Most backgrounds wont load.

from Stardock Forums

I have been using deskscapes 3 for a few days now(DEMO). I have a problem with backgrounds not loading. I clickapply changes, but all I get is a black screen on my background. I love the options of all this software, but am hard pressed to purchase a full version if I cant get it to work properly. And the thought of hearing my wife pick on me for it not working doesnt help either. = )

 Any help would be appreciated.

BTW, sorry if this has been posted before, I couldnt find it.

deskscapes
5,284 views 8 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

I have been using deskscapes 3 for a few days now(DEMO). I have a problem with backgrounds not loading. I clickapply changes, but all I get is a black screen on my background. I love the options of all this software, but am hard pressed to purchase a full version if I cant get it to work properly. And the thought of hearing my wife pick on me for it not working doesnt help either. = )

 Any help would be appreciated.

BTW, sorry if this has been posted before, I couldnt find it.
End of quote

I'll second that.. seeing the same thing here, seems that the .dreams files that use a .MPG will not load.  IE: I downloaded CarGuy's "WC Community Holiday Suite '09 - Dream (Hybrid).Dream" and this works.  His other one based on a .MPG file,  I can view it in the Deskscapes 3 (Trial) window but when I apply it, I only get a black screen and my icons.  Before I purchase, I hope I can get these types of .dream files working since there are so many nice ones out there.

I checked my MPEG2 decoders on my WinXP(SP3) MCE 2005 Rollup2 system and I have a few listed. Using Microsofts tool Windows XP Videos Decoder Checkup Utility - it states that the prefered Cyberlink Video/SP Decoder (PDVD7) CLVsd.ax 8.2.0.430.

Thanks

Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top

If your running XP as I am I found that there really aren't many dreams that work. I'd love to see more of them work but I haven't been able to get much help in getting it resolved. It apparently has something to do with the MPEG2  codec pack...and finding one that works has proven futile. So here's hoping this post will get more results.

Star Control: Origins
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Bump...

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

I have to admit I hope Stardock replies to this one to. I have found many of my dreams cause a crash in DeskScapes3.0 when it tries to do the preview. The strange thing about the problem is that I can go to the same .Dreams (or .MPG's) in and explorer window, right click and say "Set as desktop background" and wala -- it loads and work just fine! I just cannot get the preview of them. It is kind of irritating since I never know if a backgrounds I choose in the application is going to crash it or not. I am using windows Vista Ultimate and Professional 64 Bit.

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

Ive been using it for a couple of days now, and only a few of the included dreams work.  The plankton does not work.  All the dreams ive downloaded do not work.  Same as described by users above.  I was considering buying it, but when i found out that all these dreams don't work - I knew right away, don't support or pay for programs that have only semi-functionality on a well known, and still well used operating system (windows XP). 

 I am saddened stardock has not responded to this post.  Lots of potential customers at their fingertips, and they choose to let it slide ? Where is your support, stardock ? Do you want customers, or not ?  Fix this problem.

Feel free to keep bumping this post..

 (edit) I am still considering buying the program.  However, If I do not see this problem addressed in a reasonable amount of time, I'll spend my money on other programs, programs that are well designed and don't fail.

Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I am saddened stardock has not responded to this post. Lots of potential customers at their fingertips, and they choose to let it slide ? Where is your support, stardock ? Do you want customers, or not ? Fix this problem.
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For one this is not in the 'Support' forum. The WC forums are for the most part 'user' forums where other WC members help out when they can.  When it comes to requesting assistance from Stardock Support you should post the request in the appropriate 'Support' section or email to support@stardock.com.

Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top

I have the same problem with this program on Windows 7...I have to log on as admin for it to work otherwise as a standard user I just get a black screen after clicking apply.

Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top

I have to log on as admin for it to work otherwise as a standard user I just get a black screen after clicking apply.
End of quote

A standard user would not have the permissions required to run DeskScapes.  Most customization apps require admin access.

 

For those with XP dream issues, what sort of hardware are you using?  The hardware reqs for XP vs Vista/7 are a bit more strict.