "GUI"). You can find links to the respective information and download pages for these programs under the Software tab at top of the page.
For a mini tutorial outlining the procedures for downloading content from this site, you can go here http://corkyo.wincustomize.com/Articles.aspx?SID=5463&AID=82563 - once downloaded successfully, you can just double-click most of the skin or theme icons to install - assuming you have the correct software installed.
Note - most of the programs are either freeware, or are offered as both shareware (30 day trial, or limited editions) and full purchasable versions.