desktopx

from JoeUser Forums
I can't seem to get the slide show frame to work that I put on my desktop. I double clicked on it, put in 30, waited 30 seconds then nothing happened. I tried 120, 160, etc NOTHING? How do you do it.

Also, I went to some site for desktopx themes and saw only a few themes. It appears to be better for customizing your desktop with items and widgets, but not so much themes. Am I right. Their themes, at least a few, work overtop of other themes. What is a better site to get desktopx themes? StyleXP I find much better with actual themes. But they too don't have sounds and everyting like a smallville theme I downloaded. Is there a better program that has more themes than stylexp, that may even have sounds.

And lastly, how do I get all of my downloaded themes in one place. In other words, what is the one thing they need or place they need to be. I have ones that won't go into stylexp in a folder called downloaded themes, I have my slylexp ones, I have the ones already on xp, and I have the ones I downloaded that told me to put them in /windows/resources/themes ??? Help
11,377 views 20 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I'm not sure about the slide show thing.

On the themes I'm confused. DesktopX does Desktop themes and you are right you will probably be better off building your own desktop from the available widgets or objects.

Style XP on the otherhand does not, to my knoledge, do desktop themes. It allows you to skin the windows, buttons and such by hacking the UXtheme.dll file in windows XP. This can Also be achieved by using WindowBlinds, infact windowblinds does a better job and does not disturb the integrity of the Microsoft files in your operating system.

Get widgets and desktopX objects from Link

Get WindowBlinds from Link

Themes for WindowBlinds from Link

As far as getting all your themes in one folder If you are using DesktopX and Windowblinds when you open a downloaded file it will automaticly install its self in the appropriate directory which is normally C:\Program Files\Stardock then either DesktopX or WindowBlinds.

I have no idea how StyleXP works, because I prefer to use Windowblinds so I don't have to allow my system to be hacked.

;p
Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top
TasT was right, there is a huge difference between Desktop X and what you get from StyleXP. StyleXP and Windowblinds are comparable, not DesktopX (which is so much more powerful really).

There are lots of Desktop X themes over at Wincustomize, but almost all need to be customized to some degree by the user, whereas widgets and objects are more straightforward. DesktopX theme automatically are placed in the (default) C:\Program Files\Stardock\Desktop X\Themes folder.

As for the slide show widget/object, the key is to select a bunch of picutres and then drag them onto the widget. If you only put one on there that is it, you need to put all the ones you want on in one big bunch. Then it works fine.
Star Control: Origins
Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top
Thank you I think I am getting it from the responses above.

I will try WindowBlinds. So u are saying if I like it, which I should, to preserve the integrity, I should probably remove StyleXP?

Next, I did not however, understand you saying that StyleXP does not have themes. I know very little, but the little I know I see that changing themes is a very prevalent key in there and something that is spoken of about StyleXP. Not to mention the fact that I am doing it right now--changing the theme, which means applying a wallpaper, pointers, sounds, colors, etc..

I did put the pics in the slide show not all at once (don't know how or if it's possible literally) but one after the other within 1 second, then adjusted my setting. It is still not working.

It is very confusing with the theme thing. First of all, maybe the site I am getting some from is not a very good, reliable site--ThemeXP. I download one, it is said to be a theme, but it turns out to be a wallpaper and leaves the icon that I unzipped in the folder I put it in. I unzip another and it puts a theme in the Windows/resources/themes foldder and then will be available when I right click on the desktop and hit properties. Very confusing and inconsistent. Am I right? Do you find this? Or is that site known for what I am saying?
Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top
Yes, Themexp.org has "Themes". But not DesktopX themes. Desktop X themes often change the entire apearance of the desktop, getting rid of the WIndows taskbar, often hiding the icons, etc. StyleXP has themes that skin the Windows interface. They make the Start menu, Windows taskbar (where the start button is and such), the borders surrounding your windows and such look different. These are two entirely different things. DesktopX doesn't change the window borders, Taskbar (but may hide it) or start menu. A comparable program is Windowblinds. As far as StyleXP goes, I just think it is lame they charge for something that is a system hack and can be done for free with a patch.

