How does it all work?

download the program called stardock central, once you have installed that program enter the email and serial number of object desktop into the registration info area. you should then have all the programs that you paid for available for download or installation and they will also automatically activate when u install. good luck

Uninstall everything you have previously installed and then follow Nimbin's advice.

If you have any trial applications, uninstall them first.

Here is a "getting started" guide for Stardock Central.

http://islanddog.wincustomize.com/articles.aspx?aid=137643

Let us know if you need anymore help.

 

Bear in mind, Object Desktop is not a program per se, it's a suite of the individual programs.

Once you follow the above advice & then have the programs installed - you can use ThemeManager to apply theme suites 'all at once'

The email link should have included a link to get Stardock Central

recap:

uninstall all trial version and any/all version screaming 'buy' reboot as needed - with one more when done for good measure

download and install Stardock Central

register your Object Desktop Serial (the one serial covers all that comes with it) following the guide posted above by Island Dog

don't install everything at once - some things need a reboot upon installation & doing them one at a time, then trying them out will give you a chance to see if that particular program is working correctly prior to installing and using the next.

I'd like to emphasize that the Stardock Central program is your friend, seriously, spend some time getting to know it. I say this because it is the least "fun" piece of all the software, at least to me, and can be really tempting to not spend enough time with it. It is what enables you to manage all the programs you just bought and goes a long way toward eliminating that "What is all this stuff?" sensation.

Stardock Central (aka SDC) will also keep you notified of any updates you're entitled to

Well, I'm learning I guess..  Question tho.. All these programs I'm loading into SDC, why are they and SDC, for that matter, not putting a desktop icon down?? It's getting annoying as hell to keep opening my computer files in order to click on SDC to get it open.. I'd think the install would have done that the first thing.. Thanks..   

because you don't need to run them from SDC

start > all programs > object desktop = installed programs - pick one not already runnng

start > all programs > stardock > stardock central - to run SDC

You'd find it easier to activate whatever program you want if you had a dock installed,then it's just a matter of dragging icons from the programs list or (create your own icons in a sub folder in "MY DOCUMENTS" by right clicking an icon & left clicking send to desktop then stick em in your newly made sub icon folder )& drag n drop those onto a dock,there is a basic free version of objectdock but it pales in comparison with the bought version,it would'nt hurt to get cursor xp plus also for full graphic fun & to show off to visitors your new freaky desktop setup as you'll be able to mix n match everything which is the whole idea in the first place.


EDIT: SDC uses an archive function to create backups of all the programs in ObjectDesktop,make sure you have "Auto-Archive on Application Update" TURNED ON ,it's at the bottom of the SDC interface,it also would'nt hurt to look thru the settings for SDC under tools in the top bar,ok back to it,in a way i guess the most important time for Archiving is when after you've just first installed the programs (including "downloading & archiving" any not installed programs) the best way is to open Stardock Central,CLICK on the VIEW button in the top bar,CLICK on SHOW/HIDE applications & make sure all boxes are ticked then CLICK ok,at this point RIGHT click on any one of the applications in SDC,CLICK on DOWNLOAD & ARCHIVE ALL,why i say this is it's your only way of making backups of those programs since there is not the usual downloadable executable file like your most probably used too,if your not intending to renew ObjectDesktop subs after 1 year you'll need this archiving function so you can create a backup of the most recent apps before subs expire,you'll then need to burn them to cd or dvd rom (preferably make two backups) in case of harddrive failure or if one the cd's becomes unusable (there is also a cd from that can be bought from stardock of the most recent updates the only cost to you is the price of the cd & freight).

The below is or xp: if you have vista someone else can steer you right
Making hard copy backups of the archive
WARNING DELETE NOTHING WHILE INSIDE THIS DRIVE
1-Click on START BUTTON
2-Right click & open MY COMPUTER
3-Right click & OPEN DRIVE C
4-unhide the drive if folders can't be seen
5-right click & open PROGRAM FILES folder: unhide if necessary
6-search for the folder that says STARDOCK
7-open the folder that says SDCentral
8-Drag the folder that says BACKUP & drop the folder into the burning programs window that you use to burn stuff with,once burn is completed a direct reversal from number 7 is in order & rehide everything.

I created a Fly-out menu with links to all my Stardock apps.  It works for me. 



It's all about customizeation!

As well as info on each program there are tutorials as well at the
Wincustomize Wiki This may help as well as the info posted above.

It's My Secret