PPCGeeks - Skin your standard WM SMS Thread!

Found this thread over at XDA, and i am surprised no one has brought it over here

Info directly stolen from original XDA thread:

Original Thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=622520

http://www.reinout.us/xda/promosmsskins.jpg

What does it do?
It modifies certain files with regard to the standard SMS chat window, enhancing its looks.

Why? Is it necessary?
Yeah, duh! See the repulsive centre image above!

What enhancements does it bring?
First of all, and most notably, it adds a top bar with the receiver’s contact picture and his or her name, which remains on top while scrolling through the messages. Secondly, a bunch of images and a different colour scheme give it a new look. Currently, I have two flavours: a Manila / Sense mimicked skin and a Windows 7 inspired one. It works both in landscape and portrait mode.

Any requirements?
Yes sir! Because threading is only supported in WM 6.1 versions and higher, it is only available for 6.1, 6.5 and 6.5.x roms. Use the right version for your device, else it will probably mess up your device.
All resolutions are supported (hopefully) and probably all devices too.

Nice! Me likes! How can I do it myself?
I will release a documented code in a few days. Because the SMS thread app is rendered in IE Mobile 4 (PIE 4) using CSS, any fellow web-developer knows that is has been a pain in the, eh, derrière . For now, see this thread for more information and expect trial and error and error and error and error. Don’t expect IEM 4 to adhere to your and anyone else’s rendering standards.

Any downsides?
Sure, it might crash your device and consequently disrupt your entire life forever. Chances are slim to none though. Anyway, a contact picture is only displayed of the most recent message in the thread is from the other person (so, not you). Also, images might appear slightly fuzzy on (W)VGA resolutions. Unfortunately, the messaging app cannot handle VGA-sized images properly, but workarounds are available.

Gimme it!
Download the cab attached below and report any inconsistencies and any consistencies! It is perfectly uninstallable, reverting all back to the previous state.

Credits! Debits!
I am greatly indebted to yxyz who introduced me to the possibilities. My work is a corollary of his work.

Enjoy it!

Cheers

Astronout
going back to space for now

Disclaimer: I am not responsible, bla bla bla, even if you melt your phone in the microwave.

Reported issues:
- Could break the replybox.
- After rotating the screen, dates might realign themselves to the left.
- Insufficient system permissions? --> Download & install sdkcerts
Fixed:
- Whitespaces below name and dates should be fixed under version 0.75+-
- It could break MMS. Fixed under version 0.79
- Double scrollbar is a common phenomenon. Fixed 0.80+
- After rotating the screen, the frame scrolls up halfway. Fixed 0.80+

Version history
Windows 7:
Status: Stable
06feb10 v0.80.653: Fixed scrollbars + scrolling + long sms + minor stuff (DL: 815)
06feb10 v0.80.615: Fixed scrollbars + scrolling + long sms + minor stuff (DL: 619)
28jan10 v0.79.653: Fixed MMS issue. (DL: 353)
26jan10 v0.75.615: fixed issues relating to double scrollbar and whitespace.
25jan10 v0.7.615 for WM6.1 and 6.5: first version for older WM versions (Start menu top left). (DL: 48)
24jan10 13:15 v0.75.653: Improved 2 scrollbar issue and included the sms icon top left. (DL: 290)
24jan10 v0.7.653: RTM version. (DL: 52)

Manila:
Status: stable
06feb10 v0.80.653: Fixed scrollbars + scrolling + minor stuff
06feb10 v0.80.615: First release!
28jan10 v0.79.653: Fixed MSS issue. (DL: 503)
25jan10 v0.7.653: Name change. (DL: 321)
24jan10 v0.7: RTM version. (DL: 170)