try this: -open the 'Personalization' window TWICE (settings->personalization) -make sure you have the normal aero-theme enabled, not lite -click the 'Window Color' button in ONE of the personalization windows, the 'Window Color and Appearance' window should open -use the OTHER personalization window to switch to 'Windows Basic' theme -uncheck the transparency checkbox in the 'Window Color and Appearance' window you opened before, then check it again, select any color, press save.