WindowBlinds 5 BETA released
Bring Glass to Windows XP
Tuesday, October 4, 2005 by Frogboy | Discussion: WinCustomize News
Stardock has released the first BETA of WindowBlinds 5. WindowBlinds is a program that can completely alter the look and feel of the Windows GUI. It does so by applying visual styles (skins) to your title bars, push buttons, Start bar, borders, etc.
The most anticipated new feature of WindowBlinds 5 is its ability to deliver glass effects to Windows XP user. Technically speaking, WindowBlinds can do full alpha blended user interfaces now, that means that skins can have a variable level of transparency. Numerous new features have been added to allow skinners to do reflective effects, shadows, smooth edges and more to their WindowBlinds skins.
WindowBlinds 5 also eliminates any dedicated processes to it. When running WindowBlinds 5, no additional processes are needed anymore, it runs as part of the system. WindowBlinds 5 BETA currently requires Windows XP (32-bit edition). A 64-bit edition will be available with beta 2. It should run on any reasonably modern video card.
WindowBlinds 5 is currently only available on Object Desktop. To get Object Desktop visit: www.objectdesktop.com.
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Alberto Callerio
Reply #62 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 4:28 AM
Reply #62 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 4:28 AM
I had to uninstall WB (aargh! the WinXP style again!).
My system: Windows XP Home SP2 (Italian); Centrino 1.0GB RAM;
ATI Pro GL
1) Upgraded the previous version of WB (4.9?)
2) After the reboot the first skin caused a "RunDll32.exe" error
but the skin was applied with messy black boxes
3) right click the desktop and select "Properties" caused the same "RunDll32.exe" error
4) System hang when one tries to change skin
5) I uninistalled everything, I need to work now. I will wait for the next release.
My system: Windows XP Home SP2 (Italian); Centrino 1.0GB RAM;
ATI Pro GL
1) Upgraded the previous version of WB (4.9?)
2) After the reboot the first skin caused a "RunDll32.exe" error
but the skin was applied with messy black boxes
3) right click the desktop and select "Properties" caused the same "RunDll32.exe" error
4) System hang when one tries to change skin
5) I uninistalled everything, I need to work now. I will wait for the next release.
Septimus
Reply #63 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 4:33 AM
Reply #63 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 4:33 AM
Working great on my home machine (P4 3.4 Extreme Edition and PCI-X ATI X850XT).
Tested on my crappy work machine with Intel 82865G and it's also perfect!
Ran WinFX2 on both to enable driver support of per-pixel.
Tested on my crappy work machine with Intel 82865G and it's also perfect!
Ran WinFX2 on both to enable driver support of per-pixel.
pland53
Reply #64 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 4:35 AM
Reply #64 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 4:35 AM
After reading all the above comments, I was hesitant to install the beta. But, I rolled the dice and everything worked. Thanks to the advice of the above comments. I did try to change my skins (all of my skins were showing) the usual way, using the config window, but the results were black boxes and XP classic. I did read the guide and sure enough, I used wbconfig.exe and all was and is well with the world.Don't understand the difference in using wbconfig, because ti looked like the same config window, but it works and works great. I did set the the logon screen back to the default because of previous comments. Below is the report:
WindowBlinds 5 BETA Troubleshooting Report:
WindowBlinds is installed correctly on this PC.
Your machine supports per pixel borders on WindowBlinds skins.
If you suffer visible corruption (overbright) on the frames and have a NVIDIA board then please be aware this is a NVIDIA bug. It has been seen on GeForce 4 cards and some FX series cards.
Video Information
You have one monitor in total.
(Plug and Play Monitor) 1 is attached to NVIDIA GeForce FX 5900
'NetMeeting driver' also exists as device '\\.\DISPLAYV1', but is not attached to the desktop and is a mirror driver.
'RDPDD Chained DD' also exists as device '\\.\DISPLAYV2', but is not attached to the desktop and is a mirror driver.
PLEASE report all this information when submitting a problem report, especially anything related to per-pixel skinning. We don't know what's in that Dell you bought last July or the notebook the office gave you. Per-pixel skinning requires your drivers to at least claim to support the functions needed for it.
Anyway, I think y'all did an awesome job on the update. So far, no complaints from me.
WindowBlinds 5 BETA Troubleshooting Report:
WindowBlinds is installed correctly on this PC.
