Basic Noob Questions

from Stardock Forums
I thought I would try out a few DesktopX "themes" that caught my eye on wincustomize.com. So, I've downloaded installed DesktopX via Stardock Central. But I've never used this program before and would like some basic information:

1) I'm running WindowBlinds 5.5 and I'm wondering if there is anything I need to do with that, e.g., do I need to load the default XP Luna theme? unload WB? etc.

2) I'm also running IconPackager. Is my current iconpackager theme going to be affected?

3) Lastly, I'm also running WindowFX; same type of questions.

I'm assuming that to use a "Theme" I simply need to double-click it to install it or to add it via the DesktopX configuration window?

THANKS!
desktopx
4,426 views 6 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
1) you can leave WB running
2) it should have no effect on IP
3) WFX should be okay

All assuming the DTX theme applied isn't actually closer to a suite which may then include some of the above items in which case your WB skin and icons may change.

I run WB always and play with DTX off and on. never had an effect on my skin or icons or WFX.


If it downloads as a .dxtheme double clicking will cause it to self install. If it downloads as a .zip - look inside first - sometimes it's got a .dxtheme and other items like a rainlendar zipped together. Then unzip it and double click the .dxtheme.

Here's an old post that may come in handy: Tips for New Users

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top
Bichur,

Thanks for confirming things and adding to my woefully lacking knowledge re: DesktopX. I went ahead and loaded a couple of the "Themes" (*.desktop) which looked intriguing and immediately realized that in order to make them fully usable, it would require lots of time creating/modifying things. Unfortunately, this is the one area where Stardock applications fail miserably; DOCUMENTATION and thus these DesktopX themes serve no practical purpose to me personally. Methinks I'm going to uninstall DesktopX and stick with what I have been using since I know how to configure things so as to add functionality as well as having a nicely customized working environment. Hey..... it was worth the try nevertheless.   
Fences - Organize your desktop icons today!
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
DX is probably the best documented SD app.  Take a look at the docs here: Everything you need
Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top
Thanks! I spent some time reading through that "Users Guide" and although it is a valuable resource it doesn't explain how to change the things which I need/want to change, at least in a way that I can comprehend, e.g., menu items in the "Themes" I have been trying. So again, different strokes for different folks applies here. The "Themes" look great in screenshots but are not usable in their default form and I simply don't have the wherewithal to try and customize them to be practical for what I do on my machine.   
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
You want to be in builder mode.

Depending on how the themes are made:

some are made with graphics - you will want to replace with your own and set target to where you want

some are made using text - go in and type what you want.

I can manipulate/change quite a few things that are based on external scripts and I got no knowledge.

Here's one of my favorite oldies to play around with: SSDD-DX by PHOON
Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top
Bichur,

I appreciate what you are saying and the attempt to motivate me to continue. But at this point I simply don't have the interest. I redownloaded and installed DesktopX again after uninstalling it this afternoon and loaded "AeroXP V.2" since it has a "How to do..." help file included. Well, my attempts to add Outlook to the "Office" menu following the destructions were a total failure. I tried to customize a couple of other, what appeared to be simple things, and they too ended up unsuccessful. Now, I am no novice to working on and with computers but evidently my abilities don't extend to doing what it takes with this.

Sooooo, at this point, I'm going to chock this one up to experience and move on to something else. hehe