WindowBlinds 6.1 beta thread
Thursday, February 14, 2008 by Neil Banfield | Discussion: Stardock Support General
Please post feedback on the beta release here.
Release notes:
WB 6.09.113 beta
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Vista
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Added Explorer backgrounds feature - Users can change the background of their Explorer windows, as well as the background color and opacity.
Added 30 different background textures including no texture, wet paint, various marbles, and ice effects.
Added support for 3 additional titlebar buttons on per pixel skins. These support rollup, help, always on top and command buttons.
Added Support for dialog background bitmaps - this was disabled on Vista in previous builds.
Added additional glass explorer sections. These will show up in future.
64 bit build synced with 32 bit version.
Misc tweaks.
XP
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Added Support for 3 additional titlebar buttons on per pixel skins. These support rollup, help, always on top and command buttons.
Blue edge on logoff dialog cancel button removed
Tweaks to dialog background bitmaps
Misc tweaks
Note that the 64 bit XP build has not been updated for this beta build. For the 6.1 release, 32 bit apps on 64 bit XP would support the new per pixel buttons, but 64 bit apps will not.
Skinstudio 6 Pro 5.97.[b].017 in SDC supports the new sections.
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Leo the Lion
Reply #42 Sunday, February 17, 2008 3:45 AM
Reply #42 Sunday, February 17, 2008 3:45 AM
Neil, I think this has been reported before but sometimes when you click a condensed picture on certain websites to see the full image the title bar at the top of the newly opened window is missing. In fact, it's there but invisible because if you put your mouse in the area where the buttons should be showing you will find them. Just you can't see them or the title bar.
Here is an example. If you go to this WWW Link and click the image where it says attached image in the post you'll see what I mean.
Running the latest beta version on XP SP2 with IE7. If there is any other info that I can provide or help with, please don't hesitate to ask.
Here is an example. If you go to this WWW Link and click the image where it says attached image in the post you'll see what I mean.
Running the latest beta version on XP SP2 with IE7. If there is any other info that I can provide or help with, please don't hesitate to ask.
JMSpeakman
Reply #43 Sunday, February 17, 2008 4:45 AM
Reply #43 Sunday, February 17, 2008 4:45 AM
I don't know if it's got anything to do with the changes but on my older blinds i git a white on white fonts on web pages. My start menues are narrower than the Previews on full start. It cuts off on the right. It seems I need a step by step too.
bobbyhundreds
Reply #44 Sunday, February 17, 2008 6:12 AM
Reply #44 Sunday, February 17, 2008 6:12 AM
Hi,
This has probably already been mentioned so soz if it has.
When I use WB to apply the default Windows Aero skin then unload WB by right clicking it in the system tray and selecting unload,the WBVista.exe is still showing as running in my task manager,even after a reboot.
Not much of a problem as I pretty much always have a blind loaded but I was just curious as to how,if I wanted to,I could stop WBVista.exe from loading at startup even when it has been unloaded.
My info...
WindowBlinds is installed correctly on this PC
WindowBlinds appears to be activated on this PC
(HP L2045w Wide LCD Monitor) 1 is attached to Radeon X1650 SE
Wblind.dll 2008/02/15 17:39:20
Wbsrv.dll 2008/02/13 16:15:29
Wbconfig.exe 2008/02/15 17:39:42
Wbload.exe 2008/02/14 11:05:14
Wbhelp.dll 2007/08/27 11:54:07
Tray.dll 2007/09/12 17:58:21
Wbload.dll 2007/09/12 17:58:28
Screen.exe 2008/01/11 12:14:18
This has probably already been mentioned so soz if it has.
When I use WB to apply the default Windows Aero skin then unload WB by right clicking it in the system tray and selecting unload,the WBVista.exe is still showing as running in my task manager,even after a reboot.
Not much of a problem as I pretty much always have a blind loaded
but I was just curious as to how,if I wanted to,I could stop WBVista.exe from loading at startup even when it has been unloaded.My info...
WindowBlinds is installed correctly on this PC
WindowBlinds appears to be activated on this PC
(HP L2045w Wide LCD Monitor) 1 is attached to Radeon X1650 SE
Wblind.dll 2008/02/15 17:39:20
Wbsrv.dll 2008/02/13 16:15:29
Wbconfig.exe 2008/02/15 17:39:42
Wbload.exe 2008/02/14 11:05:14
Wbhelp.dll 2007/08/27 11:54:07
Tray.dll 2007/09/12 17:58:21
Wbload.dll 2007/09/12 17:58:28
Screen.exe 2008/01/11 12:14:18
Astyanax
Reply #46 Monday, February 18, 2008 10:44 AM
Reply #46 Monday, February 18, 2008 10:44 AM
I've also found that transparent explorer backgrounds don't work on the Games Explorer in x64. Anyone else with 64 bit confirm this?