Your machine supports per pixel borders on WindowBlinds skins.
If you suffer visible corruption (overbright) on the frames and have a NVIDIA board then please be aware this is a NVIDIA bug. It has been seen on GeForce 4 cards and some FX series cards.
Video Information
You have one monitor in total.
(Plug and Play Monitor) 1 is attached to NVIDIA GeForce FX 5900
'NetMeeting driver' also exists as device '\\.\DISPLAYV1', but is not attached to the desktop and is a mirror driver.
'RDPDD Chained DD' also exists as device '\\.\DISPLAYV2', but is not attached to the desktop and is a mirror driver.
PLEASE report all this information when submitting a problem report, especially anything related to per-pixel skinning. We don't know what's in that Dell you bought last July or the notebook the office gave you. Per-pixel skinning requires your drivers to at least claim to support the functions needed for it.
Anyway, I think y'all did an awesome job on the update. So far, no complaints from me.
spot1701
Reply #65 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 5:25 AM
Reply #65 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 5:25 AM
Win 2003. Working fine and not found any issues yet. Except that you can't delete skins 
Bloody hell is it looking good, and seems to be performing better too.
Oh, toolbar icons are still not being changed, but I guess that isn't high on the list as it wasn't fixed in the last version.
Bloody hell is it looking good, and seems to be performing better too.
Oh, toolbar icons are still not being changed, but I guess that isn't high on the list as it wasn't fixed in the last version.
George Rogers Jr
Reply #67 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 5:45 AM
Reply #67 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 5:45 AM
THX TONS Laoran for all the info...really helpful for sure! Well, I guess I'll just have to take my desktop wb icon & do a "drag & drop" into the lower taskbar to the left near the start button - it will become a sort of "quick launch app" since the system tray is moot at this point. Just hope they develop some kind of delete button!! THX again! 
Mackintosh
Reply #68 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 6:27 AM
Windowblinds 5 jest w tej chwili w becie, i w zwiazku z tym, dostepne tylko dla subskrybentów ODNT (www.objectdesktop.com), dopiero jak wyjdzie wersja ostateczna (a Bóg raczy wiedziec kiedy to nastapi), bedzie dostepna dla wszystkich.
Reply #68 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 6:27 AM
| I'm don't understand i'm from Polish :/ |
Windowblinds 5 jest w tej chwili w becie, i w zwiazku z tym, dostepne tylko dla subskrybentów ODNT (www.objectdesktop.com), dopiero jak wyjdzie wersja ostateczna (a Bóg raczy wiedziec kiedy to nastapi
), bedzie dostepna dla wszystkich.
Neil Banfield
Reply #69 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 6:53 AM
Reply #69 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 6:53 AM
You can delete skins from wbconfig as usual
Robbie_Boy
Reply #70 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 6:59 AM
Ok guys i have managed to get it to load ok now, but it will not load the skins any idears???
I've seen this problem a lot on here has anyone worked out how to get it to work???
Reply #70 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 6:59 AM
| still can't get it to work, i've updated the drivers and everything any idears???? this is all i get wbconfig.exe has encountered a problem and has to close |
Ok guys i have managed to get it to load ok now, but it will not load the skins any idears???
I've seen this problem a lot on here has anyone worked out how to get it to work???
spot1701
Reply #71 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 7:01 AM
I will admit that I'm probably being very stupid but in the screen shot above, where is the delete option?
Reply #71 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 7:01 AM
| You can delete skins from wbconfig as usual |
I will admit that I'm probably being very stupid but in the screen shot above, where is the delete option?
Mackintosh
Reply #72 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 7:13 AM
Reply #72 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 7:13 AM
Look closely in the preview window, right above "Apply this skin now"
George Rogers Jr
Reply #73 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 7:16 AM
Reply #73 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 7:16 AM
Neil B & Mackintosh, Thx ...I see the (delete button) in the display centered ON the skin itself!! I just knew it had to be somewhere!! There are 4 selections including 'Apply This Skin Now'. Very clever design!
indigonecro
Reply #74 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 7:30 AM
Wow. I'm an idiot. Ya know? I didn't even notice that yesterday!!! I was soo excited I had WB5Beta and it worked I guess it clouded my vision! Thanks man for pointing it out. That kicks!
