Still no Vista x64 support?

Windowblinds is like Stardock's flagship product, but we still don't even have a beta with x64 support?! Instead we get Tweakvista (which completely hosed my OS and forced me to reinstall Vista from scratch) and new builds of LogonVista (which offers no improvements over the betas, which worked absolutely perfectly anyway). Then there are previews for a new Stardock Central, even though the current one works perfectly fine. I'm sure OD 2008 is going to be great, but it would be nice if 2007 worked, first (IconPackager doesn't completely work right in Vista, though it works well enough for my purposes). Progress on other programs is great, but there hasn't been any word or even an estimate on when we can expect Windowblinds to work. Has Stardock completely abandoned this product? WB and Iconpackager are the sole reasons I have an Object Desktop subscription, and Microsoft is really pushing the 64-bit OS (which I think is great, even though some of their own products like OneCare don't work). I don't see the point in renewing if the programs aren't going to work, especially WB and IP. The only other app I use is ObjectDock, which for some reason isn't included in Object Desktop, so I had to buy that separately, anyway.
15,625 views 27 replies
Reply #1 Top
From the WindowBlinds developer...


The Vista 64 bit version of WB 5.5 is currently in testing.


 
Reply #2 Top
Thats true, thanks Island_dog!
Reply #3 Top
I have the same problem as Darrian , and get NO answers either about 64bit
whenever I ask , sad .........
Reply #4 Top
Things happen during software development.  Projects take longer than expected, new features are thought of and added, other projects or problems take precedence, people get sick or leave the company.  Software development is as much art as science and things happen that get in the way of meeting deadlines.

While most people understand these things on a personal level, when it's a BIG FAT COMPANY, especially a software company, people freak out when milestones are missed.  Oftentimes customers complain bitterly and loudly like their rights were violated.

And yet, no one cares if milestones are met.

So, it'll be ready when it's ready; when it's been tested with as many systems internally as it can be reasonably tested on.

Then when it's released into the wild there will be bugs because we all do different things with our PCs and the devs will go nuts with fixes.  After that there will be joy and peace over the forums. 

Until then, don't ask.
  And if you ask, don't expect an answer.
  And if you get an answer, don't tattoo it into your arm.
  And if you tattoo it into your arm, don't throw a fit and demand a new tattoo if the date slips.
    Things happen.  
Reply #5 Top
Vista support is being updated as quickly as possible for our programs. Obviously this is being done in most popular packages first to keep as many customers as happy as possible as quickly as possible. Please be aware many software packages are in alpha and some are available for beta through Stardock Central. If you check in with Stardock Central you will see in the news posts the moment a update is available. Please rest assured that everything is currently in the works. And I do mean everything.

Cheers
Reply #6 Top
If anyone would take a picture right now there would be a line of children, one deep, across the front window of the (candy or toy store or even the bakery shop, take your pick) eyes, noses and lips pressed against the glass!!!!!

I guess it's true what they say "a child will grow up to become an adult, but you can never stop the adult from acting like a child".

Whatever happened to patience being a virtue?

Okay enough with the kidding around, I must admit it was fun. How about giving Stardock time to atleast do some of thier own testing before releasing a beta version to subsribers. What do lyou think?

Have a nice day and be careful out there, don't catch a virus!!   
Reply #7 Top



Whatever happened to patience being a virtue?



Thank you for that 'lone voice in the wilderness', very commendable.


Reply #8 Top

Okay enough with the kidding around, I must admit it was fun. How about giving Stardock time to atleast do some of thier own testing before releasing a beta version to subsribers. What do lyou think?


I think x64 support was expected to come with 5.5 final, and XP x64 support is already included, so perhaps they should have finished their product before releasing it. I also think that it's been in "testing" for quite some time now. I wouldn't be at all surprised at this point if we have to wait until WB6 or later. I understand that it takes a while to code and to work out the bugs, and that they don't want to (intentionally) release buggy software to their customers. However, most "final" versions of Stardock software are at least a little bit buggy, despite sometimes months of beta releases, and there are usually constant updates until the kinks are mostly ironed out. I don't think that releasing a beta version with x64 support would be uncalled for, as long as it's reasonably stable, or at the very least a rough estimate as to when we might expect one.