Neil Banfield
Reply #47 Monday, February 18, 2008 11:20 AM
Reply #47 Monday, February 18, 2008 11:20 AM
Astanax0: That is normal. The game explorer window is special.
bobbyhundreds
Reply #48 Monday, February 18, 2008 11:48 AM
Reply #48 Monday, February 18, 2008 11:48 AM
Hi Neil,
So what's the score with WBVista.exe running at startup even when it is unloaded?
So what's the score with WBVista.exe running at startup even when it is unloaded?
Neil Banfield
Reply #50 Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:54 PM
Reply #50 Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:54 PM
There is a new build on the private server with the explorer backgrounds feature for XP users too.
For those of you on Vista especially, try using the opacity slider and moving it left.
fontinalis
Reply #51 Sunday, February 24, 2008 12:56 PM
Reply #51 Sunday, February 24, 2008 12:56 PM
Check if your My Pics folder thumbnails look like there is an opaque screen on them after aplying this setting. Have to open and close the folder to see the glitch.
1. apply explorer backgrond in wb61 beta
2. open my pics folder with thumbnail view
2. looks like half the images have opaque screens on them blurring the images
3. set explorer background back to default
4. close and reopen My Pics folder. back to normal
WinXPPRO/SP2
latest WB6 beta version
1. apply explorer backgrond in wb61 beta
2. open my pics folder with thumbnail view
2. looks like half the images have opaque screens on them blurring the images
3. set explorer background back to default
4. close and reopen My Pics folder. back to normal
WinXPPRO/SP2
latest WB6 beta version
fontinalis
Reply #52 Wednesday, February 27, 2008 10:22 AM
Reply #52 Wednesday, February 27, 2008 10:22 AM
Neil,
I have seen a couple of weird spots just pop up on my screen. I thought it was my lcd on this inspiron 600m but I think it's WB6 beta. I'm using the latest beta and I saw it happen with the previous beta but I couldn't capture a screen shot for you.
Now I have one here.
Check out the weird spot on my screen. Looks like where a button in an app was sitting. I had ZA open then closed it and the spot was there. A couple of seconds later it was gone. Last time it happened I had tome to get to my desktop, remove the wall, set the background to all white, and the spot remained for a bit.
That's all I have on this for now. Maybe someone else has seen this.
I have seen a couple of weird spots just pop up on my screen. I thought it was my lcd on this inspiron 600m but I think it's WB6 beta. I'm using the latest beta and I saw it happen with the previous beta but I couldn't capture a screen shot for you.
Now I have one here.
Check out the weird spot on my screen. Looks like where a button in an app was sitting. I had ZA open then closed it and the spot was there. A couple of seconds later it was gone. Last time it happened I had tome to get to my desktop, remove the wall, set the background to all white, and the spot remained for a bit.
That's all I have on this for now. Maybe someone else has seen this.
SteveGosselin
Reply #53 Wednesday, February 27, 2008 8:57 PM
I already had this problem with previous versions of WindowBlinds + Windows Vista.
Reply #53 Wednesday, February 27, 2008 8:57 PM
Now I have one here.
I already had this problem with previous versions of WindowBlinds + Windows Vista.
bobbyhundreds
Reply #54 Wednesday, March 5, 2008 10:08 AM
Neil,anyone?
Reply #54 Wednesday, March 5, 2008 10:08 AM
Hi,This has probably already been mentioned so soz if it has.When I use WB to apply the default Windows Aero skin then unload WB by right clicking it in the system tray and selecting unload,the WBVista.exe is still showing as running in my task manager,even after a reboot.Not much of a problem as I pretty much always have a blind loaded but I was just curious as to how,if I wanted to,I could stop WBVista.exe from loading at startup even when it has been unloaded.My info...WindowBlinds is installed correctly on this PC WindowBlinds appears to be activated on this PC(HP L2045w Wide LCD Monitor) 1 is attached to Radeon X1650 SE Wblind.dll 2008/02/15 17:39:20Wbsrv.dll 2008/02/13 16:15:29Wbconfig.exe 2008/02/15 17:39:42Wbload.exe 2008/02/14 11:05:14Wbhelp.dll 2007/08/27 11:54:07Tray.dll 2007/09/12 17:58:21Wbload.dll 2007/09/12 17:58:28Screen.exe 2008/01/11 12:14:18
Hi Neil,So what's the score with WBVista.exe running at startup even when it is unloaded?
Neil,anyone?
Astyanax
Reply #55 Wednesday, March 5, 2008 11:33 PM
Reply #55 Wednesday, March 5, 2008 11:33 PM
I just installed the Catalyst 8.3 drivers released today and it breaks WB completely on x64, when i apply a skin I have to manually reboot my pc, boot into safe mode and uninstall Windowblinds. So far thats the only option, I get as far as the "Welcome" text after entering my password to login. It literally just sits there with my system completely idle.
