Objectdock as shell

Running ObjectDock as shell instead of explorer.exe

from WinCustomize Forums
Hello!

I thought to have a try on running objectdock.exe instead of explorer.exe as the shell. So i replaced the registry key for Current user to my Object dock directory and pointed at Objectdock.exe.

Then i reloged and yay the explorer doesn't run i save some RAM (what was the point of running Objectdock as the shell and ofcourse less time to wait before i can start working), the objectdock shows up and works fine except 2 things:
first the Objectdock's taskbar doesn't seem to update itself(it shows the taskbar only when i go to Doc settings and retick the show taskbar items on dock).
The second thing is that the systray dock doesn't show any icons, but this can mayby be fixed when i load the trayserver service, haven't tried yet

However a bigger problem arose: some services, eg. my usb mouse service(the mouse has additional buttons), didn't start. so its quite uncomfortable to work with the computer.

Anyway if someone has any experience at this kind of running as shell, or knows how to make Objectdock work as a shell, youre welcome.

Oh and btw the start menu doesn't come up, as it is probably one part of the explorer

objectdock
3,013 views 6 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
The second thing is that the systray dock doesn't show any icons, but this can mayby be fixed when i load the trayserver service, haven't tried yet


Open Stardock Central and Tools>Settings>General enable MCP notification area support>reboot.

As far as running Object Dock as your shell.....I don't think it's designed as a shell replacement. It does replace your taskbar and you can accomplish that just by checking the "Hide the Windows Taskbar" on the Objectdock Properties page. You may run into more problems via open/close dialogs as these are usually explorer windows and since you don't have explorer.......
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
None of Stardock's apps are shell replacements. They are shell enhancements. Most require explorer at some point.

If you are looking at alternative shells, try Litestep.
TouchTasks - Access tasks with ease on Windows touchscreens.
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Shells are more than just the User Interface. There's a lot of backend stuff as well, so setting a random program as Shell will remove other functions in Windows.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top

You still NEED Explorer.exe [the shell] running with OD. OD is a shell enhancement, not a shell replacement.

There are various alternative shells around, each with benefits and/or deficiencies, but  generally there's no reason to dump the XP explorer shell as it's less problematic comparatively than earlier windows vers.

Only 'real' reason to say, use Litestep is because 'you can'...

Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
This thread will really bring you outta yer shell...