Tips for new users!
Tuesday, February 22, 2005 by Koasati | Discussion: New Users
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.
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.....
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 ) Â
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.
 |
|
Page 8 of 20 | |
|
|---|
OzGirl
Reply #142 Sunday, May 8, 2005 2:26 PM
Reply #142 Sunday, May 8, 2005 2:26 PM
I am having problems with OD Plus, the Weather Icon stays at Default icon. When I click to do the settings for it first window shows where to put the zip code and below that you have what I presume a selection for the change of the Default Icon to a new image, but it's blank even though there is a whole variety of icons in the actual program in the folder named Docklets. Just doesn't show up in that little pop up window.So does anyone know what might be the problem? Would be grateful for your help. 
Corky_O
Reply #143 Sunday, May 8, 2005 2:45 PM
Reply #143 Sunday, May 8, 2005 2:45 PM
OzGirl,
The Weather Docklet is an information display, and all the icons in the folder are connected to the "current weather conditions" script.
This entry is different than an entry that connects to a Program, System Function, or URL - all of which can use a static image that remains the same. Because the weather changes, the docklet will use an image that is designated in the script to represent the current condition.
You can use different images to represent the weather conditions by replacing any or all of the images with ones of your choosing (each will need to have the same name, and be written over the current image - you may want to back-up the folder of current images so you can replace it if things go wrong).
In short, because the docklet is not designed to use a static image, so you will not be presented with the dialog that allows you to select an image to represent the entry which you are used to seeing for normal entries.
Note - if you do not see the weather docklet image change with (or show) the current conditions, then the docklet is probably not accessing the information from "www.weather.com" - which would indicate an internet access or site issue.
I hope this made some sort of sense.
The Weather Docklet is an information display, and all the icons in the folder are connected to the "current weather conditions" script.
This entry is different than an entry that connects to a Program, System Function, or URL - all of which can use a static image that remains the same. Because the weather changes, the docklet will use an image that is designated in the script to represent the current condition.
You can use different images to represent the weather conditions by replacing any or all of the images with ones of your choosing (each will need to have the same name, and be written over the current image - you may want to back-up the folder of current images so you can replace it if things go wrong).
In short, because the docklet is not designed to use a static image, so you will not be presented with the dialog that allows you to select an image to represent the entry which you are used to seeing for normal entries.
Note - if you do not see the weather docklet image change with (or show) the current conditions, then the docklet is probably not accessing the information from "www.weather.com" - which would indicate an internet access or site issue.
I hope this made some sort of sense.
OzGirl
Reply #144 Sunday, May 8, 2005 2:53 PM
Reply #144 Sunday, May 8, 2005 2:53 PM
Corky O thanky you ever so much yes it's made a heap os sense, I haven't used this for a long long time and I remembered that the icon was different so now I know why. Again thank you very much. 
ksamvel
Reply #145 Monday, May 9, 2005 9:14 AM
Reply #145 Monday, May 9, 2005 9:14 AM
Guys, help needed.
I am a quite fresh user of all this stuff. I am using DesktopX Builder[1], Dock[2], Bar[3] and WinBlinds[4]. The problem is in language switch. Before installing all this I had a language bar on my task bar. After I replaced it with Mac OSX Bar I do not have it. So, I don't know which language do I use before start typing. Can you explain pls how to add it to Mac OSX task bar.
And one more thing.
Also I am not able to switch between key layouts after restarting windows until I define key sequence manually. But it works until next reboot. I seems like some of applications [1], [2], [3] or [4] is catching pressed key and windows does not get it finally. Does anyone have any ideas about it?
Thnx.
I am a quite fresh user of all this stuff. I am using DesktopX Builder[1], Dock[2], Bar[3] and WinBlinds[4]. The problem is in language switch. Before installing all this I had a language bar on my task bar. After I replaced it with Mac OSX Bar I do not have it. So, I don't know which language do I use before start typing. Can you explain pls how to add it to Mac OSX task bar.
And one more thing.
Also I am not able to switch between key layouts after restarting windows until I define key sequence manually. But it works until next reboot. I seems like some of applications [1], [2], [3] or [4] is catching pressed key and windows does not get it finally. Does anyone have any ideas about it?
Thnx.
Corky_O
Reply #146 Monday, May 9, 2005 12:12 PM
Reply #146 Monday, May 9, 2005 12:12 PM
ksamvel,
Normally, you would do the following to display the language bar on the desktop:
On the Microsoft Windows Start menu, and then click Control Panel.
Click Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options.
Click Regional and Language Options, and then click the Languages tab.
Under Text services and input languages, click Details.
On the Settings tab, click Language Bar, and then select the Show the Language bar on the desktop check box.
Then drag the bar to the taskbar (note - unlock taskbar first by right-clicking taskbar and deselecting "Lock the Taskbar").
This should work for the taskbar. If the Mac OSX bar you are talking about is an "ObjectBar" theme, someone else will have to help as I do not use that program.
Not sure on the keyboard thing (you might try unloading all programs > return Windows to default theme > then apply one program at a time to find the culprit. Then repost here with your findings and someone may be able to help).
Normally, you would do the following to display the language bar on the desktop:
On the Microsoft Windows Start menu, and then click Control Panel.
Click Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options.
Click Regional and Language Options, and then click the Languages tab.
Under Text services and input languages, click Details.
On the Settings tab, click Language Bar, and then select the Show the Language bar on the desktop check box.
Then drag the bar to the taskbar (note - unlock taskbar first by right-clicking taskbar and deselecting "Lock the Taskbar").
This should work for the taskbar. If the Mac OSX bar you are talking about is an "ObjectBar" theme, someone else will have to help as I do not use that program.