Using the latest beta thru SDC, ATi HD3870 videocard, Dell 207WFP moniter. I've also submitted a support ticket..
EDIT: I have narrowed it down to the display drivers, WB just does not want to play along with them. I tried a full uninstall of the Display Drivers/Catalyst Control Center, and reinstalled everything aftwards. WB still causes my system to be hung. I then decided to boot up into Safe Mode and uninstall the display drivers (leaving the ccc still installed) and my OS booted up and ran fine.
Using the latest beta thru SDC, ATi HD3870 videocard, Dell 207WFP moniter. I've also submitted a support ticket..
EDIT: I have narrowed it down to the display drivers, WB just does not want to play along with them. I tried a full uninstall of the Display Drivers/Catalyst Control Center, and reinstalled everything aftwards. WB still causes my system to be hung. I then decided to boot up into Safe Mode and uninstall the display drivers (leaving the ccc still installed) and my OS booted up and ran fine.
SteveGosselin
Reply #56 Friday, March 7, 2008 8:33 PM
Neil, this problem is gone with two latest builds.
Reply #56 Friday, March 7, 2008 8:33 PM
These latest builds (WindowBlinds 6.1 (build 83 x86 - Vista Edition) + WindowBlinds 6.1 (build 84 x86 - Vista Edition)) are really problematic.
1. Open WindowBlinds config panel
2. Apply default Windows Vista theme > Aero (WindowBlinds will close automatically)
3. Open SDC and update WindowBlinds (6.02 > 6.1 or 6.1b83 > 6.1b84)
4. Reboot
5. Try to apply any skin (example Aero > Buzzz or Aero > Dallas Mavericks)
6. Doesn't work (default classic theme)
Event viewer > The Desktop Window Manager was unable to start because a composited theme is not in use + The Desktop Window Manager has exited with code (0x40010004)
Log off, log on and the problem is gone. [Tested with 2 Vista installations, same problem]
1. Open WindowBlinds config panel
2. Apply default Windows Vista theme > Aero (WindowBlinds will close automatically)
3. Open SDC and update WindowBlinds (6.02 > 6.1 or 6.1b83 > 6.1b84)
4. Reboot
5. Try to apply any skin (example Aero > Buzzz or Aero > Dallas Mavericks)
6. Doesn't work (default classic theme)
Event viewer > The Desktop Window Manager was unable to start because a composited theme is not in use + The Desktop Window Manager has exited with code (0x40010004)
Log off, log on and the problem is gone. [Tested with 2 Vista installations, same problem]
Neil, this problem is gone with two latest builds.
sonicDivx
Reply #57 Monday, March 17, 2008 3:01 PM
Reply #57 Monday, March 17, 2008 3:01 PM
I am using the latest beta and experiencing corruption in the skin areas. For example the config program when clicking on tabs parts of the window go black or text does not refresh or it grabs parts of the image underneath the app.
Also I have had instances where the Title bar will disappear, start menu flickers, generally what looks to be serious rendering issues
Also on the System Information page I checked both options at the bottom and that did not resolve. I have tried various skins including Stardock built ones.
This is an ACER laptop 2years old video driver version listed as 8.471.0.0 (Mobility)
OS: Windows XP SP2
WindowBlinds version : WindowBlinds 6.1 (build 50 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.
(Plug and Play Monitor) 1 is attached to ATI MOBILITY RADEON X1600
(Plug and Play Monitor) 2 is attached to ATI MOBILITY RADEON X1600
Wblind.dll 2008/03/07 11:52:20
Wbsrv.dll 2008/02/13 16:15:10
Wbconfig.exe 2008/02/20 13:52:33
Wbload.exe 2008/02/14 11:05:14
Wbhelp.dll 2007/08/27 11:54:07
Wbui.dll 2007/12/01 16:43:05
Tray.dll 2007/09/12 17:58:21
Screen.exe 2008/01/11 12:14:18
Also I have had instances where the Title bar will disappear, start menu flickers, generally what looks to be serious rendering issues
Also on the System Information page I checked both options at the bottom and that did not resolve. I have tried various skins including Stardock built ones.
This is an ACER laptop 2years old video driver version listed as 8.471.0.0 (Mobility)
OS: Windows XP SP2
WindowBlinds version : WindowBlinds 6.1 (build 50 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.
