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Object Desktop 2009 Official Support Thread

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Object Desktop 2009 Official Support Thread

Post your thoughts, questions, issues with Object Desktop 2009 here.

from Stardock Forums

When Object Desktop 2009 is released, this is where the known issues will be posted.  Please post your findings here as well.  Thank you!

Notes and Known Issues: (all issues are being worked on at this time)

Theme Manager 3.0 (Published at 11am)

  • Aero Midnight theme included as a .suite file for Object Desktop customers.
  • My Desktop / Save My Desktop: Dreams, skins and cursors sometimes do apply when saved as part of a suite.  Please apply through the Applications tab as a workaround at this time.
  • Applications / Cursors: Sometimes cursors take two applies before applying.
  • My Desktop / Create New Theme: The Download URL function is not working at this time.
  • Please update SoundPackager before applying sounds through Theme Manager 3.0.
  • Users will need to open SoundPackager one time to have sound packages show up in Theme Manager 3.0.
  • Fixed - On systems that do not have MyColors installed, an error about the StardockWeather.ocx file not being registered will display when applying weather gadgets.
  • The Aero Midnight skin does not extract and apply 100% of the time on faster hardware.

Deskscapes 2.5 (with XP support published at 1pm)

  • With a Dream file applied dragging and dropping icons from the desktop to a folder does not work at this time.
  • Please visit this web site to review video card requirement details.  In short, AGP Video cards are not supported at this time.  Future driver updates from NVIDIA/ATI will add support later this year.  At that time only AGP 8x will be supported (4x/2x/1x bus speeds are not adequate to support dream functionality at low CPU).
  • The Watercolor Dream may exhibit some distortion on Windows XP.

Bootskin Pro 1.0 (published at 6:30pm)

  • There is a new WinCustomize gallery for Windows Vista bootskins.  Boot skins created for XP will not work with Bootskin Pro.
  • Bootskin Pro allows users to create boot skins for Windows Vista, so boot skins created for XP can be re-generated and uploaded to WinCustomize.
  • Bootskin Pro Create boot skin tab will attempt to read your Object Desktop Ultimate serial from the registry.  If the serial number field is blank, paste in your Object Desktop Ultimate serial number to create a boot skin.
  • There may be an issue with .bootskin file associations on some systems.

WindowBlinds 6.3 (published on 11/18/2008)

  • Windows Vista 64-bit users may need to reboot after install if skins do not apply correctly.
776,093 views 339 replies
Reply #76 from Stardock Forums Top

Is BootSkin Pro going to be released for XP in the future? I have the alpha of the XP BootSkin so I'm good, just curious.

A qualified maybe.

With the advent of SP2 for XP there is a supported, reliable way to update boot screens on Windows XP.  We may merge the applications. (Bootskin for XP and Bootskin Pro).

Reply #77 from Stardock Forums Top

I UPDATED Soundpackager as required for use with Theme manager 3 (Windows Defender off and Firewall diasbled) and now it insists that it needs to be activated and gives me "Activation Error (stage 4)" each and every time............I've put my OD ultimate serial in with my email and no go

Ok, this is officially a bug in the code.  An update will be available tomorrow morning sometime that will resolve this issue.

 

Siege of Centauri
Reply #78 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting La, reply 10

Quoting Zargon0225, reply 9
When I try and start a dream on Dreamscapes 2.5, my PC thinks for a second and then does nothing. This happens with any dream I attempt to run. I just downloaded the latest 2.5 version today using Impulse.
Do you have a video codec installed?  Do you have DirectX9 installed?  You will need both to apply a dream.

See information here about this:

https://www.stardock.com/products/deskscapes/faq.asp

 
DX9 is installed, and I have a number of codecs installed using that Decoder Checkup Utility.  My perfered codec is the Intervideo Video Decoder.  After selecting that and restarting my PC, still nothing.

Is there anything else I can try?  Thank you for the help!

Reply #79 from WinCustomize Forums Top

As with others, In ThemeManager when applying Aero Midnight, Everything applies except for WindowBlinds and the Gadgets. Aero Midnight is not shown on the WB list in WB Config or under applications in ThemeManager.

Now in ThemeManager, under Applications on Skins Tab These are on the list, TemplateUIS1, TemplateUIS_Vista, TemplateUIS2, and TemplateUIS_Vista.

These four are not on the list in WB Config. Theabove mentioned four were not on that list before trying to apply Aero Midnight.

So, I rebooted and the Gadgets started working but not Aero midnight and is still not on the list. Tried applying the Suite again but just the blind alone and nothing.

Vista SP1 32 Bit.

Reply #80 from WinCustomize Forums Top

i have the same 4 "templates" listed as elvee does. i doubt it matters but i'm on vista ultimate 64.

Reply #81 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I renamed the Aero Midnight Suite to a Zip file. Unzipped and zipped up the AeroMidnight WB folder, renamed to wba file and applied.  It worked part of the way because when applying Windows desktop manager stopped. Restarted WDM and now the Blind works fine. Between this post and my last, I had Deskscapes running...which I normally dont.

