how do I change the skin/theme?

[Piotr Markovicz]

When I use any of my MS apps, all the tool bars and menus have this awful
gradient background that makes it difficult to see what the icons are. Is
there anyway to turn off this gradient just for the programs without turning
off the whole WindowsXP desktop theme or installing some sort of
theme/skinning program like WindowsBlinds?

 

[Bob I]

Since you eliminated the two available methods that would do what you
want, no.