Not sure on the keyboard thing (you might try unloading all programs > return Windows to default theme > then apply one program at a time to find the culprit. Then repost here with your findings and someone may be able to help).
ksamvel
Reply #147 Monday, May 9, 2005 9:36 PM
Reply #147 Monday, May 9, 2005 9:36 PM
Thanks Corky.
Actually your suggestion would not work because I am using a number of programs like ObjectBar, DesktopX and so on (I mentioned it above). The reason why do I say so is that they hide default desktop and all elements (it is done so to hide windows task bar, recycle bin and other stuff).
So, language bar will be also hidden. I wanted it to be added to the ObjectBar. But it seems impossible to be done using standard tools without modifying MacOSX Bar.
I solved this problem today. The matter was in office and damn Microsoft company. Actually I am using only Word and Excel, other programs are not needed to be installed. But something went wrong (as usually happens with Microsoft software) and as a result language switching tool didn't work properly. As soon as I installed all other features proposed by Microsoft Office XP life became beautiful.
Thanks Corky once again for your help.
Actually your suggestion would not work because I am using a number of programs like ObjectBar, DesktopX and so on (I mentioned it above). The reason why do I say so is that they hide default desktop and all elements (it is done so to hide windows task bar, recycle bin and other stuff).
So, language bar will be also hidden. I wanted it to be added to the ObjectBar. But it seems impossible to be done using standard tools without modifying MacOSX Bar.
I solved this problem today. The matter was in office and damn Microsoft company. Actually I am using only Word and Excel, other programs are not needed to be installed. But something went wrong (as usually happens with Microsoft software) and as a result language switching tool didn't work properly. As soon as I installed all other features proposed by Microsoft Office XP life became beautiful.
Thanks Corky once again for your help.
Savage916
Reply #148 Monday, May 9, 2005 11:02 PM
Reply #148 Monday, May 9, 2005 11:02 PM
hey... i need help again...... lol... well, um anyway i wanted to chnage my cursor bak to normal, but im having difficulty doing it =l.. i go to Control Panel and "mouse" and then wen i try and change it to default.. it doesnt work 
? Help me out please!
? Help me out please!
Corky_O
Reply #149 Tuesday, May 10, 2005 6:07 AM
Reply #149 Tuesday, May 10, 2005 6:07 AM
Savage916,
Assuming you are using CursorXP - either go back to Mouse Properties dialog, or start CursorXP.
On the CursorXP tab, select "Disable all" checkbox at bottom of dialog, then click "Apply".
Assuming you are using CursorXP - either go back to Mouse Properties dialog, or start CursorXP.
On the CursorXP tab, select "Disable all" checkbox at bottom of dialog, then click "Apply".
23E45T
Reply #150 Wednesday, May 11, 2005 12:16 AM 
every wmp skin i download does let me apply in windows media player but the next time i start up wmp, wmp is in it's original skin. for example: i downloaded the halo2.zip wmp skin file and unzipped it into the windows media player/skin folder. then i open up wmp go to skin chooser, apply the skin, marvel at the cool design and close it. then when i attempt to use wmp again, wmp is in its original state. so, i would have to apply the skin again because it does not stay as default. can anyone help? tell me what the hell might be going on?
Reply #150 Wednesday, May 11, 2005 12:16 AM
every wmp skin i download does let me apply in windows media player but the next time i start up wmp, wmp is in it's original skin. for example: i downloaded the halo2.zip wmp skin file and unzipped it into the windows media player/skin folder. then i open up wmp go to skin chooser, apply the skin, marvel at the cool design and close it. then when i attempt to use wmp again, wmp is in its original state. so, i would have to apply the skin again because it does not stay as default. can anyone help? tell me what the hell might be going on?
tnuc1
Reply #151 Wednesday, May 11, 2005 1:26 AM
Reply #151 Wednesday, May 11, 2005 1:26 AM
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 
Guba
Reply #152 Wednesday, May 11, 2005 11:41 AM
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...
Reply #152 Wednesday, May 11, 2005 11:41 AM
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...
Koasati
Reply #153 Wednesday, May 11, 2005 12:11 PM
Reply #153 Wednesday, May 11, 2005 12:11 PM
For BootSkins... https://www.stardock.com/products/bootskin/
For IconPackager sets... https://www.stardock.com/products/iconpackager/
Corky_O
Reply #154 Thursday, May 12, 2005 8:22 PM
Reply #154 Thursday, May 12, 2005 8:22 PM
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.
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.
tnuc1
Reply #155 Thursday, May 12, 2005 9:27 PM
Reply #155 Thursday, May 12, 2005 9:27 PM
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...
Corky_O
Reply #156 Thursday, May 12, 2005 10:26 PM
Reply #156 Thursday, May 12, 2005 10:26 PM
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.
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.
tnuc1
Reply #157 Saturday, May 14, 2005 12:21 AM
Reply #157 Saturday, May 14, 2005 12:21 AM
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 
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 
Corky_O
Reply #158 Saturday, May 14, 2005 9:02 AM
Reply #158 Saturday, May 14, 2005 9:02 AM
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.
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.
tnuc1
Reply #159 Saturday, May 14, 2005 10:39 PM
Reply #159 Saturday, May 14, 2005 10:39 PM
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
bokan
Reply #160 Wednesday, May 18, 2005 9:19 AM
Reply #160 Wednesday, May 18, 2005 9:19 AM
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?
Please login to comment and/or vote for this skin.
Welcome Guest! Please take the time to register with us.
There are many great features available to you once you register, including:
- Richer content, access to many features that are disabled for guests like commenting on the forums and downloading skins.
- Access to a great community, with a massive database of many, many areas of interest.
- Access to contests & subscription offers like exclusive emails.
- It's simple, and FREE!
|
|
Page 8 of 20 | |
|
|---|
Reply #141 Saturday, May 7, 2005 11:16 PM