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Invalid zip code when running weather widgets

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Invalid zip code when running weather widgets

from WinCustomize Forums
My computer was shutdown incorrectly when the breaker in my apartment went off. Now, when I run a weather widget, I get an invalid zip code error. I uninstalled and reinstalled DesktopX, but it didn't help. I cleared the widget cache, but I still get the same error. Does anyone have any suggestions? I never had any problems running anything in DesktopX before this.
997,242 views 382 replies +1 Loading…
Reply #226 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I really don't understand why so many people are bashing Stardock over this one.

First and foremost, Stardock already did what they could when they partnered with Accuweather  some time ago and *hosted* the weather feed themselves. This means Stardock is the company providing and paying for the bandwidth used by their Accuweather widgets, not Accuweather.

Second, DX widget authors are the *only* people responsible for choosing to use Weather.com over Accuweather.

Third, ALL applications using Weather.com's feed were affected, (and this is the important part) REGARDLESS of them following Weather.com's rules or not!!! Weather.com couldn't care less if you're one of the 'good' or the 'bad' guys, they knew this change would affect us ALL and they went ahead anyway!

Weather.com unilaterally and without warning CHANGED the format of the request string (they did the same last year, but at least then they sent out a warning before to everyone who had a valid license key).

Since most of us are using hard coded request strings (Winstep Xtreme included, but I changed that now) the only way to solve this is by issuing a new release. Fool me once... >:(

Start11 - Customize the Start Menu and Taskbar in Windows 10/11.
Reply #228 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I really don't understand why so many people are bashing Stardock over this one.

First and foremost, Stardock already did what they could when they partnered with Accuweather  some time ago and *hosted* the weather feed themselves. This means Stardock is the company providing and paying for the bandwidth used by their Accuweather widgets, not Accuweather.

Second, DX widget authors are the *only* people responsible for choosing to use Weather.com over Accuweather.
End of quote

Sorry JcRabbit, but on wc site, you not seen any accuweather widget.

There is 1 custom gadget, and come few with mycolors, BUT those gadgets.

Currently we not have free sample for build custom accuweather Dxwidget..

 

 

Reply #229 from WinCustomize Forums Top

And here's THE solution to keep using weather.com (well at least to keep widgets OK) but without having to get any Partner ID and License Key
End of quote

THIS IS SUPER SOLUTION!!! Where did you found it?  k6

There is only one problem that requires more detailed study - hour-by-hour forecast. Seems it show only the first 12 hours... So I've already began to work on a new script. Then I'll try to update my gadgets (if I'll really find the legal way to receive the 36 hours forecast). Otherwise this make no sence...

P.S. To Zubaz directly: what about using HTML to retrive the weather data? Can I make a script that will work with web pages instead of XML?

 

Reply #230 from WinCustomize Forums Top

To Zubaz directly: what about using HTML to retrive the weather data? Can I make a script that will work with web pages instead of XML?
End of quote
I do not know the law . . but I would not do such a thing becuae *I* believe it violate the spirit of teh license.  weather.com is providing a service and deserves what they are asking for.  It's theirs.

Reply #231 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Vad_M My SleekSilva weather widget that you fixed works fine now. My question is: can I copy the code into all my other widgets that already posted and re-upload them to wincustomize?

I ask this because I do want people to still be able to use my weather widgets, and also because I saw a post in the forum giving a solution without using a partner ID and license, so I do not know what to do.

Thanks for the help.

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Reply #232 from Stardock Forums Top

And here's THE solution to keep using weather.com (well at least to keep widgets OK) but without having to get any Partner ID and License Key


- Load DesktopX Builder

- Before importing your widget, disconnect from/turn off the internet (unplug cable, etc.)

- R-click on the DX Builder icon in your system tray and Import your widget

- R-click on the DX Builder icon and choose List Objects

- Find the "weather_image" object. R-click and choose Edit Script

(If you don't see this object, you are likely using a different version)

- In the script editor, find the line that looks similar to this:

http.Open "GET", "http://xoap.weather.com/weather/local/" & location & "?cc=*&dayf=5" & str_UNITS & str_RANDOM_URL, False

- Replace in that line http://xoap.weather.com/weather/local/ by http://xml.weather.com/weather/local/ , save & apply the script


- R-click on the DX Builder icon and find the "weather_forecaststatus" object. R-click and choose Edit Script

- In the script editor, find the line that looks similar to this:

http.Open "GET", "http://xoap.weather.com/search/search?where=" & x, False

- Replace in that line http://xoap.weather.com/search/search?where= by http://xml.weather.com/search/search?where=, save & apply the sript

(you may have to do the same with the second line: http.Open "GET", "http://xoap.weather.com/search/search?where=" & y, False - in case of two locations choice ...)


