WindowBlinds crashes the desktop... (explorer.exe)

from Stardock Forums

Hi,

I've searched for a solution on this forum and on google but didn't find then I post here.

Basically when I want to apply an UIS2 skin my desktop get stuck ( no more icon, righ click not working) and the taskbar disappears. Only already launched software stay displayed. The first time it happened I restarted my computer but got a gray desktop with nothing working at all, had to restart in safe mode. I also get this error message each time: WerFault.exe - Application Error: The instruction at 0xff0e11c0 referenced memory at 0xff0e11c0. The memory could not be written.  Click on OK to terminate the program.

 At this step if i try to launch the task manager it doesn't work and explorer.exe is not running anymore.

After an other try I found out that I could switch back to the default 7 theme then everything would work again ( however I have to use the taskmanager to start explorer.exe again). I have tried to kill as most processes as possible  (having finally less thant 30 processes running out of the usual 70+) and stopping the maximum number of services, but still got the same error. I tried desinstalling WB7 then installing it with antivirus disabled ( at first installation it didn't raise problems plus I check the antivirus log nothing about wb7 beeing blocked or whatever). I have checked in the event viewer but found nothing usefull.

I also have ObjectDock plus but it works fine, fences pro too. I don't think I have viruses or that kind of stuff since I do really pay precaution about that, I only use my computer to play games (legally bought) and develop software.

Attaching on explorer.exe with VS2008 shows nothing but that a call in Wblind64.dll leads into an explorer thread then BOOM. If you want I can provide you a minidump of the whole thing (don't know if we can attach file on this forum).

Got any idea on how to solve this one ?

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Your computer has a Windows Experience Index base score of 5.9
Your Windows Graphics Experience score is 7.2

WindowBlinds version : WindowBlinds 7.1 (build 273 - Windows 7 Edition) - 64 bit OS

WindowBlinds is installed correctly on this PC
WindowBlinds appears to be activated on this PC
(Moniteur Plug-and-Play générique) 1 is attached to ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5800 Series

Wblind.dll      2010/06/07 14:10:20
Wblind64.dll      2010/06/07 14:10:52
Wbsrv.dll      2010/06/07 14:10:56
SevenConfig.exe      2010/06/07 14:10:02
Wbload.exe      2010/04/01 16:40:18
Wbhelp.dll      2010/04/01 16:40:07
Tray.dll           2010/04/01 16:40:19
Wbload.dll           2010/06/07 14:10:25
Screen.exe      2010/04/01 16:39:26

windowblinds
6,332 views 10 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Odd bunch of file dates there...certainly an 'old' version.

Is this 'non-working' only a recent happening or since its purchase?

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

I purchased it this week, on thursday I think. I have downloaded Impulse the same day and installed WB as well. If the file are outdated it meens Impulse is downloading the wrong files.... I have also removed and reinstalled WB several times ( with computer restart each time).

DeskScapes - Bring your desktop background to life.
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top

If you haven't done so already then please email support@stardock.com and start a trouble ticket.  They will return to work on Monday.

When email'ing support you will receive a Ticket number. Tickets are answered on a first come - first served basis so it is best to send only one email otherwise your place in the queue will drop to the back.

Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top

In the meantime try this.....

In Impulse, click the blue button on the left and check "Show Pre-Release Versions" then install version 7.19 build 295 and see if it helps.

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

I have tried with the version you talk about Lantec but I still get the same problem. I will open a ticket as adviced by Hankers.

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

A friend of mine has exactly the same problems, nothing helps and installed last versions with impulse, even removed all skins including folders and use only default skins of stardock, explorer still crashed, after restart grey screen and problem to get windows running back. Get message about memory.

My friend did use Windowblinds for the first time with this 64bits computer, in the past used on a 32bits computer and no problem.

I think the problem is the support for 64bits OS, I have myself Win7 32bits and all running well with installed lasted versions. Even old skins are working for me on 32bits.

Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I think the problem is the support for 64bits OS, I have myself Win7 32bits and all running well with installed lasted versions. Even old skins are working for me on 32bits.
End of quote

I run x64 on 2 different systems and have no problems. If it was a x64 issue I'm sure we'd have more than just 2 reports. It's likely something specific to either their hardware of combination of software. A few versions back there was an issue with Nvidia's Nview that would cause a problem with explorer but I haven't seen that reported in quite some time.

Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top

My friend has a NVIDIA GeForce G200 Graphic card, can this be the problem with writing memory message?

Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top

He should make sure he's using the latest drivers and disable nview in the tray (just in case)

Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Check Device Manager.