How do I get started with customizing? What tools do I need? ...

This is my current desk:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/51975212/

But, I want something more like this:
http://customize.org/screenshots/48883
http://customize.org/screenshots/47854

So um, I started really simple with using resource hacker on notepad.
But after each time when I edited the program,
the program was been reset to its original state =s
(and yes I replaced both notepad.exe's)
Maybe it's because I have a Dutch version from WinXP.

Next I would like to know what tools I need for customizing a XP theme and where I can get them.
Because most of the time there's something wrong with the theme.

Ah well =p
Later_