Reply #74 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 7:30 AM
| You can delete skins from wbconfig as usual |
Wow. I'm an idiot. Ya know? I didn't even notice that yesterday!!! I was soo excited I had WB5Beta and it worked I guess it clouded my vision! Thanks man for pointing it out. That kicks!
Alberto Callerio
Reply #75 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 7:30 AM
Reply #75 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 7:30 AM
I uninstalled the previous version, restarted then loaded WB 5, restarted again.
Then I tried to load the Tiger Skin ... the dialog hangs. Back to the original
XP style ... won't load. Tried a new skin ... rundll error and the new
skin loaded. Now the screen properties is not loading anymore giving the
rundll error.
At this point I will uninstall WB 5, waiting for a more tested version (why this
big step did not followed an ALPHA testing phase extended to all the OD users?)
Then I tried to load the Tiger Skin ... the dialog hangs. Back to the original
XP style ... won't load. Tried a new skin ... rundll error and the new
skin loaded. Now the screen properties is not loading anymore giving the
rundll error.
At this point I will uninstall WB 5, waiting for a more tested version (why this
big step did not followed an ALPHA testing phase extended to all the OD users?)
indigonecro
Reply #76 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 7:30 AM
See George,
I told you.. I'm an idiot. Lol
Reply #76 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 7:30 AM
Neil B & Mackintosh, Thx ...I see the (delete button) in the display centered ON the skin itself!! I just knew it had to be somewhere!! There are 4 selections including 'Apply This Skin Now'. Very clever design! |
See George,
I told you.. I'm an idiot. Lol
spot1701
Reply #77 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 7:52 AM
Just goes to show... I'm not used to looking there because that is the preview window. Very clever, but I don't think it's very consistant. Some settings are outside the preview and some are in it.
And as this has proved I'm not the only stupid one who missed it
Reply #77 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 7:52 AM
| Look closely in the preview window, right above "Apply this skin now" |
Just goes to show... I'm not used to looking there because that is the preview window. Very clever, but I don't think it's very consistant. Some settings are outside the preview and some are in it.
And as this has proved I'm not the only stupid one who missed it
sshdw86
Reply #78 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 8:13 AM
Reply #78 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 8:13 AM
This is great. I realize this is a beta so problems are to be expected. I find on my computer, I have to give wbload.exe and wbconfig.exe an exception to not be skined or I cannot read some of the options. I have a Nvidia 5900 on a sp2 machine.
Robbie_Boy
Reply #79 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 8:14 AM
Reply #79 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 8:14 AM
well i went back to useing WB4.6 and it's working great, cos we don't seem to be getting any help from stardock on how to right the wrongs on Windowblinds 5 (will have to wait i suppose) 
only half a star for this one!!!!!!
only half a star for this one!!!!!!
raidersforlife
Reply #80 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 8:45 AM
Reply #80 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 8:45 AM
No problems here whatsoever...unloaded WB 4.6, set to default XP theme, installed WB5 Beta, reboot, apply Aura skin...beautiful!
Just FYI:
Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 (build 2600)
3.20 gigahertz Intel Pentium 4
16 kilobyte primary memory cache
1024 kilobyte secondary memory cache
ATI FireGL V3100 [Display adapter]
ATI FireGL V3100 Secondary [Display adapter]
ViewSonic E90f-2 [Monitor]
All XP fixes to-date applied
Just FYI:
Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 (build 2600)
3.20 gigahertz Intel Pentium 4
16 kilobyte primary memory cache
1024 kilobyte secondary memory cache
ATI FireGL V3100 [Display adapter]
ATI FireGL V3100 Secondary [Display adapter]
ViewSonic E90f-2 [Monitor]
All XP fixes to-date applied
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Reply #61 Wednesday, October 5, 2005 4:11 AM
As far as i'm concerned i'm just unable (before doing anything else) to "download and archive" the "selected application" version (WB4 still installed), i get an error message telling:
"there was an error installing WB5" (i didn't tell SDC to install ...
"the following error occured"
"load : C:\Program Files\Stardock\SDCentral\installed\WB5.xml 0 (file not found)"
"result: installation failed (13)"
i tried to see the log file, no log file to see
I'm asking me if it's not Stardock who needs more subscription rather than Wincustomize
I think i'm gonna wait at least e few weeks to try a WB5 version