Okay, so back to the picture frame. It doesn't matter if there is 1 second or .0000001 seconds between the time you drag the files onto the frame, it will only show the most recent file you drag. You have to select multiple files and then put them all on the frame at the exact same time. To select multiple files you can either drag select, which means click and hold the left mouse button insome blank space, hold it down and drag a box around the pictures you want--this selects everything in that box. Once they are all selected (you can tell because they will be darkened) click and hold on any one of them and drag the whole bunch onto the picture frame. Or you can click each one alone and hold down the ctrl key, this will select every one you click on, then drag the whole group. Hope that helps.

Oh, and as far as Themexp, I would avoid it like the black plague. So many of their files also have spyware in them. Any time one of the files says it is "wrapped" (I think that is what they call it) it means it will install other advertising crap on your machine. Totally unethical in my opinion.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
To stay safe with your skin and theme downloads I would stick to these sites:
(there are other safe sites these are just the ones I use)

Wincustomize.com Link

Lotsofskin.com Link

Deviantart.com Link

XPthemes.com Link

As far as StyleXP goes, if you want to use msstyles on your computer instead of windowblinds skins do a search for the UXtheme.dll hack that can be used for free. It's essentially the same as StyleXP. Be aware however that by using either one that you are hacking a system file. Microsofts theme engine was designed to work only with digitally signed themes, the hack or StyleXP allows the the theme engile to use any msstyle. Thus allowing the spyware or worse on to your system through the theme files.

WindowBlindsLink does not hack your system or change your UXtheme.dll in any way. It does however skin everything that StyleXP or the hack does and more. Stardock has a shareware version that you should give a try. It's not time limited, just some of the advanced features are turmed off.
Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top
Thank you. I am becoming 'enlightened' I read about the uxtheme.dll hack version in another forum and it seems to be the most recommended way to go than stylexp

I see a lot of appearances from WB, and sure, maybe what they call themes. But not ones that contain neat wallpapers and icons and sounds. The one Torn is cool, but has no wallpaper, etc just loud sounds

With regard to the picture and slide show. How do I get the pics out of there. I cant delete them. then I try to delete the object/widget and click on it to get a new one and the same old pics come back.

What media player is it that the desktopX media player object is connected to ? WMP? Is there a playlist? it appears that each time I have to open "my music" and selec the songs--I mean each and every time. Is that true. Can u give me some basic controls. That right click configure option is VERY confusing.
Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top
Thank you. I am becoming 'enlightened' I read about the uxtheme.dll hack version in another forum and it seems to be the most recommended way to go than stylexp

I see a lot of appearances from WB, and sure, maybe what they call themes. But not ones that contain neat wallpapers and icons and sounds. The one Torn is cool, but has no wallpaper, etc just loud sounds

With regard to the picture and slide show. How do I get the pics out of there. I cant delete them. then I try to delete the object/widget and click on it to get a new one and the same old pics come back.

What media player is it that the desktopX media player object is connected to ? WMP? Is there a playlist? it appears that each time I have to open "my music" and selec the songs--I mean each and every time. Is that true. Can u give me some basic controls. That right click configure option is VERY confusing.
Reply #8 from JoeUser Forums Top
With regard to the picture and slide show. How do I get the pics out of there. I cant delete them. then I try to delete the object/widget and click on it to get a new one and the same old pics come back.


Just drag a new picture on it. Each time you drag a photo onto the frame it resets to only show what you just put on there. So if I put 30 pictures of my family on there, the decide I want a space scene, I just have to drag one space picture on it and that is all it will show.

The media player runs off its own core (SDPlayer) or now can run off WMP, iTunes, and maybe some others. Yes, you have to reconfigure the playlist each time you close it and then open it again. Just kind of the way it is now. I think they are cool, but not ready to be used as my main player yet.
Reply #9 from JoeUser Forums Top
You are all very helpful. I'll rate you, but I know what insightful is, but what is Trolling. Is it just those 2 choices?
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Insightfull is good

Trolling is Bad
Reply #11 from JoeUser Forums Top
I usually use insightful if person makes really clear and concise argument.

