Natural Desktop loads but will not run - Help Please!

from Stardock Forums
Hi,

I have Object Desktop Ultimate inatalled also but I just purchased Natural Desktop.
I have my serial number and have tried Installing and/or uninstalling from:

1) My desktop (EXE downloaded per my order) - Installs fine, takes serial number fine but will not run even after a reboot.
2) Impulse (Installed and Registered) - Installs fine, takes serial number fine but will not run even after a reboot.
3) Stardock Central/Misc (Will not install) - Says "not available" (I did put in Serial Number and made sure that I used my correct email that I ordered both Object Desktop and Natural Desktop with).

When I try running the program "Natural Desktop" I just get a Windows Exception error message every time.
I used Smart Exception to help diagnose the problem.

Fact is that none of my Desktop Gadgets seem to open.

I'm sure open for any suggestions, I've tried most everything that I know to do.

Thanks to you all!

Dave

[SmartException]
LastEx=NATURALDESKTOP.EXE
File=C:\Program Files\Stardock\SmartException\NATURALDESKTOP.EXE_1208724431.CRA
LastEx2=C:\Program Files\Stardock\DesktopGadgets\NaturalDesktop\NaturalDesktop.exe
CrashAddr=14d09c7

Stardock SmartException Logging Information
https://www.stardock.com/products/smartexception
-----------------------------------------------

OS version : Windows XP Service Pack 2 - (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.070227-2254)
Video card : Mobile Intel(R) 915GM/GMS,910GML Express Chipset Family
Sound card : Realtek HD Audio output
Date : 04/20/08
Application Exception code: C0000005 ACCESS_VIOLATION
Crash Addr:  014D09C7 01:0001F9C7 C:\Program Files\Stardock\DesktopGadgets\NaturalDesktop\SDPlugins\DXAxHost.dll

Processor Registers (x86):
EAX:0012E878
EBX:01CBF0B8
ECX:00000000
EDX:7FFB001C
ESI:01514024
EDI:01CBF724
CS:EIP:001B:014D09C7
SS:ESP:0023:0012E878  EBP:0012E8A0
DS:0023  ES:0023  FS:003B  GS:0000
Flags:00010246


Current Application Call Stack:

Addr      Frame     Logical addr  Module Name
---------------------------------------------
014D09C7  0012E8A0  0001:0001F9C7 C:\Program Files\Stardock\DesktopGadgets\NaturalDesktop\SDPlugins\DXAxHost.dll
014D1A8C  0012E8E8  0001:00020A8C C:\Program Files\Stardock\DesktopGadgets\NaturalDesktop\SDPlugins\DXAxHost.dll
014C7080  0012E980  0001:00016080 C:\Program Files\Stardock\DesktopGadgets\NaturalDesktop\SDPlugins\DXAxHost.dll
7C910732  00150000  0001:0000F732 C:\WINDOWS\system32\ntdll.dll


5,030 views 10 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
did you install as a standalone or via sdc or impulse?
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Natural Desktop works as a DX object. It uses scripts to run its functions. If you security software running in the background try turning it off and see if Natural Desktop will run after that. If so then you will need to list the software in the exception list of your security application.
Groupy 2 - Organize multiple applications into grouped tabs on your Windows desktop
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I've got that dll all over my stardock apps in all sorts of versions.  Might try replacing the one in the ND directory with a more current one.

Back up first.  :)
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Hi Bichur,

I tried all three methods of install and uninstall with CCleaner and reboot between.
From what I've read around here so far, I am assuming that SDC should be my best approach to loading and updating. I'm liking Impulse but since it's in an earlier stage of development I think I trust SDC more at this time. I don't know about a standalone installation's chance of success.

Hi Seabass,

I do have ZoneAlarm Pro Suite and have had it for quite some time so I do often disable it during any troubleshooting. I did in fact check to make sure that Natural Desktop does have full permissions (at least until I get things tweaked to work well).
I'll make sure that ZA is turned off during any further tries.

Hi Zubaz,

That's a good thought too, I'll backup and give a newer dll a try. I may have a later version of it from one of the Object Desktop updates that I've done.

Thanks to you all for the suggestions, I'll keep trying and let you know how things turn out. Much Appreciated!

Dave

ps: I like the forum, it's a goldmine of knowledge and seems to be a great bunch.
Lots of positive attitudes ... that's a good thing.
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Glad you like the forums.  We've a great group of people willing to help.
Best of luck.
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Hi,

I tried several versions of DXAxHost.dll

First I tried version 3.5.0.0 that I got out of my DesktopX folder.
Natural Desktop actually opened about half way and no windows error but the program wasn't fully loaded either so it wouldn't work. It said it was looking for a file, so I found that file in DesktopX and placed it in the Natural Desktop folder in the same relative location.

I tried another version 3.5.0.0. from another Object Desktop program (not sure which now).
It just gave me the Windows Exception Error Message.
Tried another version 2.0.0.0 (I think) and it wouldn't open.

I made sure that Zone Alarm was turned off completely.
I uninstalled then reinstalled Natural Desktop (and replacing the 3.5.0.0 version).
Hasn't opened since that first partial opening.

I think Zubaz is right on the money with it being that file.
Problem is I think I will need a later version or different version than I've tried.
I also tried a version 3.3.0.0 (I think) and that didn't seem to do the trick either.

I did try using CCleaner between tries to be sure that my registry wasn't mixed up.

I'll try some other approaches and if you know of an update for DXAxHost.dll please let me know.

I don't give up easily so I'll keep at it and keep ya posted.

SideBar:
I did notice that when using SDC, certain files (programs) would not download until I un-selected the checkbox that lets me see Beta Versions.
Might be something to try if anyone is ever having a problem downloading or updating a non-Beta version.
Thought it was something I should share since it might help someone else sometime.

It's all appreciated.

Dave
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Tried another version 2.0.0.0 (I think) and it wouldn't open.
End of quote



that's the version in my SD folder and it works for me
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
So Bichur,

Are you running XP Home SP2 w/ all automatic updates?
Reply #10 from Stardock Forums Top
So Bichur,Are you running XP Home SP2 w/ all automatic updates?
End of quote


yes