WindowBlinds Update
Thursday, June 30, 2005 by MasterSchwag | Discussion: WindowBlinds
I recently had problems with my computer, and had to reinstall WindowBlinds! Well, i bought it when it was version 4.3 or so! I know stardock has recently released a newer version of windowblinds! I used stardock central to update from old to new, and I am having all kinds of problems! Now I get no transparent start menu, just a big black shadow now, and I got absolutely no button glow effect! I dont know exactly what i did wrong, i do the same thing every time i reinstall WindowBlinds! I think it is this Beta update crap! Is there a Link for people who PAYED for Windowblinds to Directly download the newest version, if not, then can WC please send a link to people who payed for it (to email box) I am extremely frustrated at this crap, and I would love for some help with this issue!!!
Cavan1
Reply #2 Thursday, June 30, 2005 5:30 PM
Reply #2 Thursday, June 30, 2005 5:30 PM
Open Stardock Central, uncheck show pre-release versions. Unistall WB then install latest released, stable build with Stardock Central.
Beta is not an update it is Beta, which is update in progress, being tested by those who download Beta.
Beta is not an update it is Beta, which is update in progress, being tested by those who download Beta.
MasterSchwag
Reply #3 Thursday, June 30, 2005 7:04 PM
Reply #3 Thursday, June 30, 2005 7:04 PM
Sorry if i was a little upset there, but i have owned this software for like over a year now, and never had this problem before! I have tried all the suggestions except the pre-release version thing in comment #2! I love windowblinds, and like i said, this is the first time i ever had problems with it! When i saw that it uploaded the beta version, i was a little freaked out! now i will try this all over again! and i know 1 persons opinion means nothing, but they should put a link to the actual release version for people who paid for this, so we dont have to go thru all that crap!
Bichur
Reply #4 Thursday, June 30, 2005 7:17 PM
That's what SDC is for. Uncheck show pre-release and you will only get released versions.
Reply #4 Thursday, June 30, 2005 7:17 PM
| they should put a link to the actual release version for people who paid for this, so we dont have to go thru all that crap! |
That's what SDC is for. Uncheck show pre-release and you will only get released versions.
MasterSchwag
Reply #5 Thursday, June 30, 2005 7:56 PM
Reply #5 Thursday, June 30, 2005 7:56 PM
I understand that is what SDC is for! So ur telling me that i have to install another program just to update 1 program? That sounds kinda stupid! Maybe an integrated updater would be nice! I have that stoopid program Stardock Central! It has tooooooo many bugs! It always tells me it is unable to register this, and that! Although i paid for them already! Well, hopefuly comment #2 helps me anyways! thanks for the replies, and sorry if i upset any of u WB, and SDC lovers! That is a lot of crap to go thru just to get an updated version of a program....... BTW the updater in SDC is SOOOOOOOOOO SLOW! I have cable modem, which means 30 secs, and it should be done.......but it takes an hour to update, anything! That is worth it..... 
HighCommand
Reply #6 Thursday, June 30, 2005 8:31 PM
Reply #6 Thursday, June 30, 2005 8:31 PM
So then you are having problems. DSL takes as long as I would expect it to when downloading the apps(Around 30seconds). Please just acknowledge that it is you who is having the problem, because nobody else here is complaining about the "crappyness" of SDC. Then nobody will be upset, and people can help you.
_TAPPER_
Reply #7 Thursday, June 30, 2005 8:48 PM
Perhaps your subscription has expired? This would prevent you from getting proper updates also. You might want to check this just to be sure. You don't actually buy windowblinds, you get a subscription that is good for one year. After that you must resubscribe to continue updating.
Reply #7 Thursday, June 30, 2005 8:48 PM
| but i have owned this software for like over a year now, |
Perhaps your subscription has expired? This would prevent you from getting proper updates also. You might want to check this just to be sure. You don't actually buy windowblinds, you get a subscription that is good for one year. After that you must resubscribe to continue updating.
MasterSchwag
Reply #8 Thursday, June 30, 2005 9:43 PM
Reply #8 Thursday, June 30, 2005 9:43 PM
I thought i bought the software, and subscribed to the site! If i did actually pay for the subscription to software, then i guess im the idiot! But i think i bought it permanently! WB is not a subscription! Only the site is! Irreguardless none of this stuff worked! I guess thats the last product i buy, and recommend to anyone from this site!
