WindowBlinds Task Panel Not Skinning
Wednesday, November 28, 2007 by ColourIT | Discussion: WindowBlinds
Hi there 
I have recently purchased a new computer and have loaded up everything from SDC with no problems (I purchased Object Desktop a while ago now).
I chose to install Windowblinds 6 thinking the upgrade might fix my problem from when I was using Windowblinds 5 on my old computer, but it hasn't.
The Task Panel in all blinds applied refuses to be skinned. Sometimes when I first log on it is skinned but while using the comp it unskins and I am left with the classic view on the Task Panel. I log out and log in and occassionally this initially fixes the problem but then it disappears again. The rest of the blind is always ok.
Here are my details from System Info:
WindowBlinds version : WindowBlinds 6.01 (build 40 x86)
WindowBlinds is installed correctly on this PC
WindowBlinds appears to be activated on this PC
Your machine supports per pixel borders on WindowBlinds skins.
(SyncMaster 930B/930BC/930BF/198B(Digital)) 1 is attached to NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTS
Wblind.dll 2007/11/06 19:17:20
Wbsrv.dll 2007/11/02 14:33:04
Wbconfig.exe 2007/11/02 14:30:08
Wbload.exe 2007/09/27 17:47:44
Wbhelp.dll 2007/08/27 11:54:07
Wbui.dll 2007/11/06 10:13:05
Tray.dll 2007/09/12 17:58:21
Screen.exe 2007/11/02 14:33:51
Would appreciate someone’s help.
Thanks.
I have recently purchased a new computer and have loaded up everything from SDC with no problems (I purchased Object Desktop a while ago now).
I chose to install Windowblinds 6 thinking the upgrade might fix my problem from when I was using Windowblinds 5 on my old computer, but it hasn't.
The Task Panel in all blinds applied refuses to be skinned. Sometimes when I first log on it is skinned but while using the comp it unskins and I am left with the classic view on the Task Panel. I log out and log in and occassionally this initially fixes the problem but then it disappears again. The rest of the blind is always ok.
Here are my details from System Info:
WindowBlinds version : WindowBlinds 6.01 (build 40 x86)
WindowBlinds is installed correctly on this PC
WindowBlinds appears to be activated on this PC
Your machine supports per pixel borders on WindowBlinds skins.
(SyncMaster 930B/930BC/930BF/198B(Digital)) 1 is attached to NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTS
Wblind.dll 2007/11/06 19:17:20
Wbsrv.dll 2007/11/02 14:33:04
Wbconfig.exe 2007/11/02 14:30:08
Wbload.exe 2007/09/27 17:47:44
Wbhelp.dll 2007/08/27 11:54:07
Wbui.dll 2007/11/06 10:13:05
Tray.dll 2007/09/12 17:58:21
Screen.exe 2007/11/02 14:33:51
Would appreciate someone’s help.
Thanks.
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ColourIT
Reply #22 Thursday, December 6, 2007 6:17 AM
Reply #22 Thursday, December 6, 2007 6:17 AM
well that is right royally spacious for sure, lol
rickalot
Reply #23 Thursday, December 6, 2007 6:40 AM
No good asking me I just press buttons
Reply #23 Thursday, December 6, 2007 6:40 AM
So what is the code for a paragraph return?
No good asking me I just press buttons
mitche323
Reply #24 Thursday, December 6, 2007 6:52 AM
Reply #24 Thursday, December 6, 2007 6:52 AM
For your Task panel problem, maybe at some time by mistake it was set to always use a skin that has no shellstyle, or a skin you've since deleted - check where it says "Check Here"
"task panel does not show - only the icons do" -
For this check Folder Options and check 'Show Common Tasks in Folders'
If this doesn't work, the shellstyles are '.xps' files and some spyware preventer programs stop these from functioning correctly. And I think they only work on XP and above.Good luck.
mitche323
"task panel does not show - only the icons do" -
For this check Folder Options and check 'Show Common Tasks in Folders'
If this doesn't work, the shellstyles are '.xps' files and some spyware preventer programs stop these from functioning correctly. And I think they only work on XP and above.Good luck.
mitche323
mitche323
Reply #26 Thursday, December 6, 2007 8:45 AM
Reply #26 Thursday, December 6, 2007 8:45 AM
LOL I just realized - when I say (check where it says "Check Here") I mean for you to check there, but it should be UNchecked - lol sry
ZubaZ
Reply #27 Thursday, December 6, 2007 9:55 AM
Reply #27 Thursday, December 6, 2007 9:55 AM
So what is the code for a paragraph return?
What browser are you using? I've only seen that behaviour in the Stardock Browsers (WCB and SDC). If you are using them, try [ctrl]-[m]. Otherwise, in html view type <p> where you want a break.
