Certain Dreams Appear in Window-Mode (WinXP)

from Stardock Forums

I was having problems with a lot of the Dreams until I downloaded and installed K-Lite codecs which replaced the default MPEG2 codec.  Since then, MOST of the dreams are working flawlessly, but I'm still having issues with some of them.  Specifically, Ocean Clouds and UFO run in a window-mode that I can move around the desktop.  If I try to maximize it, the screen freezes.  Also, nothing happens if I try to change the setting in Display Properties to, say, Stretch, Crop, or Maintain Aspect Ratio.  Would anyone know what would cause something like this to happen?

Here's my setup, if it will help:

2.40 gigahertz Intel Core2 Quad Q6600
64 kilobyte primary memory cache
4096 kilobyte secondary memory cache
Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. EP35-DS3P
NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT

deskscapes
11,780 views 10 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top

maybe Deskscapes is not properly installed or,

right click on the dream you are having problem with and click on Open with> confirm Deskscapes as default> click OK.

the problem should solve as Deskscapes always runs the dreams as a background on your desktop independent of the video resolution and not in Window mode.

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

Also, make sure you have all the updates to DirectX.  You can do this by running the installer here:

DirectX

Galactic Civilizations IV
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top

If you installed the media player that comes with the K-Lite codecs you may want to try uninstalling it.

Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top

If a video shows up in a window it means the video decoder for that video does not support windowless mode.

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

Thank you all for the suggestions.  I'll answer each in one message for simplicity sake.

First, I made sure I did not install the media player that came with K-Lite Codecs.  I picked the codecs and the "info tool" but nothing else.  Also, I ran the DirectX updater and made sure I had the latest version (which I did).  Finally, I right-clicked the Dream and picked Open With --> DreamTasks; but after all of that, the dream still runs in a window-mode that has the title "ActiveMovie Window".

I have an obvious problem with the MPEG2 codec this particular dream, because if I let the dream play until it's time to loop back to the beginning, the dream stops, does not loop and I get the following error:

"The dream may contain an invalid video type or a compatible MPEG-2 video decoder may not be present.  Please visit here for more information: https://www.stardock.com/products/deskscapes/nocodec.asp".

If I view that dream twice in the same session, my entire desktop freezes which requires a log off/logon.

I followed the link and didn't find anything worth while, other than the codec tool that tells you which codecs you have installed:  Here was what mine showed:

Installed Codecs

 

and finally, here's the information that pertains to the UFO dream (from the media info tool that came with K-Lite):

 

General
Complete name                    : C:\Documents and Settings\My Documents\Stardock\Dreams\UFO.Dream
Format                           : MPEG Video
Format version                   : Version 2
File size                        : 55.9 MiB
Duration                         : 1mn 16s
Overall bit rate                 : 6 121 Kbps

Video
Format                           : MPEG Video
Format version                   : Version 2
Format profile                   : High@High
Format settings, Matrix          : Default
Duration                         : 1mn 16s
Bit rate mode                    : Variable
Bit rate                         : 5 872 Kbps
Nominal bit rate                 : 6 000 Kbps
Width                            : 1 440 pixels
Height                           : 1 080 pixels
Display aspect ratio             : 4/3
Frame rate                       : 23.976 fps
Colorimetry                      : 4:2:0
Scan type                        : Progressive
Bits/(Pixel*Frame)               : 0.157
Stream size                      : 53.6 MiB (96%)

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting Neil, reply 4
If a video shows up in a window it means the video decoder for that video does not support windowless mode.
End of Neil's quote

 

So is there a particular codec that Stardock recommends?

Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top

You can try downloading Nirsoft's InstalledCodec and use it to turn off your MPEG2 codecs one at a time until you find one that will run the dream correctly.

Also, there are some trouble shooting tips here that may help you.

I see that you have Nero installed. You may be able to use the Nero DVD codec.

One thing, DeskScapes has an issue with Nero 7 on Windows Vista and it would cause a hesitation when looping the video. Not sure if the problem exists on Windows XP. Keep this in mind if your version of Nero is 7.

Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top

Excellent post. 

I had the same problem so I downloaded the "Nirsoft's InstalledCode" program as suggested. It took me a while to track them down but eventually I found 6 codecs that were interfering with Deskscapes. I disabled them and all is good in the world. :)

 

One point to note: None of the codecs I had to disable mentioned MPEG-2 in their file name. Some were even MPEG-4 codecs so you will have to go through ALL the codecs in the list to find the offenders.

 

Thanks to the helpers in the above thread.

Reply #9 from Stardock Forums Top

Hi, I read these posts because I have same issues. But, please be MORE specific. What u are suggesting Carguy, with downloading that Nirsoft program, then going through that long list to disable "certain" codecs, is daunting for 99% of us non geeks. What are the steps in 1, 2, 3 form, speaking in baby language? I have no idea what I just read & as a lawyer, I am not too stupid. Thanks. Phil

Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top

korkus7, I suggest you start a new thread for your problem. This particular necro-thread was about a different version of the software than is available today and the fix for your issue may be completely different. Include the version information found in the "about" tab and also let us know what operating system you are using (XP, Vista, Windows7 ,8 etc.)