Reply #9 Top
How long has it been since MS sent out beta versions of Vista x64? I wounder if Stardock started to work out the kinks when it was sent out. I bought OD when I had XP but Stardock was saying the x64 ver. of Windowblinds was comming out soon. So I went out and bought a new notebook with Vista Ultimate x64 on it thinking it would be a month or so. Now my OD is about to expire and I am not sure if I even want to renew. IP would also be nice. The current ver. does not change any of the Internet Explorer, My computer, and Trash bin icons. Vista support would be very nice but if none of the OD componets work well on it then I can do without OD.
Reply #10 Top
Why can't you all either wait or email Stardock Support?

These forums are for users helping users when they can..it's not an official Stardock forum and not for bitching about why this or that isn't ready.

If you have a problem with a program, maybe someone here can help if they've had a similar problem.

If you have a gripe about a timeline or a feature in a program, contact support and don't whine to the other users.

We're in the same boat as you.
Reply #11 Top
I don't want to be critical of Microsoft but if someone wants to complain about the length it takes to support 64-bit, yell at how Microsoft implemented their 64-bit support. It's a royal pain.
Reply #12 Top
I dont see anyone yelling. And I have emailed Stardock. and got no response. i thought this was a place to ask questions, For people like me, i dont know where to present the questions other than here. I dont know how MS impmplemented the x64 system thats why i asked. So instead of being so sensitive, kindly point me in the right direction and ill go from there, but there is no need to assume that I or anyone else knows as much as you or other people about the issue. i pay for this service so I wanted to use it to try to get answers, so "its people like you why I wont pay for the WC sub. and will do without Stardock and OD" And by the way I was not complaining, I was stating my situation. Complaining would be"

WHAT THE FUCK. WHY ISNT IT READY. WHEN THE FUCK WILL IT BE READY.
Reply #13 Top
After pouring through these forums and the Stardock site, I have yet to find the answer to the simple question...What is the estimated release date for WindowBlinds with Vista x64 support? I know it's in testing, but beyond that I really dont know if I should expect it this month, this quarter or this year.

Also, is there any way to find out which of the products within the Object Desktop suite support Vista x64? I can't find the answer to this question either on any of the product information pages or from Stardock Central.

Thanks very much.
Reply #14 Top
Also, is there any way to find out which of the products within the Object Desktop suite support Vista x64? I can't find the answer to this question either on any of the product information pages or from Stardock Central.


From the Spring Update:

What about 64 bit support?
This article isn't about 64 bit support.  While we do know that many of you are very concerned over this since you moved to 64-bit when Vista came out, we currently don't have a schedule we can give you.  Certain items like WindowBlinds and IconPackager are definitely coming soon, and others such as DeskScapes and TweakVista already have 64-bit support.
Reply #15 Top
Thanks very much for the reply. But that didn't really answer either of my questions did it?

Why can you give estimated release dates for everything EXCEPT Vista x64 releases? And is there anything else besides DeskScapes and TweakVista that will run under Vista x64?
Reply #16 Top
Yes If you all at stardock could give estimated release for WindowBlinds for Vista x64!
Is it that hard to give us one? I have been waiting for a long time now.
Thanks,
Ranpan
Reply #17 Top

I still cannot understand why people install a 64bit O/S when very little software is 64bit compatible   Anyone installing Vista in the next 18-24 months should only install 32bit.

Sure, some 32bit software works on a 64bit O/S, but it doesn't work as well as it does on a 32bit O/S. I believe 64bit will only be of use in a couple of years time when software vendors release 64bit software; in the mean time people are just expecting too much. The fact Stardock is in the process of releasing 64bit software at all seems to be unappreciated   

Reply #18 Top
Yeah, I don't really understand why so many people insist on installing 64 bit right now.