- This hardcodes NOTHING and the widget goes fine

- Restore your internet connection and test the widget (Use the change location button)

- If all goes okay (and it will), you can now export the widget again.

Funny isn't it ?
End of quote

 

Good work! This fixed the prob for me.

Thanks for your input!!!

Reply #233 from WinCustomize Forums Top

THIS IS SUPER SOLUTION!!! Where did you found it?
End of quote

In past time i also tried a French weather widget (and ported for it a few skins that i had done for DesktopX widget) that is also using weather.com.

As i try to launch it this morning, it worked without any problem. I just found in the informations flux url and the search flux url :P   

P.S: if you want to try it / see how it works it's called "météo Fusion" and you can get it from my French website http://neophil.canalblog.com/archives/2008/03/12/8293808.html

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Reply #234 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Doubird, reply 6
Vad_M My SleekSilva weather widget that you fixed works fine now. My question is: can I copy the code into all my other widgets that already posted and re-upload them to wincustomize?

I ask this because I do want people to still be able to use my weather widgets, and also because I saw a post in the forum giving a solution without using a partner ID and license, so I do not know what to do.

Thanks for the help.
End of Doubird's quote

The short answer is no. You would have to redesign your widget to The Weather Channel standards (logos, adverts, etc.) Also, if you have hard coded your personal ID and license key into the widget, you can not redistribute it as that would be in violation of the license agreement.

If you use the solution that doesn't call for an ID or key, you MIGHT be able to reupload. I'm not entirely sure. Just bear in mind that it is not the official TWC method and will likely be prohibited in future, then you'd have to re-do your widgets all over again.

 

Reply #235 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I do not know the law . . but I would not do such a thing becuae *I* believe it violate the spirit of teh license. weather.com is providing a service and deserves what they are asking for. It's theirs.
End of quote

Thank you. I understood. This project is already stopped and even has been removed from my PC. I agree. We must respect TWC.

 

Vad_M My SleekSilva weather widget that you fixed works fine now. My question is: can I copy the code into all my other widgets that already posted and re-upload them to wincustomize?
End of quote

What can I say? Only that I'm totally agree with this:

The short answer is no. You would have to redesign your widget to The Weather Channel standards (logos, adverts, etc.) Also, if you have hard coded your personal ID and license key into the widget, you can not redistribute it as that would be in violation of the license agreement.

If you use the solution that doesn't call for an ID or key, you MIGHT be able to reupload. I'm not entirely sure. Just bear in mind that it is not the official TWC method and will likely be prohibited in future, then you'd have to re-do your widgets all over again.
End of quote

I just found in the informations flux url and the search flux url
End of quote

Seems it was much greater than when America was discovered by Columb! Now I already finished the update of my widgets/gadgets. No any ID and KEYS! No any problems with license!

Reply #236 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I apologize for the tone of my posts yesterday.  I think when stuff like this happens, we all go through an adjustment reaction, and we each have to find our own way of dealing with it. 

I tried Neophil78's solution, and obviously I'm doing something wrong, because the change did not fix the problem for me.  I've never built anything in DesktopX, I really don't even know how to begin with it, so my personal answer to this dilemma is to cease using DesktopX.  The clocks never stayed in the place I put them, so I quit using the clocks long ago, and have replaced that feature with ClocX; I've been using Rainlendar instead of the calendars; and now I'm going phase over to Rainmeter for the weather feature on my desktop, and just skin this stuff myself using the simple code and .pngs I invent myself.  DesktopX is just too complicated for me, and I have enough things I MUST attend to in my life right now--I don't need another thing to distract me from my the things I have to get accomplished.

Thanks for all who tried to help with this issue.  I appreciate your time and willingness to assist.

Reply #237 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I tried Neophil78's solution, and obviously I'm doing something wrong, because the change did not fix the problem for me. I've never built anything in DesktopX, I really don't even know how to begin with it, so my personal answer to this dilemma is to cease using DesktopX.
End of quote

Hi Karen,

I understand you. However this little problem may not be a reason to uninstall DesktopX! Please send me by email (or just post here) the link to download your widget. I'll fix it for you in a few minutes. :)

Best Regards!

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Reply #238 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Vad_M, reply 12

I tried Neophil78's solution, and obviously I'm doing something wrong, because the change did not fix the problem for me. I've never built anything in DesktopX, I really don't even know how to begin with it, so my personal answer to this dilemma is to cease using DesktopX.


Hi Karen,

I understand you. However this little problem may not be a reason to uninstall DesktopX! Please send me by email (or just post here) the link to download your widget. I'll fix it for you in a few minutes.

