Tips for new users!
Tuesday, February 22, 2005 by Koasati | Discussion: New Users
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.
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.
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Heres a shorter shortcut ( well shorter in my opinion ) Â
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.
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Reply #122 Tuesday, May 3, 2005 9:56 AM
Reply #123 Tuesday, May 3, 2005 10:25 AM
Reply #124 Tuesday, May 3, 2005 12:18 PM
I'd like to know so someone pease reply cheerse.
bison out.
Reply #125 Tuesday, May 3, 2005 3:34 PM
| Also has anyone got a good tutorial link for creating Logon Skins? |
Open LogonStudio > click the Help button > a browser page will open with a link to a tutorial. 
(sorry, but I have no answer for the IP question)
Reply #126 Tuesday, May 3, 2005 6:13 PM
Have you tried Tools > Restore All Icons > OK, repeat for Rebuild Icon Cache - then apply a new theme?
I use this method and have not had any issues (I had been seeing intermittent issues with traces of previous package parts remaining, before I started using this method).
Not sure on the folders in the All Programs list.
I do know that if you revert back to the default XP theme via the Display Properties > Theme tab - certain default "Desktop" icons (found in the Customize Desktop dialog) will revert back to the default icons with the theme, and leave the rest of the currently applied package intact.
Reply #127 Wednesday, May 4, 2005 6:49 AM
No I never tried your suggestion but did now and all is well and working properly I thank you for your help much appreciated.
Reply #128 Wednesday, May 4, 2005 6:52 AM
Reply #129 Thursday, May 5, 2005 4:54 PM
bison out
Reply #130 Friday, May 6, 2005 7:12 AM
DOH! I knew I should have come by here sooner...
Reply #131 Friday, May 6, 2005 1:49 PM
I've just downloaded my first iconpackage and have the ".zip" file,
nothing more.. and now what??
(I've already read a lot and been a little confused!)
Something particular and simple like.. steps for example?? please?
Thanx..
Reply #132 Friday, May 6, 2005 5:44 PM
Reply #133 Friday, May 6, 2005 5:49 PM
when I said very new I meant it!
Let's see..
Reply #134 Friday, May 6, 2005 5:51 PM
Not sure if that is a question, or a comment.
Anouvis,
If you are talking about an icon package from the IconPackager library, then you will need the IconPackager program, which can be found by going to the "Software" tab at top of page. After downloading either the free or full version, install the program, then you will be able to apply the package.
For the ".zip" file, extract the files, and if you see an ".ip" or ".iptheme" file inside - double-click it to install the package after installing the IconPackager program. If you do not see one of the file types I listed, go to the top of this post and follow the directions given by Koasati to change the extension from ".zip" to ".ip" - after which you can double-click to install.
If I have missed the intent of your question, please post here again and leave the name of the icon package in question, and someone should be able to steer you in the right direction.
I hope this helps.
Reply #135 Friday, May 6, 2005 6:16 PM
I've just installed the Icon Packager..
Reply #136 Friday, May 6, 2005 6:28 PM
OzGirl , Corky_O .. thx a lot!
..for your help and for the interest..
Reply #137 Saturday, May 7, 2005 3:07 AM
signed, helpless =[
Reply #138 Saturday, May 7, 2005 8:18 AM
You need the programs "Bootskin" and "CursorXP" installed on your computer (which can be found by going to the "Software" tab at top of page - downloading and installing the program).
If you have these programs already installed and are experiencing the problem, you will need to change extension back to ".zip" and extract the files to see if the Bootskin (".bootskin"), and CursorXP (".CurXPTheme") files are inside the zipped file.
After installing the program, you can double-click to install, or place the ".bootskin" file directly in "C:\Program Files\Stardock\WinCustomize\Bootskin\Skins" folder (where "C" is the letter drive). Likewise, you can place the ".CurXPTheme" file directly in "C:\Program Files\CursorXP\Themes" folder.
Running either program will invoke a dialog box where you can select the theme you want and apply it.
I hope this clears things up a bit.
lots of helpReply #140 Saturday, May 7, 2005 10:35 PM
it in cursorXP but the files that I have are .png and cursorXP looks for .xptheme... or it tried to
load it in C:/windows/cursor but i need .cur extenion ** please help **
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Reply #121 Tuesday, May 3, 2005 12:35 AM
If you use an alternate browser such as Firefox, when you download a WindowBlind skin it will want to open it with WindowBlinds automatically.
You also might want to check out Journeyman Cordelia's article - Link