(Plug and Play Monitor) 1 is attached to ATI MOBILITY RADEON X1600
(Plug and Play Monitor) 2 is attached to ATI MOBILITY RADEON X1600
Wblind.dll 2008/03/07 11:52:20
Wbsrv.dll 2008/02/13 16:15:10
Wbconfig.exe 2008/02/20 13:52:33
Wbload.exe 2008/02/14 11:05:14
Wbhelp.dll 2007/08/27 11:54:07
Wbui.dll 2007/12/01 16:43:05
Tray.dll 2007/09/12 17:58:21
Screen.exe 2008/01/11 12:14:18
demalion
Reply #58 Tuesday, March 25, 2008 2:11 PM
Reply #58 Tuesday, March 25, 2008 2:11 PM
I've had an odd problem when using WindowBlinds, where progress bar status display is offset when it is intersected by the right edge of a window in front of it. That is, the window's intersections causes the part of the bar to its right to fill up with a bar display as if the windows edge were the left edge of the progress bar.
Is this some sort of intended feature whose setting I just can't find? I hope not, since it is glitchy and unintuitive. It only happens with skinning, so I presume that if the case this the setting would be in the WB settings, but it isn't that I've noticed so I've dismissed this possibility.
I am certain this has happened for every WB 6 release I've used, and I believe, but can't recall for certain, that it has happened in WB 5 as well. The current skin I'm using is Diamond (XP) on a Windows XP machine.
Hopefully, if this isn't unique to my system, investigating this can improve WB moving forward.
I do have pictures that would illustrate it, but I don't see an attachment function and it doesn't seem worth the effort of setting up some image hosting. I hope the description above is clear.
Is this some sort of intended feature whose setting I just can't find? I hope not, since it is glitchy and unintuitive. It only happens with skinning, so I presume that if the case this the setting would be in the WB settings, but it isn't that I've noticed so I've dismissed this possibility.
I am certain this has happened for every WB 6 release I've used, and I believe, but can't recall for certain, that it has happened in WB 5 as well. The current skin I'm using is Diamond (XP) on a Windows XP machine.
Hopefully, if this isn't unique to my system, investigating this can improve WB moving forward.
I do have pictures that would illustrate it, but I don't see an attachment function and it doesn't seem worth the effort of setting up some image hosting. I hope the description above is clear.
anoldgoat
Reply #59 Thursday, April 10, 2008 10:55 AM
Reply #59 Thursday, April 10, 2008 10:55 AM
Odd problem started with 6.1 beta, that the default background colour for the desktop always kicks in, even though I've disabled it in favour of another one. I can see this happening as I boot up, that the colour I've picked gets replaced as WB loads.
This is on XP pro, sp2 with the current beta.
This is on XP pro, sp2 with the current beta.
tosbsas
Reply #60 Thursday, April 10, 2008 6:17 PM
Reply #60 Thursday, April 10, 2008 6:17 PM
odd problem here. Its actually also described here:
https://forums.stardock.com/172916/page/1/#1686903
Taskbar is kind of slowing down - haven't seen that before and system is fast 1.7ghz and 2GB ram
And no way of getting it up again in the area where it shows buttons.
Could you please look into this, thanks
Ruben
WindowBlinds version : WindowBlinds 6.1 (build 51 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.
(Plug und Play-Monitor) 1 is attached to Mobile Intel(R) 915GM/GMS,910GML Express Chipset Family
Wblind.dll 2008/03/17 12:45:20
Wbsrv.dll 2008/03/11 06:56:10
Wbconfig.exe 2008/02/20 13:52:33
Wbload.exe 2008/02/14 11:05:14
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 2008/01/14 17:02:18
https://forums.stardock.com/172916/page/1/#1686903
Taskbar is kind of slowing down - haven't seen that before and system is fast 1.7ghz and 2GB ram
And no way of getting it up again in the area where it shows buttons.
Could you please look into this, thanks
Ruben
WindowBlinds version : WindowBlinds 6.1 (build 51 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.
(Plug und Play-Monitor) 1 is attached to Mobile Intel(R) 915GM/GMS,910GML Express Chipset Family
Wblind.dll 2008/03/17 12:45:20
Wbsrv.dll 2008/03/11 06:56:10
Wbconfig.exe 2008/02/20 13:52:33
Wbload.exe 2008/02/14 11:05:14
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 2008/01/14 17:02:18
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Reply #41 Saturday, February 16, 2008 8:18 PM
Your computer has a Windows Experience Index base score of 3
Your Windows Graphics Experience score is 3.3
WindowBlinds version : WindowBlinds 6.1 (build 84 x86 - Vista Edition)
WindowBlinds is installed correctly on this PC
WindowBlinds appears to be activated on this PC
(Generic PnP Monitor) 1 is attached to NVIDIA MCP67M
Wblind.dll 2008/02/15 17:39:20
Wbsrv.dll 2008/02/13 16:15:29
Wbconfig.exe 2008/02/15 17:39:42
Wbload.exe 2008/02/14 11:05:14
Wbhelp.dll 2007/08/27 11:54:07
Tray.dll 2007/09/12 17:58:21
Wbload.dll 2007/09/12 17:58:28
Screen.exe 2008/01/11 12:14:18