Need help opening downloaded content and save locations, ect...

Have ObjectDock plus 2, fences pro, icon packager pro...

from WinCustomize Forums

1) First, when I try to view any of the tutorials on wincustomize, all of the images are missing and WON'T DISPLAY!

I believe they are .png files. Is there some problem with the website or is there some local issue on my computer?

I am using firefox 6 (same problem on firefox 5 too) and windows 7 64 bit os..

 

2) Am confused as hell about locations to extract downloaded content to. The stardock programs all save content to different locations it seems and has no uniformity throughout product family...

To make matters worse, many of the uploaded files on the site have ABSOLUTELY NO directions as to what type of component iy is or where to extract, ect... 

 

2a) object dock plus 2: what goes in the D:\Users\Jason\Documents\Stardock\ObjectDock Library

and what goes in the C:\Program Files (x86)\Stardock\ObjectDockPlus2\Backgrounds

I've extracted KTEC 4d to programs.../background directory, but think the ktec displaying are default files, not the downloaded ktec 4d...?

 

3) When I'm browsing for content and apply 'category' filters, I get the same results whether I've check only 'docklets', 'tabbed backgrounds', or even 'dock separators' same # of search results... Am I doing something wrong or is there just crummy filtering of search results?

 

I know this is kinda all over the place, but it just seems all of these stardock programs I bought are NOT very intuitive! And I don't have a lot of time to spend on something non priority as customizing desktop, ya know.. I do love the results I see some users have gotten with these programs, that's why I dumped so much money into buying!

THANKS

6,930 views 8 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I can't answer all your questions but maybe this will help a bit. When you download something it will most likely want to got your download folder. Using firefox you I think have the option where to save it. I don't think you asked this and most likely know this.

When you download an OD file it will usually be zipped an dinside a folder. Just unzip it and place the folder here C:\Program Files (x86)\Stardock\ObjectDockPlus2\Backgrounds   -- Don't worry about the sub folders just put the folder there. If there is more than one type of docks, - tray, zoom, etc. in the folder they will all show up when you open OD and go to change background. If you get a zip file that jusy has the graphics and .inf file jusy make a new folder name it, copy the files it there and place it in your backgrounds folder.

As far as going inot the wiki tutorials section many of them are outdated and actually some can't even be used they are so old and didn't keep up with the program changes. There are many of these that the graphics don't show which I agree are really needed in order to follow. Not 100% sure but when the site was done over a couple years ago I think all the graphics were not moved to the new servers. To chack that and make sure it isn't something on your end try this link. I know this link has graphics working as it's a newer tutorial. LINK  

As far as not knowing what component it is as you say. The component is what you are downloading for the program you wish to use it on.If you download a windowblind it will be in .wba format. If you saved it as a file just double click it and it will install to the correct directory.

 

Default File Paths for windowblinds

C: drive is the most common, but if you installed WindowBlinds to a different drive, then the path(s) maybe different.

Windows 7:
     Program Files (64 bit): C:\Program Files (x86)\Stardock\Object Desktop\WindowBlinds
         Program Files (32 bit): C:\Program Files\Stardock\Object Desktop\WindowBlinds
   Visual Styles, Textures, Wallpapers: C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Stardock\WindowBlinds

Windows Vista:
    Program Files (64 bit): C:\Program Files (x86)\Stardock\Object Desktop\WindowBlinds
        Program Files (32 bit):  C:\Program Files\Stardock\Object Desktop\WindowBlinds
  Visual Styles, Textures, Wallpapers: C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Stardock\WindowBlinds

Windows XP (32 bit):
      Program Files: C:\Program Files\Stardock\Object Desktop\WindowBlinds
      Visual Styles, Textures, Wallpapers: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\Stardock\WindowBlinds

Hang in there as these are great programs and you will figure it out. Hopefully someone that may be able to help with additional questions may pop in here. Being a weekend it's a bit slower here and also it's a vacation month. someone will be around.

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Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top

3) When I'm browsing for content and apply 'category' filters, I get the same results whether I've check only 'docklets', 'tabbed backgrounds', or even 'dock separators' same # of search results... Am I doing something wrong or is there just crummy filtering of search results?

I think you're doing something wrong, I played with it just now.  Try doing it like this:

Click on the "Explore Filters" button to expand it down.

Click on the "Categories" button to expand it down.

Click on a category to check it, e.g. "Docklets"

Click on the "Apply" button up in the "Explore Filters" section.

That seems to do it.  Can't guarantee how thorough the filters are but it seems to work...

Sins of a Solar Empire II
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Windowblinds are installed upon download from IE. Firefox will download to a folder, preset by you. If the windowblind is a .WBA file, just double click it and it installs, then you can save the installer wherever you want, or delete it.

If the windowblind is a zip file, you extract it, then double click the WBA file.

 

DesktopX Themes and widgets auto save themselves when clicked on.

Icon Packages auto install upon double click.

 

Cursors auto install on opening.

 

The above assumes that you have installed the proper software to run each type.

Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Object Dock skins for example are mostly zipped and they contain a folder that folder belongs to the install directory of the docklet...
So unzip the xy.zip and take a look at the folders name : Best way to do so is to extract the files from winzip into the the specific folder or extract the zip on your desktop and then drag them into the folder i mention below.

folders with the name background go into YourDrive:\Program Files (x86)\Stardock\ObjectDock\Backgrounds
Tiles go into the Tiles folder and Tabs into the Tabs folder
Unsure about seperators

Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting DaveBax, reply 1
I can't answer all your questions but maybe this will help a bit. When you download something it will most likely want to got your download folder. Using firefox you I think have the option where to save it. I don't think you asked this and most likely know this.

When you download an OD file it will usually be zipped an dinside a folder. Just unzip it and place the folder here C:\Program Files (x86)\Stardock\ObjectDockPlus2\Backgrounds   -- Don't worry about the sub folders just put the folder there. If there is more than one type of docks, - tray, zoom, etc. in the folder they will all show up when you open OD and go to change background. If you get a zip file that jusy has the graphics and .inf file jusy make a new folder name it, copy the files it there and place it in your backgrounds folder.

As far as going inot the wiki tutorials section many of them are outdated and actually some can't even be used they are so old and didn't keep up with the program changes. There are many of these that the graphics don't show which I agree are really needed in order to follow. Not 100% sure but when the site was done over a couple years ago I think all the graphics were not moved to the new servers. To chack that and make sure it isn't something on your end try this link. I know this link has graphics working as it's a newer tutorial. LINK  

As far as not knowing what component it is as you say. The component is what you are downloading for the program you wish to use it on.If you download a windowblind it will be in .wba format. If you saved it as a file just double click it and it will install to the correct directory.

 

Default File Paths for windowblinds
C: drive is the most common, but if you installed WindowBlinds to a different drive, then the path(s) maybe different.

Windows 7:
     Program Files (64 bit): C:\Program Files (x86)\Stardock\Object Desktop\WindowBlinds
         Program Files (32 bit): C:\Program Files\Stardock\Object Desktop\WindowBlinds
   Visual Styles, Textures, Wallpapers: C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Stardock\WindowBlinds

Windows Vista:
    Program Files (64 bit): C:\Program Files (x86)\Stardock\Object Desktop\WindowBlinds
        Program Files (32 bit):  C:\Program Files\Stardock\Object Desktop\WindowBlinds
  Visual Styles, Textures, Wallpapers: C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Stardock\WindowBlinds

Windows XP (32 bit):
      Program Files: C:\Program Files\Stardock\Object Desktop\WindowBlinds
      Visual Styles, Textures, Wallpapers: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\Stardock\WindowBlinds

Hang in there as these are great programs and you will figure it out. Hopefully someone that may be able to help with additional questions may pop in here. Being a weekend it's a bit slower here and also it's a vacation month. someone will be around.

 

@DaveBax Thank you ! Those tutorials do work and should be VERY HELPFUL! I might even spring for one of the last few stardock programs I have to purchase yet, which is window blinds.

Could you or anyone recommend a real nice complete content set for objectdock 2 plus and/or iconpackager?

** Anyone also recommend some non-stardock customizing/skin programs that can be done up REALLY nice (maybe a little more intuitive and easier to gather user-created content?)

? Alternatives to windowblinds (maybe in the FREEISH price range haha) that offers as much function

?? Which use the least amount of system resources and are stable as well as intuitive to gather and add user-created content?

Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting coldengrey, reply 5
? Alternatives to windowblinds (maybe in the FREEISH price range haha) that offers as much function

Honestly I don't believe there is an alternative that offers as much function, free or otherwise, in terms of skinning the Windows interface, and other than the Stardock trial there is no "free" version of it - make no mistake about that.

 

 

Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top

There is no "complete content" download. There are large quantities of individual docks, IconPackager themes, DesktopX tools, etc. Mouseover the "Explore" button above, and click on one of the categories (such as IconPackager), and it will take you to the library of themes, and you can pick the ones you like.

May I advise looking into getting ObjectDesktop. It is a package of all the Stardock customizing products, except for ObjectDock. You save an enormous amount of money by getting it instead of buying individual programs. You can start here:  https://www.stardock.com/sitemap.asp There is a list of available programs, and links to download trial versions of each program.

Finally, welcome to the world of "skinning". I stumbled upon it 4 years ago, and it was a revelation.

Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting willistuder, reply 7
There is no "complete content" download. There are large quantities of individual docks, IconPackager themes, DesktopX tools, etc. Mouseover the "Explore" button above, and click on one of the categories (such as IconPackager), and it will take you to the library of themes, and you can pick the ones you like.

May I advise looking into getting ObjectDesktop. It is a package of all the Stardock customizing products, except for ObjectDock. You save an enormous amount of money by getting it instead of buying individual programs. You can start here:  https://www.stardock.com/sitemap.asp There is a list of available programs, and links to download trial versions of each program.

Finally, welcome to the world of "skinning". I stumbled upon it 4 years ago, and it was a revelation.

 

thanks