MasterSchwag
Reply #9 Thursday, June 30, 2005 9:51 PM
Reply #9 Thursday, June 30, 2005 9:51 PM
Seems like every one wants to tell me the obvious here! I tried all the suggestions and none of them worked! If u are thinking that i am new to this stuff, u are sadly mistaken! I design software, and websites, if it where my computer i would know about it! Everything else i ever installed works on my computer! This is the only thing i am having problems with! Oh well i give up! Might as well do this the right way! UN-INSTALL IT ALL, and say screw it! Thanks for the help evryone! Srry none of it worked
Corky_O
Reply #10 Thursday, June 30, 2005 9:56 PM
Reply #10 Thursday, June 30, 2005 9:56 PM
MrMasterSchwag,
If you want to control updates for both the offered programs and for Stardock Central itself - use Cavan1's comment #2 for the programs and when in SDC, you can go to "Tools > Settings > and select both "Check for Stardock Central Release updates on startup" and "Prompt before updating Stardock Central".
This will deselect "Check for Stardock Central Beta updates on startup", and should keep your computer happy by only offering the official releases of all items, and also require your verification before installing.
I run Cable Modem access as well, and SDC is not slow.
Thoughts:
- Servers busy at time of updating, resulting in lower available bandwidth per SDC request
- Possible corrupt install of SDC
- Possible firewall setting not permitting full bandwidth access to SDC
I would say that Stardock chose to use one central hub program to update all the different softwares they offer, rather than include a built-in updater in each program - which would be logistically unsound given all possible future troubleshooting required, and fixes for any updater issues in the various programs.
With SDC to update all, they can focus on getting fixes and updates out sooner, and contain updater/installer issues to the one program (with the exception of the free and shareware versions).
I am running the latest official release of WindowBlinds (as well as IconPackager and ObjectDock), and am not seeing any issues on a modest, slightly upgraded, entry-level PC with XP Pro (SP2).
Good luck with the programs.
If you want to control updates for both the offered programs and for Stardock Central itself - use Cavan1's comment #2 for the programs and when in SDC, you can go to "Tools > Settings > and select both "Check for Stardock Central Release updates on startup" and "Prompt before updating Stardock Central".
This will deselect "Check for Stardock Central Beta updates on startup", and should keep your computer happy by only offering the official releases of all items, and also require your verification before installing.
I run Cable Modem access as well, and SDC is not slow.
Thoughts:
- Servers busy at time of updating, resulting in lower available bandwidth per SDC request
- Possible corrupt install of SDC
- Possible firewall setting not permitting full bandwidth access to SDC
I would say that Stardock chose to use one central hub program to update all the different softwares they offer, rather than include a built-in updater in each program - which would be logistically unsound given all possible future troubleshooting required, and fixes for any updater issues in the various programs.
With SDC to update all, they can focus on getting fixes and updates out sooner, and contain updater/installer issues to the one program (with the exception of the free and shareware versions).
I am running the latest official release of WindowBlinds (as well as IconPackager and ObjectDock), and am not seeing any issues on a modest, slightly upgraded, entry-level PC with XP Pro (SP2).
Good luck with the programs.
Corky_O
Reply #11 Thursday, June 30, 2005 10:15 PM
Reply #11 Thursday, June 30, 2005 10:15 PM
MrMasterSchwag,
Sorry, I took so long to type the last comment, which seems to be stating the obvious.
Since you design software, I will leave you with a couple of items.
First, the subscriptions are for WinCustomize site and for ObjectDesktop suite. In purchasing WindowBlinds stand alone program, you are automatically entitled to all updates for the program up to the next major release.
In other words, since you purchased version 4.3, you are entitled to updates until at least version 5.0 (and I believe you would get to 5.2).
Here is a link to the zapper utility Link
Just download it > double-click the downloaded file > use the "uninstall" tab to select programs to remove (it will not uninstall SDC - that one just do through "Control Panel > Add or Remove programs").