Trolling only if personal insults or extremely unreasonable posts. *note, this don't include the posts that disagree with me or anyone else*
Reply #12 from JoeUser Forums Top
Glad I could help out eric0668. Hope you got things working to your liking. That is the key to OS customization, getting things set up how you, the use, wants.
Reply #13 from JoeUser Forums Top
So when a forum member or moderator in Winamp responded to my question of comparing JetAudio to Winamp. He said , "well JetAudio must suck ass because I've never heard of it." , I should have rated that TROLLING

For the hecht of it, Jet Audio appears to be much better really
Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top
You can also run msstyles via WindowBlinds if you want if you have SkinStudio installed.
Reply #15 from JoeUser Forums Top
What is skinstudio . Does that come with the freeware version of Window blinds? Is this freeware version going to run out in time? Is there any way I can get that big screen to disappear at start up? I have 3 other threads on here. why doesn't anyone answer threads around here. Def not a forum I'd recommend.
Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Skin Studio is Stardocks program for putting together WindowBlinds skins in a graphical manner. It does not come with the free version of WindowBlinds, but you can get a free version of it separately from Stardock. The free version of WindowBlinds will not run out in time, and yes you can get that screen to disappear by purchasing the full product. After all, you can't really expect them to not have some sort of advantage to buying the full version can you? The full version also has more options, skins the system more completely.

And I think that some of us have spent a fair amount of time trying to answer your threads. It could be that we don't have time to just sit here and answer threads, or perhaps we don't have anymore answers for you. Also, you need to remember that this forum is on the beta version of the site. Not everyone who comes here visits these forums. There are still many visiting the regular page over at wincustomize.com. These forums will become much more active when the switch over takes place in a couple of weeks. Be patient and respectful and you may get more answers than if you just get upset.
Reply #17 from WinCustomize Forums Top
why doesn't anyone answer threads around here. Def not a forum I'd recommend.


Well first of all, all of your answers are coming from people using the wincustomize beta site and right now not everyone can access it. Secomdly Joeuser is not a skinning Q and A forum.

Soon Wincustomize 2k5 will be out of beta and there will be more people answering question.

Also if you want quicker answers use the stardock news server at news.stardock.com
Reply #18 from JoeUser Forums Top
Hi, first of all I do appreciate any of your time answering any of my questions. I am very new to all of this and sometimes want it all "here and now" so forgive me please.

But what do you mean that all answers are coming from people on the beta site and all can't get there yet??

This is not a Q and A site for skinning? What would be the best place to go for questions or problems for skinning in general? desktopx? windowblinds?

Thank you so much. I do want you to know that I have nothing but admiration for you and all of your knowledge and aspire to be there someday.

Is it ok to ask questions about them here tho? I still can't get that 'frame' to work. apparently I put a wrong file type in the frame, now i get an error and a white frame, I tried deleting it, still get the white frame and error, even after uninstalling and reinstalling DesktopX. too weird

Eric
Reply #19 from JoeUser Forums Top
I did read (and I wanna paste here in case is a mistake), WindowBlinds will not run out in time, but DesktopX will is this following paste correct?

DesktopX is a complete shell enhancement that runs on top of Windows’ Explorer shell. It runs on widgets and objects to enhance the desktop environment with animated icons and a host of other options.
Location: https://www.stardock.com/products/desktopx/
Skin Type: Free Form
License: 30 Day Free Trial, $30 to Buy

A little skeptical
Eric
Reply #20 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Eric; Read the info at the link that you provided. DesktopX is only $19.95 and I don't think the free version has an expiration at all.

Secondly, to explain the Beta site thing. Wincustomize.com 2k5 which is in beta shares the forums with Joeuser.com. They are both stardock sites. When Wincustomize comes out of beta on Dec. 7 the answers to your questions should come quicker.

For quicker answers to your question you can try either the current Wincustomize.com siteLink. The stardock news groups at news.stardock.com or the irc channel at irc.stardock.com #stardock

As far as the Picture frame thing goes I still have no answers on it, I don't use it.