ColourIT
Reply #28 Friday, December 7, 2007 4:42 AM
Reply #28 Friday, December 7, 2007 4:42 AM
Thanks everyone for your responses, my patience has won the day, lol. Now lets try this [ctrl]-[m]
Well I can see a new para, lets see if it translates once posted, if it does, I'm very happy to have this answer as I'm sure your eyes will be too.
mitche323 - thanks for the suggestions, unfortunately I looked where you said, and had been wondering about that area too, but it is not selected. And 'show common tasks in folders' is selected.
Zubaz - yes I am using Stardock Web Browser, thanks for your help.
Another thing I was thinking about was when I was having difficulty with Iconpackager and if I remember correctly, the system would do the same thing, apply icons and then default me back to its own icons. This is what happens here, because it definately applies at first but as soon as I make another move, it defaults back. I wonder .... anyway all you experts out there, it's gotta be a simple fix because it always worked with 4 and I think in the beginning with 5 and then, well you know the rest. Good Luck.
Well I can see a new para, lets see if it translates once posted, if it does, I'm very happy to have this answer as I'm sure your eyes will be too.
mitche323 - thanks for the suggestions, unfortunately I looked where you said, and had been wondering about that area too, but it is not selected. And 'show common tasks in folders' is selected.
Zubaz - yes I am using Stardock Web Browser, thanks for your help.
Another thing I was thinking about was when I was having difficulty with Iconpackager and if I remember correctly, the system would do the same thing, apply icons and then default me back to its own icons. This is what happens here, because it definately applies at first but as soon as I make another move, it defaults back. I wonder .... anyway all you experts out there, it's gotta be a simple fix because it always worked with 4 and I think in the beginning with 5 and then, well you know the rest. Good Luck.
ColourIT
Reply #29 Tuesday, December 11, 2007 5:42 AM
Reply #29 Tuesday, December 11, 2007 5:42 AM
*UPDATE ON TASK PANEL SKINNING ISSUE*
Ok guys, I really want to fix this problem of mine so I've been investigating, albeit in the end I have come up with nothing I thought I would share further observations.
I searched and searched the Microsoft's Knowledge Base hoping there might be something there and that it didn't relate to WindowBlinds 6. I did find this which while it didn't fix my windowblind problem, alerted me to my firewall blocking an important security file, lol. WWW Link Because it talks about third party applications that stop responding when opening or saving data in the 'My Documents' folder, I thought it might help as I still lose the task panel skin either on the first or third opening of another folder from 'My Documents'. Or any other folder for that matter.
So, I uninstalled WB6 including all files, restarted the comp, and before I reinstalled I observed applying Windows XP theme to see if it would do the same as what I observed when WB6 was installed. Nope, nice and smooth, straight from blue to silver or green. So I reinstalled WB6 then restarted my comp again.
After all that, I applied the Diamond package and as it loads the taskbar reverts to the classic task bar and then with another flicker I have the diamond skin applied, task panel is skinned when first opening 'My Documents' but not when I go into another folder, it still drops out.
Then, I applied the Windows XP style skin from Windowblinds Config, it would NOT apply and I got the classic skin instead. But it does apply from the Display Properties area, doing the classic taskbar first and then the XP taskbar skin. This doesn't happen when Windowblinds is not installed.
Please help.
Ok guys, I really want to fix this problem of mine so I've been investigating, albeit in the end I have come up with nothing I thought I would share further observations.
I searched and searched the Microsoft's Knowledge Base hoping there might be something there and that it didn't relate to WindowBlinds 6. I did find this which while it didn't fix my windowblind problem, alerted me to my firewall blocking an important security file, lol. WWW Link Because it talks about third party applications that stop responding when opening or saving data in the 'My Documents' folder, I thought it might help as I still lose the task panel skin either on the first or third opening of another folder from 'My Documents'. Or any other folder for that matter.
So, I uninstalled WB6 including all files, restarted the comp, and before I reinstalled I observed applying Windows XP theme to see if it would do the same as what I observed when WB6 was installed. Nope, nice and smooth, straight from blue to silver or green. So I reinstalled WB6 then restarted my comp again.
After all that, I applied the Diamond package and as it loads the taskbar reverts to the classic task bar and then with another flicker I have the diamond skin applied, task panel is skinned when first opening 'My Documents' but not when I go into another folder, it still drops out.
Then, I applied the Windows XP style skin from Windowblinds Config, it would NOT apply and I got the classic skin instead. But it does apply from the Display Properties area, doing the classic taskbar first and then the XP taskbar skin. This doesn't happen when Windowblinds is not installed.
Please help.
