General Feedback: Terrible Applications

Tried the new versions out...

from Stardock Forums

Just wanted to let dear Stardock know that I'm really not happy with the trial version of your latest products. Machine is a Dell Optiplex GX620. I've downloaded the latest trial version from CursorFX, Windowblinds, WindowFX and Iconpackager. I'm testing them since two days, using only the built-in themes and trying to use it in a bulletproof way, no other similar applications, and clean, fressh installation on my machine. I'm literaly using only the following software all day: Windows XP Pro 32bit, office 2007, Adobe Design Premium, iTunes and my fav. browser: Maxthon Browser.

Since office 2007 using its own skinning I did set up windowblinds not to skin any of the related windows. Still...

-Mouse disappearing. Have to minimize all windows, refresh desktop, the mouse appears again but mostly application closure/restart fixing the problem only

-Window skins are terribly screwed. The application buttons disappearing, you move the window around and it leaves dirt all around the screen.

-Skin does not apply correctly (using the built-in Diamond theme), you try maximize/minimize, not really helping, only application restart solves the problem.

These issues I experience all day long. I'm badly disappointed with this I must say.

And yes, withouth the stardock applications I experience no graphical nor application issues. As I mentioned fresh new reinstallation (since last friday). You really have to figure out how to fix such issues since in this way its useless, and these are not beta versions (the trials) are they?

Dont think I would spend money on the products like this and honestly my intention was like that this time. Earlier I used the trials a lot and they were ok, I cant recall this many and regular problems before. :(

7,504 views 12 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
It sounds like a video card issue more than a Stardock app issue.
Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top
Thats why I was highlighting: Fresh installation, last nonbeta drivers from Dell. If thats not supported than what is?
Siege of Centauri
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Open the WindowBlinds Configuration screen and click on "System info" and then "Copy text". Paste that info here.
Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top
Sure:

WindowBlinds version : WindowBlinds 6.02 (build 44 x86) - Shareware

WindowBlinds is installed correctly on this PC
Your machine supports per pixel borders on WindowBlinds skins.

(Plug and Play Monitor) 1 is attached to Intel(R) 82945G Express Chipset Family

Wblind.dll 2008/01/16 06:53:45
Wbsrv.dll 2008/01/14 07:04:10
Wbconfig.exe 2008/01/14 06:30:35
Wbload.exe 2007/09/27 15:42:44
Wbhelp.dll 2007/07/11 14:06:07
Wbui.dll 2008/01/13 15:02:24
Tray.dll 2007/09/12 17:58:21
Screen.exe 2008/01/13 15:02:05

By doing this the windowblinds' config screen was screwed up as well. :)
I dont think you would need a superb system just to use such software, you agree?
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Earlier I used the trials a lot and they were ok, I cant recall this many and regular problems before.


The reason I picked that out of your post is to ask you how long have you used the trial of WindowBlind? Trials, by their nature are for a limited time.

Trials or free versions also don't get the fixes for problems as quickly as the paid versions.

The trial version of WindowBlinds only looks at the time used. It doesn't matter if you had it installed once, took it off, and later did, as you say, a clean new reinstallation.
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Intel(R) 82945G Express Chipset Family
Not the best chipset out there . . that might be part of the problem.
/me shrugs
Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top
Sorry if I wasnt too clear with the "early I used"... I ment versions and versions ago, like more than a year ago. ;)

The Dell VGA? Its a standard non-hyped vga for sure, not expensive but probably enough for 2d computing on your dekstop. Stardock apps would require specific hardware? Then another reason not to buy. Sounds like "hey I wanna play this game but my pc too slow and have to upgrade"... Though this is not even a game just eye candy. :)
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
These forums are mainly user forums that are supported by members. Although Stardock does monitor the forums you may wish to complain or seek support directly from support@stardock.com.  Whether you "buy" or not is up to you and stardcok support will gladly try and assist in getting this version working on your system. You mentioned that the previous versions worked fine so there has to be some issue with your configuration that support can work with you to get it working.

The extra "another reason not to buy', ""hey I wanna play this game but my pc too slow and have to upgrade".. etc is not needed.   :)
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
^^ Nicely stated Hankers.

I'm sure the guys at Stardock will help you out to the best of their knowledge within the limitations of your system.

Have been a Dell customer for coming on ten years and with great results. To blame a Software Developer for the shortcomings of a low end system is sort of misguided. Reviews on that model are mixed but, it appears to be more than capable of handling Stardock app's.

My only complaint with standard Dell's is the integrated graphics. Usually I opt for more RAM instead of a video card and many problems I've had can be traced back to that choice.
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I dont think you would need a superb system just to use such software, you agree?


No, but you do need a decent one. Integrated chipsets are terrible for redrawing graphics.

It's not the software, my apps run and integrate almost flawlessly.
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Might want to double check your CMOS/BIOS settings to make sure they didn't get reset on you (unplugging an old machine with a weak motherboad battery, BIOS Flash failure). What you're describing is pretty extreme, those settings are easy enough to check as long as you know what they should be on your machine, good enough place to start.
Reply #12 from Stardock Forums Top
Well what everyone said here covers just about everything I would suggest right out of the gate. Please make sure you referance this thread when you write into support. It is the weekend now so it might be a bit before the ticket is addressed but we will see to it. If you have any random questions from some of these suggestions you can PM me through here.