Best Regards!
End of Vad_M's quote


You have mail. :) 

Reply #239 from WinCustomize Forums Top

You have mail.
End of quote

Thanks! Please, wait a few minutes... and you will get your widget. :blush:

Reply #240 from WinCustomize Forums Top


Seems it was much greater than when America was discovered by Columb! Now I already finished the update of my widgets/gadgets. No any ID and KEYS! No any problems with license!
End of quote

Vadim

What method use on update?

xml feed?

Reply #241 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Well, John, That depends on what the fix is. If I have to put a logo and 5 links in my work, I will update all my themes to have no weather widget. All future themes will be made without weather widgets. Then, in the future, if someone comes up with a good, free, adware free way to give the community a weather script, I will make seperate widgets to match any of my themes and upload them for those who want them. As for now, no weather.

 

Since we don't know how long this will take, if ever, I am currently working on a windowblind for which I will post a WIP soon. It is my first one, so I dunno when. I will most likely keep making DX themes, just sans weather widgets. I use DX themes for all my shortcuts. All I actually use daily is Windowblinds and a DX theme turned into a widget so I can get it to load at startup, since DX won't. I don't need Object Dock, the start menu, or any other launcher. One of my DX themes, setup correctly, is all that is needed to run windows. Weather is nice, but life goes on without a weather widget.....at least for me.
End of quote

I wondered if you might do WindowBlinds someday. Good luck with it, and I hope you keep making DX themes.

 

Reply #242 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Vad_M--have you updated the SD Desktop weather widget, and if you have, are you going to upload it?

Reply #243 from WinCustomize Forums Top

What method use on update?
End of quote

Certainly http://xml.weather.com/weather/local/ from neophil78. This way is much friendly than registration on TWC and entering ID and Key.

have you updated the SD Desktop weather widget, and if you have, are you going to upload it?
End of quote

What did you mean? If SD Desktop - this project is dead together with Windows XP on my computer... I even can't open it on Vista. Sorry... 

The other weather widgets/gadgets was already updated and reuploaded. :)

Reply #244 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting neophil78, reply 10

I do not know the law . . but I would not do such a thing becuae *I* believe it violate the spirit of teh license. weather.com is providing a service and deserves what they are asking for. It's theirs.


Thank you. I understood. This project is already stopped and even has been removed from my PC. I agree. We must respect TWC.

 
Vad_M My SleekSilva weather widget that you fixed works fine now. My question is: can I copy the code into all my other widgets that already posted and re-upload them to wincustomize?


What can I say? Only that I'm totally agree with this:


The short answer is no. You would have to redesign your widget to The Weather Channel standards (logos, adverts, etc.) Also, if you have hard coded your personal ID and license key into the widget, you can not redistribute it as that would be in violation of the license agreement.

If you use the solution that doesn't call for an ID or key, you MIGHT be able to reupload. I'm not entirely sure. Just bear in mind that it is not the official TWC method and will likely be prohibited in future, then you'd have to re-do your widgets all over again.



I just found in the informations flux url and the search flux url


Seems it was much greater than when America was discovered by Columb! Now I already finished the update of my widgets/gadgets. No any ID and KEYS! No any problems with license!
End of neophil78's quote
So if I understand, If I use Sviz's fix which is without ID and license, I can re-upload my widgets?

Reply #245 from WinCustomize Forums Top



Certainly http://xml.weather.com/weather/local/ from neophil78. This way is much friendly than registration on TWC and entering ID and Key.
The other weather widgets/gadgets was already updated and reuploaded.
End of quote

ok thanks

I will use this method too :)

Reply #246 from WinCustomize Forums Top

So if I understand, If I use Sviz's fix which is without ID and license, I can re-upload my widgets?
End of quote

We don't know. Since that fix technically uses a different feed than the one licensed (I think) it may or may not fall under the license agreements.

Err on the side of caution. If that method is in violation of TWC's license, and you re-upload using it, TWC will have a right to hold you liable.

My honest advice is to just post a notice on your skins informing users that it doesn't work at the present time, until a more long-term solution presents itself. Or you could just take down your skins. It sucks, but those are our options.

As I said before, these fixes are primarily for end-users who have already downloaded the widgets. We authors have a much more difficult time on our hands in terms of how best to proceed.

Reply #247 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Vad_M what do I do with the code you wrote in reply #243, sorry I don't quite understand what is going on8|

Reply #248 from Stardock Forums Top

the only major cahnge was to replace xoap with xml in any addresses that refence the TWC site. I found 2 references in my implemntation of Vienna. One was in the script for weather_image and one was under the script for weather_location.

Depending on how your widget is setup, you may have more or less references and in differnt places. just open the object list and sort by name and look at the scripts for all of the weather objects. most of them won't have scripts, but for the ones that do just look for xoap and replace it with xml.

 

I am not sure WHY this works, or if it will continue to work. As others have said, chances are TWC will identify this leak and patch it up shortly.