Reply #82 from Stardock Forums Top

We have updated Soundpackager to fix the activation bug.  We apologize for the inconvenience.

New version 1.10.025.

Reply #83 from Stardock Forums Top

Is there anything else I can try? Thank you for the help!

Deskscapes is probably not compatible with your Codec.  Please check out the instructions (the list the Microsoft codec we are certified against) try using a codec manager to disable all codecs except the Microsoft MPEG decoder.  That should resolve your issue.

Do the dynamic dreams fail to apply as well?  Desktop Earth?  Those do not rely on a video codec.

 

Reply #84 from Stardock Forums Top

We have not been able to reproduce the issue with Aero Midnight failing to apply.  Can those exhibiting this problem please post how they updated applications?  SDC or Impulse?

Reply #85 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Updated through Impulse.

Reply #86 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Zargon0225, reply 9
We have not been able to reproduce the issue with Aero Midnight failing to apply.  Can those exhibiting this problem please post how they updated applications?  SDC or Impulse?

 

I updated through Impulse.  Since you've posted this, I tried updating through SDC (I was unaware that SDC even functioned anymore) -- Updates installed, but the problem persists....when applying Aero Midnight through theme manager, all aspects of the suite install except the Windowblind.

Incidentally, this whole update has turned into a train wreck for me.  First, I figured the problem had to be on my end, so I uninstalled Impulse, noticed that the Impulse dock was "broken" - figured it had to be me, right?  So, like I said, I uninstalled Impulse; then ran CCleaner, and  TuneUp Utilities, rebooted and tried to reinstall Impulse from the website...in the middle of the install, it kept popping up that I needed to turn off my firewall, so I did that, but the problem persisted.  

So THEN I figured the problem HAD to be with my Windows .NET framework, so I uninstalled that and tried to reinstall...and THAT failed from the Microsoft site.  So I shot Microsoft an e-mail, and if I'm lucky, I'll hear back from them in a week.  GREAT!

Unable to just leave things as they are, I downloaded the MS .NET framework file from a hippo file link, which appeared to download, but still, Impulse will not install, continues to pop up that  box that says I need to turn off my firewall. :pout:

You would think by now I would learn to wait a couple days before I try to access the new stuff from Impulse, but I'm very impatient (maybe because the Stardock staff enjoys teasing us for so long with the lovely new toys they're designing, by the time they're ready to be dispensed to the public, I'm like a hungry dog ready to eat my own young to get at the new stuff).  

Anyway this domino effect cruise on my FailBoat has me ready to climb the walls...I have no idea whether the problem is with my computer, Impulse, Microsoft, the Devil, a curse placed on me by an ex-BF somewhere in my past, or WHAT, but I should probably learn to follow my Mom's lead and just be happy I can play solitare on my computer!  

This was such a lovely way to spend my day off!  I'm out of money, out of intoxicating beverages or other chemical means of calming down.  I guess it's time for me to read a book or something.

Reply #87 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Only AGP 8x provides the necessary bandwidth to run a dream. AGP 4x will not be supported.

Then why can VLC play full screen video on the desktop under XP and has been able to for years?   Is there some fundamental difference between these two things?  Genuinely curious.

Reply #88 from WinCustomize Forums Top

On Vista 64 Ultimate I am able to create a bootskin, but I'm unable to apply any of them, the defaults, or mine.  :(

Note that my boot drive is D: (not the usual C:), and I'm using bootskin pro v 1.00.027.

Reply #89 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I usually pick just the Windowsblind to update (Aero Midnight in this case). The issue is that the blind never changes from my original. Icons will change or anything else if I select. But not the blind. Explorer will stop, then restart, and my old blind will still be sitting there. Any suggestions?

I had this problem. I changed the .suite file to a zip, then extracted it. Then I made the windowblind folder a zip, then changed it to a wba file. Now it is installed into windowblinds.

What Elvee said!   LOL

Reply #91 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting PuterDudeJim, reply 14

I usually pick just the Windowsblind to update (Aero Midnight in this case). The issue is that the blind never changes from my original. Icons will change or anything else if I select. But not the blind. Explorer will stop, then restart, and my old blind will still be sitting there. Any suggestions?
I had this problem. I changed the .suite file to a zip, then extracted it. Then I made the windowblind folder a zip, then changed it to a wba file. Now it is installed into windowblinds.

 

I just did the same, confirmed to work. Might i say, SLICK skin. Def a keeper.

Reply #92 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting Zargon0225, reply 8

Is there anything else I can try? Thank you for the help!
Deskscapes is probably not compatible with your Codec.  Please check out the instructions (the list the Microsoft codec we are certified against) try using a codec manager to disable all codecs except the Microsoft MPEG decoder.  That should resolve your issue.

Do the dynamic dreams fail to apply as well?  Desktop Earth?  Those do not rely on a video codec.

