Koasati Koasati

Tips for new users!

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Tips for new users!

from WinCustomize Forums
It was suggested that an article I put together should be placed in the New User section. I want to expand on that
What I hope happens in this thread is that the people I see helping others in the forums, will help me put together tips for the new folks.
This stuff can be confusing at first, and we see a lot of the same questions being asked often. So, we should be able to answer them in this thread, where they'll be easy to find. ;)

The Problem:
Auto-installing Skin/Theme files are downloaded as zip files.

The Cause:
SP2 appears to be common factor here, but some people report no change after SP2.
What's happening is this... self installing file extension for most skinning programs are simply renamed ZIP archives. For some reason after SP2 is installed on XP, the extensions are renamed back to .zip when downloaded.
But it's easily fixed.

The Solution:

Step 1. File extension must not be hidden. If you're unsure what that means, open Control Panel > Folder Options > View tab > "Hide extensions for known file types" should be un-checked.

Step 2. Right-click the file and select Rename. Change the zip part of the name to the proper extenion. Example; skin1.zip = skin1.wba (for a WindowBlind skin)

DesktopX Themes = .dxtheme
DesktopX Objects = .dxpack
WindowBlinds = .wba
LogonStudio = .logonxp
BootSkin = .bootskin
CursorXP = .CurXPTheme
IconPackager = .ip

If you get a warning about changing the extention, click OK

Step 3. Double-click the renamed file.


Lantec pointed out that if you use Firefox (or Opera), this file extension won't be renamed when you download.

by Developer Lantec
Monday, January 03, 2005


Just a note;
I was having this problem constantly until I switched browsers.
Since I started using firefox all downloads autoinstall correctly and those that don't auto install have the right extension. There are a whole bunch of other advantages, but this one item makes it worth the trouble. SP2 has been a real pain.....

Jason Carver suggested this work around......... rename the files when you download.

by Citizen Jason Carver
Saturday, February 12, 2005

Heres a shorter shortcut ( well shorter in my opinion )  

First write down the file extensions listed here. Next pick something to download. In this case , ill download a Window Blind file. When you click download. It shows the save as dialog. Below it , you have two choices from a drop down menu. "Zip files" and All files. Select all files , and add .wba to the end of the file name. When its done saving , you click open and TADA! its installed.

**UPDATE**

So, you like Internet Explorer....you don't want to switch browsers?
It appears that the problem can be fixed by installing a 3rd party archive program [WinZip, ZipCentral, IZArc, etc.] The problem seems to be caused by XP's built-in zip program.

faq support
605,298 views 386 replies | Pinned
Reply #251 from WinCustomize Forums Top

drdaniel,

I am not familiar with any updated Docklet, or alternative docklets, for that particular function.

ObjectDock Plus offers the option to have the System Tray shown as a dock, and will function as such - thus, allowing the "Safely disconnect" option by clicking on the icon.

Otherwise, you will have to hope for someone to drop by who knows of a better docklet.

Reply #252 from WinCustomize Forums Top
mr, Koasati
in just a few short paragraphs you solved my problem..of installing these stupid cursor xp themes.iv'e had stardock object desktop! for 2 years & could not figure it out.thankyou.
i wonder how many other people out ther threw in the towel along time ago like me!.
the company should hear about this.thanks again.
ps. i got lucky finding this forum site.
cw inc.
The Political Machine 2024
Reply #254 from WinCustomize Forums Top
TheBig_guN writing : Hey First of all a warm welcome to all users of Desktop X and Family

and after that a little help required;

I have purchased a new P 4 fully equiped I mean a gaming machine so I wanted it to look different so I tried to find Windows Blinds in stores but couldnt find (I live in Pakistan just to let you now for some reason) so I tried to search the net but found the trial versions only still it was worth it so It was still not enough after that i wanted my icons to look cools i tried to change them manually but as windows restarted the were restored so i god iconpackeger and then icon x but icon x isnt much cool so i stuck only with icon packager after that i wanted some thing real more realistick i wanted my desktop to be alive so i got desktop x and other utilities after getting them i started to increase my gallery but i realised that the download limit was decreasing now i think its about 13 mb left but any way i certainly realised that there was an option build our own obj , widj and themes etc so i started editing some downloaded themes and deskx files, and got introduced to the builder but the problem arrises i am not 18 yet I am going to be this december so i cant fully take part in the gadget crazze programm and second problem is have no idea about software programming i.e. Visual C++ etc and i have no idea about scripting i.e. even the definition.

So if there is any pro imean really who has been in this field for some time please give some info on visuall c ++ and some links to guide urls and some scripting help and give some idea on how to start with my first desktop and some rematerial rescources.

