Start Menu Turning Black

from Stardock Forums

Hey All,


Been having an issue with my XP start menu turning black while using transparency.  I think I've narrowed it down to a windows issue, as I've upgraded my video card and still have the same issue.  Also, it happens with the default Luna theme, so it's not a theme issue.  What happens, for instance, is that when I make a change to the start menu (like updating the frequently used programs list), it turns black.  Anyway, I started thinking about WB and the way it operates, which is somewhat different than some other theme programs, in that it uses the classic windows theme instead of the xp theme.  Maybe in doing that this issue is avoided.  Any thoughts?
3,895 views 4 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Could you post your System Info from WB Config? Also, sometimes there are driver issues, depending on the type new vid card you have (ie, the newest isn't always the best). Someone with a similar setup might recognize it if you have that kind of problem.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I had this problem on my laptop with the first version of WB 5. When I updated to the most recent version (March 21, I think), the problem went away. I did not have the problem on my desktop though. Just a thought.
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Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Don't knot if this will help or not, but I had a similar problem and found disabling the XP theme service resolved the issue.

However, if you open wbconfig and select system information, copy and paste it here, it'll help others to identify possible issues, etc. It also helps to post your system specs....OS, sevice packs, CPU, Ram. etc.

Hope this helps...
Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

Hi Again,


I will post my WB config tomorrow when I reinstall.  Perhaps I wasn't clear in my original post, but let me clarify that I have not experienced this in WB.  I currently have all theme software uninstalled with the exception of TuneUp Utilities 2006 which uses WinStyler I believe.  I think starkers hit the nail on the head with the XP theme service.  I have concluded that it's not an issue with hardware or software.  I believe the problem lies with the XP theme service which programs like WinStyler and StyleXP use.  My point is that WB takes another route and uses the Windows classic mode which does not use the theme service.  Someone correct me if I'm wrong.  I was seeing this problem with StyleXP and Winstyler which use the 'msstyles' format and was trying to track down the culprit.  I will post my WB config and relevant HW specs tomorrow after I reinstall WB.