 

Yes, I have not been able to get any Dream to apply.  As I said, they all simply 'think' for a second as if the PC is trying to apply it, and then nothing happens after a moment.  The wallpaper does flicker very very very briefly somewhere in there, but that's all I've ever noticed.

Reply #93 from WinCustomize Forums Top

what do i have to do to use the vista bootscreen, it asks for a serial number and my name, and i'm trying to use the free version what's the dealy-o?   what do i do?   i'm starting to get frustrated.   ( i feel like kicking my pc in the teeth)  lol>:(

Reply #94 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I will post with the same problem with the aero midnight theme. Won't work for me either. I updated to theme manager 3.0 and did a reboot. Saw the theme and tried to apply, all works but the WB. I tried what one person wrote, to go back to windows desktop. That did not work. It also screwed up Iconpackager for me. Nearly all my files showed icons for a different file type. Finally fixed that, but still can't get aero midnight. I am running XP SP3, with all updates through impulse. All other items updated and work fine. Thanks Stardock for great products. Hope this issue can be resolved.
Reply #95 from WinCustomize Forums Top

 

what do i have to do to use the vista bootscreen, it asks for a serial number and my name, and i'm trying to use the free version what's the dealy-o? what do i do? i'm starting to get frustrated. ( i feel like kicking my pc in the teeth) lol

 

There is no free version for Vista: BootSkin Pro

BootSkin is free for Object Desktop subscribers and is coming soon as a stand-alone. BootSkin Pro is currently available for users of Object Desktop. Purchase Object Desktop today to start using BootSkin Pro.

 

the free version on the bootskin site is for XP only. :

BootSkin is FREE. So give it a try by downloading it from CNET Download.com

BootSkin is free for non-commercial use.

 

  • Requirements:

    Windows 2000/XP 256MB RAM 10MB HDD SPace

 

On Vista 64 Ultimate I am able to create a bootskin, but I'm unable to apply any of them, the defaults, or mine.

 

I have Mailed a bug report to SD support detailing the issue. I too am experiencing it.. I would send in a report to [email protected] with you system info pasted in it.

Reply #96 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Further info and questions regarding my issue and Deskscapes on XP SP3: I do not have the Microsoft MPEG-2 Video Decoder because it is Vista-only from what I have read. What codec packs were used in testing 2.5 on XP? I have K-Lite 4.3.1 right now with no luck. As an FYI, I also confirmed I have DX9c installed successfully. Also, since I'm on XP, I'm assuming that I don't need Desktop Windows Manager (DWM) running in any form, as I obviously don't have it. Can this be confirmed? Lastly, when using the MS tool to select default MPEG2 codecs, I can occasionally make selections that will cause the Display Properties window to freeze. That is, I have one codec selected as default, try Dreamscapes, and it just dies on me right away. I then change to another Codec and the window freezes, forcing me to kill rundll32.dll. I don't suppose any of this rings any bells? :)
Reply #97 from WinCustomize Forums Top

DeskScapes is giving me an error that it won't work on my XP rig because it seems to think I have an AGP card, which is utter nonsense. I'm running a Radeon HD 2600xt 512mb, which is PCIe.

 

 

Argh, now it sorta applies if I select apply anyway, but then immediately I get a shitton of "Do you want to close this desklet?" prompts from Avedesk, and after I say no to all of them, all the labels disappear and the desktop goes black. :annoyed:

Reply #98 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting HG_Eliminator, reply 20
 


what do i have to do to use the vista bootscreen, it asks for a serial number and my name, and i'm trying to use the free version what's the dealy-o? what do i do? i'm starting to get frustrated. ( i feel like kicking my pc in the teeth) lol


 

There is no free version for Vista: BootSkin Pro

BootSkin is free for Object Desktop subscribers and is coming soon as a stand-alone. BootSkin Pro is currently available for users of Object Desktop. Purchase Object Desktop today to start using BootSkin Pro.

 

the free version on the bootskin site is for XP only. :

BootSkin is FREE. So give it a try by downloading it from CNET Download.com

BootSkin is free for non-commercial use.

 


Requirements:
Windows 2000/XP 256MB RAM 10MB HDD SPace

 


On Vista 64 Ultimate I am able to create a bootskin, but I'm unable to apply any of them, the defaults, or mine.


 

I have Mailed a bug report to SD support detailing the issue. I too am experiencing it.. I would send in a report to [email protected] with you system info pasted in it.
ohh i see now blahhh that sucks thanks anyways:pout:   i was really hoping it was going to be a free version too

Reply #99 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Just got BootSkin Pro and it does not apply any skins at all.... I just get an error message each time.  Vista Home Premium x64, 8800GT @ 512, AMD Athlon x64 6400, Gigabyte S-Series GA-MA770 DS3.

:)

Reply #100 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting elvee, reply 6
I renamed the Aero Midnight Suite to a Zip file. Unzipped and zipped up the AeroMidnight WB folder, renamed to wba file and applied.

 

Well...that at least gives me access to Aero Midnight Windowblinds!  Thanks!