Any Help would be very very very higly regarded and appreciated.

in case my mail is needed to reply here it is [email protected]
Reply #256 from WinCustomize Forums Top
TheBigguN... you're probably better off asking for this type of info in the OS Customization forum. Learning scripting languages is a bit beyond new user questions.

I'm sure you can find lots of info on scripting by doing a google search.

Reply #257 from WinCustomize Forums Top
just a kudos comment
I'm new to the skinning world and just fell in love with this community.Some of my coworkers like what I was able to do with my desktop, and have added some of there own flavors!!!!!Many have questions and I have directed them to the site ,again there amazed.My only problem is that I know nothing about how to create my own skins .I have some ideas for themes, objects and widgets, but dont know where to start. I'm willing to learn!!!!!thanks to all of you and your hard work.I hope to soon be a subscriber and meet some of my favorite skinners, as well as contribute!!!!!!Thanks again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply #258 from WinCustomize Forums Top
ok, so dont' get all upset if this question has been answered before. im short on time and i need to know now. which folder do i put cursors for cursorXP in.(downloaded to default directory) also i need to know where to put desktopX widgets, objects, and themes. plus log on screens and iconXP. thanks a ton if you can help.
Reply #259 from WinCustomize Forums Top

rychian,

You will need 3 basic items to start skinning (other than your imagination):

1 - A graphics editing program (i.e., Photoshop, CorelDRAW, Paint Shop Pro, etc. - you could use Paint, but that would be limiting in many ways due to the lack of support for transparency)

2 - A program to combine your images into a skin (DesktopX for DX themes, objects, widgets, SkinStudio for creating a WindowBlind skin, IconDeveloper, or another icon editor for creating icons, etc.)

3 - If you intend to make advanced DesktopX items (themes, objects, widgets, and gadgets), you will need either "VB Script" or "Java Script" skills - as well as some XML knowledge.

You can find some documentation on DesktopX here https://www.stardock.com/products/desktopx/documentation/index.html

You can find a series of tutorials on creating icons here http://mormegil.wincustomize.com/Articles.aspx?SID=83&AID=64104

If you download and install SkinStudio, there is a tutorial offered (though a bit out-dated) via the Help menu.

There is also a large amount of support available here at WC if you have questions on particular procedures while working with these programs.

I hope this helps.

Reply #260 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Kiltul,

For CursorXP (free version), you put the cursor theme file in "C:\Program Files\Stardock\CursorXP\Themes" folder.

An easier way to procede, would be to read this mini tutorial http://corkyo.wincustomize.com/Articles.aspx?SID=5463&AID=82563 - and after a successful download of the CursorXP theme file - simply double-click to install. The files will be written to the correct location, and are then available for application.

If you are running CursorXP Plus, you would put the files in "C:\Program Files\CursorXP\Themes" folder.

For a better understanding of the file structures, you can read my mini tutorial concerning backing-up skins and themes, which illustrates the locations and folders used by the core programs of Object Desktop. This should help point you in the correct direction - read here http://corkyo.wincustomize.com/Articles.aspx?SID=5463&AID=82928

If you have any questions after that, please post again.

 

Reply #261 from WinCustomize Forums Top
hy everbody .. i am newbie for this programs ... here is my problem i install icon packagare . i register the program ! when i download the icon package... i double click on it ... and he dosent wont to install that package ... it says ..eror : no icon package was found .. c:/program files/stardock/Iconpackager/themes/skyscape
Reply #262 from WinCustomize Forums Top

tolCAbolt,

1 - Delete the "Skyscape" folder in "C:\Program Files\Stardock\Object Desktop\IconPackager" folder (or in "C:\Program Files\Stardock\IconPackager" folder if you have the program installed that way for some reason).

2 - Try downloading the Skyscape icon package using the method described here http://corkyo.wincustomize.com/Articles.aspx?SID=5463&AID=82563

3 - After downloading the file, just double-click to install.

This should invoke the IconPackager program, which should have the package loaded - allowing you to click "Apply". Wait a few seconds while IconPackager applies the theme.

Note - the "Skyscape" package is made for IconPackager version 3, so you will need that version installed to run it.

Reply #263 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I am romanian.Please explain slwoly how do i install my desktop x theme...what do i need or what should i do to install it?...i didn't understand verry well please answer me
Reply #264 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Suflet,

Normally, you would do the following:

1 - Go here http://www.download.com/DesktopX/3000-2340_4-10422614.html?tag=stardock and download the "DesktopX 3.1" shareware program

2 - Install the DesktopX program on your computer, and then restart your computer

3 - Go here http://corkyo.wincustomize.com/Articles.aspx?SID=5463&AID=82563 and read my mini tutorial on "Downloading content from WinCustomize", and then download the DesktopX theme you want to your computer using the directions in the mini tutorial.

