Windows aero and basic themes disabled

This is how I got it working.

1. Change the power profile to "Power Saver" (How to: Right click on the battery icon on the desktop > select "Power options" > Select "Power Saver")

2. Unplug the charger and then go to "Personalize" (right click on the desktop select "Personalize ")

3. Click windows color > switch OFF "Enable Transparency"

4. Save changes and exit "Personalize"

5. Plug in the charger and then go to "Personalize" (right click on the desktop select "Personalize")

6. Click windows color > switch ON "Enable Transparency"

7. Save changes and exit "Personalize"

I think this should solve your problem.

Double check the Windows 7 "Themes" Service is running.

Some folks, including me, followed a performance tweak and were stuck with the Windows 7 toolbar being a white (Windows Classic). Altering the theme did not correct this. It turned out the Themes service was not automatic.

If you have this problem, where Desktop (right-click) "Personalize" "Windows Color" showing only as Windows Classic).

Run "services.msc", ensure the "Themes" service is Automatic (and Started). That is the Windows 7 default mode for this Service. Even if it is started and automatic, try restarting it.

Then you can then select any Windows Aero theme and it will provide the toolbar transparency again

Here's the interesting thing, I don't remember having altered the Themes service. My fault for doing this, but I had followed a tip, which I believe caused the issue. If you Right-click on Computer, Properties, left margin Advanced system settings, then Settings button in Performance section. On Visual Effects tab, Adjust for Best performance, you may end up with this issue once you Log Off or Restart. [ I don't recommend that option, or playing too much with de-selecting all but a few of the Custom options.

Later, I realized I wanted my default Windows 7 Toolbar look back! Aero troubleshooting and a Microsoft FixIt attempt did not find the problem. I went back to check ALL default Windows 7 Services and found the Themes service had been set away from Automatic. Hopefully, my learning the hard way may help you avoid going to far in this same way.