Use 32 bit and enjoy what's available for it now...by the time there is major support for 64 bit, your hardware will be outdated anyway.

Seems like cutting edge can go too far sometimes...you lose too much trying to stay ahead of the masses. It just doesn't look worth it to me.
Reply #19 Top
Some 32-bit software works? I have yet to encounter ANY (non-customization) software that doesn't work just as well as on a 32-bit system (and yes, I know of some software that doesn't work on a 64-bit system, but none of it is software that I use, and I use my computer for about absolutely everything, so if I don't use it I really don't care if it's incompatible and deem it irrelevant, whereas to others such software may be their holy grail and they may create massive forum threads bashing x64 because their favorite program doesn't work). The 64-bit OS feels more stable to me, and there are actually a few games that have 64-bit executables (and yes, they run better in 64-bit mode!). It's about being able to run the very latest software out there (for me, especially, games) and not having to worry about something not running because we're using an antiquated OS. 64-bit adaptation has been slower than I'd expected. Everybody acts like it's new and cutting edge. Well, that was XP x64 and various flavors of Linux. This is a second generation 64-bit OS, and people shouldn't act like it just came out of the blue and use "it's a new technology, we aren't prepared to support it with our product/drivers yet" as an exuse. It's been around over 2 years now, and eventually whether people like it or have to be drug kicking and screaming through the mud the 32-bit OS will be phased out.

Reply #20 Top
I dont really want to get into a debate about a 64 bit vs 32 bit OS. Nobody from Startdock has yet answered these questions?


What is the estimated release date for WindowBlinds with Vista x64 support?
Which of the products within the Object Desktop suite support Vista x64?


I really don't see why these are difficult questions to answer.
Reply #21 Top
I really don't see why these are difficult questions to answer.


I'm waiting too
Reply #22 Top
hi there..

its not fair for user there buy windowblinds and nothing support for vista 64..i buy wb 4.6 than update to 5.0...when vista was out i buy it.64 bit..and i wait and wait and for wb 5.5 for vista 64..nothing..
hey stardock..i pay alot money..where is wb 5.5 fort vista 64 ?

bero
Reply #23 Top
Yeah, I don't really understand why so many people insist on installing 64 bit right now.


I use 64bit Vista because it support 4GB (and more) RAM. 32bit OSes can't support 4GB RAM due to 32 bit address space shared with pci devices. There is never enough RAM for design software (many layers), photo editing, cad/cam, music production, dtp, etc. etc. especially if you have opened many windows at the same time.
I have no problems with my hardware, although most of it I bought last year and ealier, before installing Vista 64 bit. I've got installed 64bit drivers for my Creative Audigy 2ZS, BTC keyboard, A4tech webcam, Saitek controller, Sapphire Theatrix tv tuner, ATI 8600GT graphics card, Cyberlink remote, Logitech Mice. There are also 64bit video and audio codecs available, including divx, h264, rmvb and whatever you like. 64bit MCE application works great. Everything else works perfectly smooth, so I don't really understand why so many people wonder why we use 64bit Vista now.
Reply #24 Top

Yeah, I don't really understand why so many people insist on installing 64 bit right now.



For me, the question is why I would I use 32-bit when I can buy 8GB of ram for $400? Vista x64 is simply the best prosumer 64-bit OS out. The extra memory is great for VMWare. I practically do all my real work, including photoshop and visual studio development inside of XP Pro VMWare sessions. XP Pro is still the best 32-bit OS imho and I see no reason to upgrade to Vista 32-bit. Vx64 recognized all my hardware and companies are starting to provide 64-bit drivers. It plays the few games I have flawlessly. Vx64 is rock solid. I miss my WB skins though, the aero gui just doesn't appeal to me.

I've stopped skinning until the WB Vx64 version comes out.

Reply #25 Top
rrawlins: The 64 bit Vista version of WB came out on the 19th June.