4 - Double-click the DesktopX theme file you downloaded to install and it should automatically be applied.

5 - If the theme does not automatically apply - start DesktopX and click the Load Desktop option to select and apply the new theme.

That should get you started.

For more information on using the DesktopX program, you can read this https://www.stardock.com/products/desktopx/documentation/index.html

I hope this helps.

Reply #266 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Shmihel,

First - the ".suite" file type is used by Theme Manager.

Second - Theme Manager is basically a file co-ordinator (manager) program, which reads the theme file (".suite" file type), and then invokes the proper program to apply the theme.

Third - you will therefore need the correct program installed to apply the different parts of the theme, such as:

- WindowBlinds to skin the Start Menu, Taskbar, Window Frame, Toolbar Icons, Scroll bars

- IconPackager to apply a set of custom system and file type icons

- CursorXP to apply a set of custom mouse pointers

- DesktopX to run widgets, or to apply a DesktopX theme

- ObjectDock to apply a dock theme

- LogonStudio to apply a custom logon screen

There are more programs as well, most of which can be found either under the "Software" tab at top of page, or via a link in the program's library (which are found at the top left of home page).

If you have the proper programs installed, including Theme Manager - you would simply double-click the ".suite" file to install > run Theme Manager > select the theme in the preview list > click the "Apply" button > wait a few seconds for the theme to be applied.

I have written a few mini tutorials for beginners which may help understand downloading content, working with the file structures of some of the programs, and backing up installed skins. You can go directly to my page by clicking my name, and you will see the list of mini tutorials there.

Due to server time-outs currently, I cannot grab a link to Cordelia's Corner (this is Cordelia's page) where you can find some tutorials for beginners outlining the basic use of some of the programs - so you would have to go to the "Site tab > Cordelia's Corner > Articles" and look through the articles for more information.

I hope this clears things up a bit.

Reply #267 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I could not find the answer on some other threads, so here is my question:

- On the wincustomize website most of the downloadable packages (windowblinds, iconpackage, ...) have stars and referrals. How do they get them ? Do people vote for them ?

Just curious,
Thanks.
Reply #268 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Stars are ratings, which are given by users with the proper access level (achieved by developing a presence on the site, giving to the community in some way, and then receiving a bump in rank by users with abilities to recommend rank increase)

Referrals are links from other sites, referring users to the skin, site, page, or article.

Reply #269 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Hello,
The cursor and Icon packages don't seem to be self-installing, so where do you put them? I put them temporarily in the Windblind/DesktopX/Theme 'as is' until I know how and what to do with them.

CursorXP = .CurXPTheme
IconPackager = .ip
Reply #270 from WinCustomize Forums Top

HDUltra03,

Both of those programs include a "Themes" folder inside of their respective program folder:

IconPackager = "C:\Program Files\Stardock\Object Desktop\IconPackager\Themes" folder

CursorXP = "C:\Program Files\Stardock\CursorXP\Themes" folder

Note - if you are using CursorXP Plus, it will be: "C:\Program Files\CursorXP\Themes" folder.

I suggest trying to use the method outlined in this tutorial for downloading content http://corkyo.wincustomize.com/Articles.aspx?SID=5463&AID=82563 - after which, you should be able to double-click to install automatically.

Reply #271 from WinCustomize Forums Top
ATTN NEW UPLOADERS

I just ran into this problem. I had created my WC account with a different nick, uploaded a couple of icons without problem, finally purchased a subscription and changed my nick, tried to upload a bootskin and the darn thing wouldn't work. I tried everything for about 3 hours then finally tried to upload a new screenshot and got a workable error message saying that the temp folder on WC couldn't be found. I looked closely and found the problem. My changed nick was "William / Quist" which was fine, but not acceptable for uploading files. The "/" was throwing everything off kilter. Thus, I changed my / to a - and things are hunkydory now.

So watch what characters you have when creating your name!


Posted via WinCustomize Browser/Stardock Central
Reply #273 from WinCustomize Forums Top
So watch what characters you have when creating your name!

Yes.... anything other than alpha-numeric characters (and I guess '-') will cause uploads to go wonky.

and how about the "lsz" Zip?what is it ?how can i use it ? use any softs ?

The lsz extension is for LiteStep. LS replaces the "Explorer Shell", so be sure to read the documentation before you try it.

Reply #274 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I have a problem... Well, I downloaded and sucessfully installed a windowblind theme. But now, I wish to restore that toolbar (well, the bttom thing... toolbar or taskbar) to the default windows XP blue. but that doesnt happen! What happens is that the taskbar is like windows classic... any help here?
Reply #275 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Nvm i solved it... doesnt seem like you ppl are that active... wasted 3 hours