Desktop Properties crash after switching to Windows Classic appearance

Hi,

I just changed back to the Windows Classic appearance via the Desktop properties Appearance tab (was using a slightly modified "Fly" WindowBlinds skins).  Now every time I try to go back to the Appearance tab I get:

> An exception occurred while trying to run "shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL desk.cpl,,0"

I then thought I would run WindowBlinds again to see if it cleared the problem - not quite - after running WindowBlinds the Appearance tab will now come up but the Properties applet will not close itself.  I'll post back shortly what happens after a reboot.

Update: clears after a reboot - but comes back if I do the same again.

System Specs:

WindowsBlinds Version: 6.10b[b].146

OS: Win XP MCE SP2, CPU: Core 2 Duo E6700
MB: ASUS P5W DH Deluxe, GPU: 2 x ATI X1950XTX 512Mb
SPU: X-Fi Xtreme Gamer, RAM: 4Gb 900Mhz Dual Channel
HDD: 2 x 500Gb SATA, Mouse: Razer DeathAdder
ISP: Pipex 8Mb Max, ADSL Router


10,605 views 10 replies
Reply #1 Top
Have you installed other software such as MSstyles?

Open Wb and copy and paste the system info you see when pressing the system info button.
Reply #2 Top
> Have you installed other software such as MSstyles?

Hmm, not that I can recall - I'll go and double check, make sure everything is clean.

System Info:

Have you installed other software such as MSstyles?

WindowBlinds version : WindowBlinds 6.11 (build 58 x86)

WindowBlinds is installed correctly on this PC
WindowBlinds appears to be activated on this PC
Your machine supports per pixel borders on WindowBlinds skins.

(ViewSonic VP2030 SERIES) 1 is attached to Radeon X1950 CrossFire Edition

Wblind.dll 2008/06/20 21:14:20
Wbsrv.dll 2008/07/15 11:41:10
Wbconfig.exe 2008/06/20 21:14:32
Wbload.exe 2008/02/14 11:05:14
Wbhelp.dll 2007/08/27 11:54:07
Wbui.dll 2007/12/01 16:43:05
Tray.dll 2007/09/12 17:58:21
Screen.exe 2008/06/13 11:24:09
--------------------------------------------
Update: Just checked - nope nothing of that nature installed.
uxtheme.dll and themeui.dll are both MS originals.
I recalled installing a replacement uxtheme.dll a long time ago but it must have been my previous machine.
Reply #3 Top
More info - I do not have to actually enable a WB skin for this to happen.
If I clean boot with "Windows Classic" and then switch to the "Appearance" tab and select one of more themes (but do not Apply of OK them) then go back to "Windows Calssic" close the Desktop proeprties applet and re-open it I get the same error.

I have also checked through everything that is loading on startup, not a lot as I keep a clean system, and services and device drivers - nothing untoward in there.

I did think it might be LogMeIn - a remote desktop service, which install a "mirror display" service beside my ATI Crossfire drivers - but uninstalling it made no difference.

I'm off to download the latest ATI Crossfire drivers to see if it helps (unlikely they are fairly new anyway).

Reply #4 Top
shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL desk.cpl,,0
End of quote


I hate being a butt-insky, and you seem to know what you're talking about and doing WebReg, but I have a problem with the fact that these affected files in your error are all part of the XP system32 and service pack updates.

With this in mind you may have to approach this issue from your Operating System rather than an application or driver level. I guess what I'm getting at is reinstalling XP MCE Service Pack 2 could possibly remedy this.

I don't want to twist your mind-set or current direction. It's just a thought after reading this, my 2 cents and trying to give you more ammo.

Good Luck!

Cp

 :CONGRAT: 
Reply #5 Top
Butt in all you like - all help appreciated.
Reply #6 Top
Grr! This is really annoying me now.

This stupid machine came with an OEM "Recovery CD" instead of a full XP and was pre-loaded with SP2.
SP2 doesn't appear in Add/Remove programs so can't be "fixed" or uninstalled and re-installed.

The "invisible partition" recovery system has vanished - it's been bugging me ever since I got it - every single boot "Press F10 to repair this system ..." and now that's just vanished into thin air.

The so-called recovery CD doesn't offer me the "Repair Console" and the "F2 for Auto-repair" option asks for a floppy - good trick when there aint a floppy drive.

I REALLY don't want to have to re-install the whole damned machine - and don't have a lot of faith in this recovery CD anyway.

Not a good day, sorry - venting ...
Reply #7 Top
Oh - and "sfc /scannow" results in repeated requests for the original install CD - and when I shove in the mighty "Recovery CD" it says its not the right one.
Reply #8 Top
Well - I'll be a monkeys uncle - I didn't expect that!

It's RightClick - works fine without RightClick running. Bit of a bummer really since I really like RightClick.

Can this thread be moved to the general Object Desktop forum (since there doesn't seem to be one just for RightClick).

Thanks
Reply #9 Top
Oooh - I found out how to move the post myself and that there is a RightClick specific section.

OK, you can ignore my venting about XP restores - this issue is directly related to RightClick

RightClick Version: 1.25 Build 756

With RightClick loaded my desktop properties misbehaves as described above, as soon as I unload RightClick it works fine.
Reply #10 Top
Good for you WebReg! WhooooooHooooooo!

 :CONGRAT:  :CONGRAT:  :CONGRAT: