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
604,993 views 386 replies | Pinned
Reply #151 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Please help... when I use windowblinds and go online the windows come up in different sizes different places and disregard the setting keep the taskbar on top of other windows when I unload w.b. everything works perfect,I Know there must be a setting in W.B. to keep all the windows lined up, I just cant find it
Reply #152 from WinCustomize Forums Top


Thanks, and sorry for the late answer. But as I suspected I needed some program AND, as I think many must have realized, I'm completely new to this, just got inspired by a friend, and that is why all this changing of the old dull XP cursors and such started.

Well, I'm at least not SO noob that I don't know how to make/change wallpapers

Now, all that remains is how to change the icons of files etc. and the bootskin.
And NO, I don't have any programs that might be needed to make any changes or installations, all that I downloaded was the new bootskin/icon pack. So, I hope you can tell me what programs I need for making things work around.

Thanks again for the link, I hope this works...
Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion
Reply #153 from WinCustomize Forums Top
For BootSkins... https://www.stardock.com/products/bootskin/

For IconPackager sets... https://www.stardock.com/products/iconpackager/

Reply #154 from WinCustomize Forums Top
tnuc1,

Some questions:

What version WB are you using? What OS are you running? What browser are you running? What skin(s) are we talking about?

For the taskbar issue, have you tried toggling the option to keep on top after applying the skin?

A bit more information might be helpful.
Reply #155 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Hi Corky O ....thanks for your reply I'm using the latest version of W.B. with windows xp home the problem happens on explorer and msn explorer this happens with every skin. and also when im off line if i'm viewing say wallpapers or using ms paint incredimail webshots just about everything gets resized funny and when i unload windowblinds everything is normal windows fall on top of each fine .... and i have tried toggling the option for keep the taskbar on top of other windows after applying a skin it has no effect same problem...
Reply #156 from WinCustomize Forums Top
tnuc1,

With a skin applied, can you right-click the taskbar > select "Cascade Windows" > see them cascade starting at top left of screen?

If the cascade command works, then at least the OS is responding as it should.

If the following is true:

- Windows cascade correctly
- WindowBlinds is in default settings
- Windows do not remember previous positions
- Issue is present with only WB skin applied while opening other programs and/or windows explorer

Then I would recommend saving all your skins from the "C:\Program Files\Stardock\WindowBlinds" folder (where "C" is the letter drive) - or "C:\Program Files\Stardock\Object Desktop\WindowBlinds" folder, if you have Object Desktop - to a temporary folder in say "My Documents".

Unload WindowBlinds via "right-clicking" the system tray icon > return Windows to the default theme including all icons > uninstall WB (make sure you have the WB installer file for reinstalling) > reboot machine > delete the WindowBlinds folder mentioned in address above > reinstall WindowBlinds program > reboot machine > test WindowBlinds.

If all is well, copy or move the skin files back to the C:\Program Files\Stardock\WindowBlinds", or "C:\Program Files\Stardock\Object Desktop\WindowBlinds" folder.

It sounds like you might have a process issue in the "explorer.exe" to me, but I can't be sure. Your windows, taskbar, and desktop run in the same process, so hopefully this will allow the OS to install WB cleanly and have it get along with "explorer.exe".

I hope this helps.
Reply #157 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Corky O Thanks For getting back to me again with my problem....per your advice i unistalled and reinstalled windowblinds I followed your instructions exactly but I'm still having the same problem with the windows resizing incorrectly You asked in your last response if the windows cscade properly with a skin applied, yes they do cascade also they tile horizontally,vertically without any problems when i untile the windows size funny you also asked if i had windowblinds at the default setting,this I'm not sure of I don't see a default setting tab anywhere on it and also since i reinstalled windowblinds that should have reset everything back to the default settings, I think ? And also the configuration setttings no longer show up in the display properties in control panel after reinstallation....anyway thanks again for your help and good advise
Reply #158 from WinCustomize Forums Top
tnuc1,

At this point, I would recommend contacting Tech Support Email

Include the following information:

- Processor
- RAM
- Video Card
- Operating System
- WindowBlinds version number
- Indicate whether WindowBlinds is the Free or Full (enhanced) version
- Describe problem

Sorry I could not be of assistance.
Reply #159 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Corky O....Thanks for getting back to me several times I appreciate the time and effort it took to help me out and the many others that you assist on this forum, as one person stated on this forum they should rename this Corkys Corner.... thanks again I will contact tech support
Reply #160 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Hey, some of my friends and I have gotton most of the programs, and we have tried to create our own logins, and for myself, when I try to save or apply a login, it says a file cannot be found. Can someone help me?
Reply #161 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Never mind. My friends and I figured it out. What we are now wondering about is how do we get rid of the bottom pannel without making it white space on the login screen.
Reply #162 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Change the height of it to 0, I think, in the bottom panel properties. I think you may lose your Shut Down button though...
Reply #163 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I need some help with the .Net Digital Clock for objectdock. I followed the installation directions and double checked them, but when i try to choose a docklet the list is empty. The question was already asked in the docklet comments section but nobody answered, so i figured that i would ask it here. Please help and thanks in advance.
Reply #164 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Mr CR,

Assuming you have the correct Microsoft .NET Framework, I am not sure what is going on there.