I would suggest unloading all Stardock programs and returning Windows to the default theme (including all icons) > uninstall the programs with the zapper utility > uninstall SDC through Control Panel>Add/Remove..." > reboot computer > delete the Stardock folder in "\Program Files" directory > reinstall fresh copy of SDC > open SDC and select "No" to any offered updates > use "Tools > Register products > select WindowBlinds4 in the list > enter Serial Number and click "Register".
If all goes well, deselect the "Show pre-release versions" option box at bottom of SDC panel, then install the recent official release of WindowBlinds (should be 4.51.047).
Note - save any files you want after re-installing to temp folder.
Sorry for the basic stuff you may already know, just wanted to be thorough. Also, do not forget the "Lookup Serial Number.." option if you have problems.
Again, good luck to you.
Sorry, I took so long to type the last comment, which seems to be stating the obvious.
Since you design software, I will leave you with a couple of items.
First, the subscriptions are for WinCustomize site and for ObjectDesktop suite. In purchasing WindowBlinds stand alone program, you are automatically entitled to all updates for the program up to the next major release.
In other words, since you purchased version 4.3, you are entitled to updates until at least version 5.0 (and I believe you would get to 5.2).
Here is a link to the zapper utility Link
Just download it > double-click the downloaded file > use the "uninstall" tab to select programs to remove (it will not uninstall SDC - that one just do through "Control Panel > Add or Remove programs").
I would suggest unloading all Stardock programs and returning Windows to the default theme (including all icons) > uninstall the programs with the zapper utility > uninstall SDC through Control Panel>Add/Remove..." > reboot computer > delete the Stardock folder in "\Program Files" directory > reinstall fresh copy of SDC > open SDC and select "No" to any offered updates > use "Tools > Register products > select WindowBlinds4 in the list > enter Serial Number and click "Register".
If all goes well, deselect the "Show pre-release versions" option box at bottom of SDC panel, then install the recent official release of WindowBlinds (should be 4.51.047).
Note - save any files you want after re-installing to temp folder.
Sorry for the basic stuff you may already know, just wanted to be thorough. Also, do not forget the "Lookup Serial Number.." option if you have problems.
Again, good luck to you.
Bichur
Reply #12 Thursday, June 30, 2005 10:53 PM
I have rural dialup and it takes less time than that.
Reply #12 Thursday, June 30, 2005 10:53 PM
| I have cable modem, which means 30 secs, and it should be done.......but it takes an hour to update, anything! |
I have rural dialup and it takes less time than that.
MasterSchwag
Reply #13 Thursday, June 30, 2005 11:47 PM
Reply #13 Thursday, June 30, 2005 11:47 PM
Finally!!! Someone knows what there talking about! Thank u corky_0! I really appreciate ur responce! Again, sorry for being so rude, but when something happens to software, hardware etc....... and i cant figure out the problem, I go crazy til i figure it out! Only thing i didnt do is backup all my skins, and themes 
Thank u again Corky_0!
Thank u again Corky_0!
Doug Downing
Reply #14 Thursday, July 7, 2005 1:28 PM
Reply #14 Thursday, July 7, 2005 1:28 PM
Looking through these forums it seems obvious to me that MasterSchwag is not the only user experiencing problems with StarDock software. So stating that it is his system with the problem is a narrow view of what is going on here. I too am angry that I just purchased this "subscription" and I have applications that have failed since I installed the product. I know that it is related to the StarDock application because a rollback to the day before the install and my "Broken" programs now work. So now what do I do? I could try to figure out what StarDock has done to my system and make sure it doesn't do that again. (Time Consuming) Or elect not to do anything and lose the money. (Not cost effictive) Or send an email to StarDock support and hope they have the answer. (We can always hope). Or keep it uninstall and ask for my money back. There are other application out there that do a similar job.
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Reply #1 Thursday, June 30, 2005 5:11 PM
A - Since 99.9% of the people don't have problems with it, you can conclude that the issue is with YOUR system.
B - Referring to the proven, well maintained, and totally functionable software and processes of updating as CRAP will pretty much get negative results for you.
Now, that being said, my suggestio would be to uninstall WB, reboot, and reinstall. Check that you have the most recent updates for you video drivers as well.