How can I get my registration / product key information
Table of contents
Activation Issues and Questions
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Information and Usage
I purchased Deskscapes but I can't seem to run any dreams but the ones that came with the application.
How can I upgrade from a prior version of DeskScapes
DeskScapes and codecs
How do I randomize Dreams within DeskScapes 11?
How to make Playlists in DeskScapes 11
How do I make Dreams
Self Support Options
DeskScapes Clean Boot
Test in Windows Sandbox
Purging and re-installing
I purchased DeskScapes but I can't seem to run any dreams but the ones that came with the application.
Stardock does not support skins, themes, docklets, icons, widgets, objects, etc that are created by third-parties. Please contact the author of the item you are having problems with for help and support. Also, if a dream was encoded by an author in an unsupported Windows 8 format you will need to contact that artist or install a codec that will work on Windows 8.
For instruction on customization and the use of downloaded media try checking out the forums: https://forums.stardock.com
How can I upgrade from prior versions of DeskScapes
After a major release (9 -> 10 -> 11 for example), any client that purchased the prior version within 30 days will be issued the next version on their account page.
Outside of 30 days, clients that purchased individual licenses can check for upgrade eligibility here:
https://www.stardock.com/products/deskscapes/
As also, Object Desktop clients will receive new releases at no extra charge.
DeskScapes and codecs
Please see the following for information on codecs if DeskScapes is telling you that you do not have a video codec: https://www.stardock.com/products/deskscapes/faq.asp
If a dream was encoded by an author in an unsupported Windows 8 format you will need to contact that artist or install a codec that will work on Windows 8.
How do I randomize Dreams within DeskScapes 11?
To randomize dreams within DeskScapes 11, right click on the desktop and choose 'Configure DeskScapes'.
Both animated and static wallpapers can be added to playlists. The playlist can then be configured to randomize wallpapers at set intervals
See more about playlists here.
How to make Playlists in DeskScapes 11
When browsing installed wallpapers, you can right-click and select multiple wallpapers which will be indicated by a checkmark. You can then select 'Add to playlist' at the bottom of the configuration windows, and you can add those selected items to a playlist.
You can also go to Playlists in the DeskScapes configuration and create a new playlist from there. You can add entire folders or individual wallpapers or videos to a playlist.
See more about playlists here.
How do I make Dreams
To make a dream, please run DreamMaker.exe located in the DeskScapes install folder (typically C:\Program Files (x86)\Stardock\DeskScapes)
Also see:
How to Create an Animated Wallpaper Using Stardock’s DreamMaker
How to make Dreams with DeskScapes Creator (coming soon).
DeskScapes Clean Boot
It can be helpful to boot Windows into a clean state, and only running DeskScapes, to make sure any issue is not occurring as a result of a 3rd party application conflict. The best way to proceed would be to try loading under a new Window's Administrator account and in a "clean boot" state.
Create a new Windows Administrator (<--important that its an Administrator) account:
Windows 7:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/create-user-account#create-user-account=windows-7
Windows 8:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/create-user-account#create-user-account=windows-8
Windows 10:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/create-a-local-user-account-in-windows-10
Log in under that account and see if your issue persists.
If so, and while still under that new account, please click the link below for performing a 'clean boot' under it:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/929135
After you've loaded Windows in a clean state, please download this file:
https://cdn.stardock.us/support/uploads/DS_Restart.zip
Run the batch file in it to start the DeskScapes service.
Test in Windows Sandbox
In an effort to create a clean install environment without having to reformat your system, Windows 10 & 11 Pro have a "VM" (Virtual Machine) like feature called Windows Sandbox. This will replicate a freshly installed operating system without any other software installed. This is a great way to test to see if other programs are conflicting with Stardock products.
The following guide, will walk you through the steps to enable Windows Sandbox:
https://pureinfotech.com/enable-windows-sandbox-windows-10/
After Sandbox is setup, install and activate your Stardock product to see if the issue you are having is also being reproduce in this fresh environment or if it is working properly in this mode.
NOTE: If you have a single activation Stardock product, you will be asked if you want to deactivate your other PC to proceed installing in the Sandbox environment. After finishing with the test, you will eventually be asked to activate on your other PC again and can do so.
Purging and re-installing
The following tool will purge the application for a possible re-install (if that is the goal).
**IMPORTANT** Please save any open documents/work and close out all of your applications including browsers. Your PC may restart after running this .bat file.
Please follow this link:
https://cdn.stardock.us/support/uploads/DSPurgeNew.zip
Save the file to your desktop, right-click it and select "Run as Administrator" if you're on Vista/7/8/8.1/10
If you are running Windows 8/10, you may be notified that Windows is protecting your PC. Select "More info" and then "Run anyway".
Reboot the computer and reinstall the application. It is important to get the most recent version of the application.
For trials:
Please ensure you have the most recent trial available:
https://www.stardock.com/products/
For Stardock direct purchases:
For getting your product and key, please see the following:
https://www.stardock.com/support/productkeyretrieval
Please DO NOT change any of the default settings until you verify that the application is running as expected in its default state.