I just downloaded the ".NET Digital Clock" from here Link, then unzipped the file and copied the "DotNetDocklets" folder to the "C:\Program Files\Stardock\ObjectDock\Docklets" folder.

I was then able to right-click the dock > choose "Add.." > select ".NET Digital Clock" docklet from the docklet section (lower section) of that list, and it applied per expectation.

Are you not seeing any docklets in the "Add.." menu after right-clicking the dock?

If you don't see any docklets, and you see them in the C:\Program Files\Stardock\ObjectDock" folder (where "C" is the letter drive), then something seems to have been changed in the ObjectDock directory or related files.

You may want to save all downloaded items to a temporary folder, then uninstall ObjectDock > reboot > delete the ObjectDock cache and directory (you can reference my comment #7 in this thread) > reinstall ObjectDock.

I hope this helps in some way.
Reply #165 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I have changed the extension for a logon from .zip to .logonxp..double clicked...still opens with winzip (Bottled Voyage.logonxp.zip (the zip extention is still there)...now if I click to open program with logon studio I get an error "only .logon fyles"(curious spelling btw) could not be loaded...manually added the folder to Logon Studio folder...shows up but error in window "Could not review logon..possible parse error.". None of the logons work...only tried installing 1 new one..others are default Welcome1,2,3..suggestions?
Reply #166 from WinCustomize Forums Top
vitachick,

I have 2 suggestions:

(1) Set logon back to default XP logon via LogonStudio > uninstall LogonStudio > reboot computer > delete the LogonStudio directory > download a fresh copy of LogonStudio > install LogonStudio > start LogonStudio and test with one of the prepackaged themes to check install.

(2) If all goes well, download new copy of "Bottled Voyage" by clicking the download link > in the Save dialog, use the "Save as type:" list to select "All Files" (this will allow the file extension to remain the same after download), then save to say "My Documents".

Now just double-click the downloaded file to install.

I hope this helps.
Reply #167 from WinCustomize Forums Top
POOF! It's gone. Can some one help me? I'm trying to change the "poof" on object dock and now i don"t have a poof at all. What have i done wrong?
Reply #168 from WinCustomize Forums Top
TAPPER68147,

Have you removed the "poof.png" file located in "C:\Program Files\Stardock\ObjectDock" folder (where "C" is the letter drive)?

If so, either replace it, or reinstall the program to replace it (save any downloaded files to a temporary folder if you reinstall, so you can delete the old directory and cache for a clean installation of program).

You could try just clearing the cache (see my comment #7 in this thread for procedure), to try and return everything to the beginning state (though if you have deleted or changed things in the directory, this may not help).

Note - here is a portion of the read me file "Credit goes to Rick for the poof animation... find his animation and more over at: http://www.resexcellence.com/user_poofs.shtml".

Good luck.
Reply #169 from WinCustomize Forums Top
deleted everything.......I mean all stardock programs etc...only one that would not delete was common folder/stardock which has 2 .dll in there...did clean install of everything....Bookskin works ok....Logon? no....even the default won't work..when I click to change logon I get the logon window saying comp is locked to log on...is this suppose to happen?..have 2 hd and networked to my other comp..this shouldn't be creating a problem should it? notice some of stardock programs want to go to C drive others to D (D has windows folder)another thing when I saved logon files as 'all files" instead of winzip it still opens with winzip...what I do is install in same folder I have the zip file..create new folder adding the logon name adding the files to it...then manually pasting into the logon folder....should I give up? oh just read in the FAQ..being part of a domain the program will not work....after all this I should of checked this area first....^%$#&*()+_^
Reply #170 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Corky O Did as you suggested. It worked. I now have my default poof back. Still learning this skinning stuff even after 2 years. Just now getting brave enuf to try stuff like this. Still don know how to run other poofs though.

Thanks much for your help sorry it took me so long to get back to you.
Reply #171 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Logon? no....even the default won't work..when I click to change logon I get the logon window saying comp is locked to log on...is this suppose to happen?..have 2 hd and networked to my other comp..this shouldn't be creating a problem should it?

You can't use the Welcome Screen if your computer is on a domain. No Welcome Screen, no pretty logon screen....

Reply #172 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Still don know how to run other poofs though.

Poofs are PNG bitstrips. Bitstrips are a series of images in a single file. Hard to explain, but if you'll open the poof.png in a graphics editor, you'll see what I mean.

Reply #173 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Wizop Koasati...Yes i see. But how do you get one poof to run versus another. This is the prob im having. I'm running XP Home. Also technicaly challenged. Need to hit the sack now so thanks in advance for any more help given. Will chk again tomorrow eve.
Reply #174 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Simplest way is to replace the default "poof.png" with another........ make sure the name is the same.
Reply #175 from WinCustomize Forums Top
i go to install the darkside skin but it says "There appears to be no .uis file in this skin. Are you sure it is a windowblinds skin?"

what do i do?