ColourIT
Reply #30 Tuesday, December 11, 2007 5:50 AM
Reply #30 Tuesday, December 11, 2007 5:50 AM
PS: I didn't go near the registry stuff, but my NVIDIA driver is version 6.14.11.5827 is this higher or lower that what the Microsoft article states.
ZubaZ
Reply #31 Tuesday, December 11, 2007 7:39 AM
Reply #31 Tuesday, December 11, 2007 7:39 AM
It might be a good time to email [email protected] to get official support. Make sure to refer to this thread.
highlander
Reply #33 Wednesday, January 23, 2008 11:43 AM
Reply #33 Wednesday, January 23, 2008 11:43 AM
ColourIT,
I think a total cleaning of WB & registry files may help.
First, uninstall WB via Stardock Central.
Then run regedit (Win Key + R) type regedit in the Run box and hit enter.
Look for and delete the following folders, if found;
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Stardock\WindowBlinds
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Stardock\WindowBlinds
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Stardock\ObjectDesktop\WindowBlinds
Then, reboot your PC and launch Stardock Central. highlight 'Object Desktop' on the left and re-install WindowBlinds.
Does that help?
I think a total cleaning of WB & registry files may help.
First, uninstall WB via Stardock Central.
Then run regedit (Win Key + R) type regedit in the Run box and hit enter.
Look for and delete the following folders, if found;
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Stardock\WindowBlinds
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Stardock\WindowBlinds
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Stardock\ObjectDesktop\WindowBlinds
Then, reboot your PC and launch Stardock Central. highlight 'Object Desktop' on the left and re-install WindowBlinds.
Does that help?
ColourIT
Reply #34 Monday, January 28, 2008 1:19 AM
Reply #34 Monday, January 28, 2008 1:19 AM
Ok with Stardock Support help, the problem has been solved.
As Support and 'Mitche323' suggested - it was my spyware software, I had no luck with putting WB into the exclusion zone so I uninstalled my Computer Associates Anti-Spyware software and BINGO everything works as it should.
Only problem now is no spyware software. Sigh!! I have asked Stardock Support the question of how I can have the software installed but stop the real-time scanner unskinning my panel, perhaps I should just turn the real-time scanner off and make sure I manually scan everyday. Keep it simple right!!
Any suggestions?
As Support and 'Mitche323' suggested - it was my spyware software, I had no luck with putting WB into the exclusion zone so I uninstalled my Computer Associates Anti-Spyware software and BINGO everything works as it should.
Only problem now is no spyware software. Sigh!! I have asked Stardock Support the question of how I can have the software installed but stop the real-time scanner unskinning my panel, perhaps I should just turn the real-time scanner off and make sure I manually scan everyday. Keep it simple right!!
Any suggestions?
mitche323
Reply #36 Friday, February 1, 2008 12:20 AM
Reply #36 Friday, February 1, 2008 12:20 AM
Well at the danger of ruining my 'being lucky' streak at one-in-a-row, I will recco a security product for ya - Sandboxie. I am a frequent poster over there and the folks there are just like here - just wanting to help and talk a little shop. Myself and many others can help you though the 'learning curve'. It is freeware but there are additional features that are more than just fluff for a mere $25. I recently made this post, (just so you get the idea).
http://sandboxie.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=17664#17664 (note the last poster in that thread is Peter2150, a Global Moderator at Wilders Security Forums)
Glad to see you found your fix.
mitche323
http://sandboxie.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=17664#17664 (note the last poster in that thread is Peter2150, a Global Moderator at Wilders Security Forums)
Glad to see you found your fix.
mitche323
ColourIT
Reply #37 Friday, February 1, 2008 2:28 AM
Reply #37 Friday, February 1, 2008 2:28 AM
mmmm I had a read and it looks interesting, will think about this, thanks.
ColourIT
Reply #38 Friday, February 8, 2008 11:22 PM
Reply #38 Friday, February 8, 2008 11:22 PM
*GOOD NEWS UPDATE*
If you use Computer Associates Anti-Spyware and your Windowblinds Common Tasks Panel is not skinning, go to "options" and click on real-time scanners "modify" under the exclusions column and browse for C:\Windows\System32\shell32.dll to exclude this file from being scanned.
Now I can continue to enjoy windowblinds and still have spyware detected.
If you use Computer Associates Anti-Spyware and your Windowblinds Common Tasks Panel is not skinning, go to "options" and click on real-time scanners "modify" under the exclusions column and browse for C:\Windows\System32\shell32.dll to exclude this file from being scanned.
Now I can continue to enjoy windowblinds and still have spyware detected.
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Reply #21 Thursday, December 6, 2007 6:17 AM
I see, well it will be better than one big whopping para
Yeah that is an idea, I could space all the way across but my mind says there must be a way to do this, it's html code right?
So what is the code for a paragraph return?