Got it now what do I do?

I now have object desktop but not sure how to use it. I wanted to download a theme or suite but cannot understand how the theme download gets activated or where the files go.

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I now have object desktop but not sure how to use it. I wanted to download a theme or suite but cannot understand how the theme download gets activated or where the files go. Do I put the activation file somewhere? In one of the programs maybe?

Need some help on this guys and gals, also would like to find a basic how to install suites and themes guide.

Thanks,
Paul
11,589 views 25 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Some of the skins are self installing but IE after SP2 cause problems for some, here is a good starting point https://www.wincustomize.com/Forums.aspx?ForumID=187&AID=66020#640009. Some skins are in zip format and need to be extracted to folder for the program that uses it. If you need to know how and where tells us what it is you are wanting to install.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
1. Install Stardock Central found Link
After you install that you'll want to review this tutorial

Link

Have a nice day.
Curtains - Customize Windows with additional styles
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top
Thanks, I will not install Stardock software. I did install it to buy and download all my programs. But, it forced a running process on my pc that would not let me click on the bottom taskbar! This file was named something like (sorry forgot actual name) SDMCA.exe

I would like to know how to download and install a suite and a theme. I unzipped the suite downloads and they contain a graphic and an activation file. Where does this activation file go?

Also themes, where do I put the theme files or folder?

Thanks for the quick response guys and gals, I really want to get into this and start being creative with some of my own ideas.
Paul
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
As Cavan1 pointed out: Link
Also check out:Link [excerpt from link (example is DesktopX): First, just open the zip file to see whether the inside of the zip file contains .dxpack or .dxtheme files. If it does, unzip them and go to the next help F.A.Q question. If it contains a bunch of files (images, textfiles, etc.) then proceed as follows....Don't unzip the file ...]

Done correctly most themes will auto load to where they need to be.


Thanks, I will not install Stardock software. I did install it to buy and download all my programs.

Those programs are Stardock software. If you have a problem with SDC post it and people here will try to help fix it. I've used it for about 2 yrs with no problems. SDC is the best method for software update of the programs. Will do an autoarchive prior to install of update so you have something to fall back in case of a glitch. It will let you know when updates are available. It is also used to register your products.
Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top
Yes the theme opens with many text files and grahics. So I do not unzip but what?

Thanks for your patience, I hate being a begginer again!
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
No themes, windowblinds, or icon packages will work without having Stardock software (Windowblinds, IconPackager, etc...or the whole Object Desktop suite of software) installed.

None of these Stardock applications can be installed without first installing Stardock Central.

As was stated above, if you have a problem with SD Central, or any other Stardock app, post it here, or send an email to support@stardock.com.

Pretty much everyone here has SD Central installed, and will be glad to help you get your problems resolved.
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
So I do not unzip but what?


Read the information we have given you links to.
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
None of these Stardock applications can be installed without first installing Stardock Central.


Edit: Those Stardock apps cannot be installed without first installing Stardock Central.
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I have all the apps as mentioned above and got them from Stardock, I have an account and a serial number.

It looks like I use Object Dock to sort out the files from the theme zip. Just have to find out what files to put in what folders.

You guys are really trying but this is not the best way to communicate problems and fixes. I have been doing pc stuff for years now and at the age of 61 still love games and gadgets. This desktop environment modding is new to me but I have modded many games an made planes for FS and other sims. I am fairly good with graphics and files so I know I can install these things without using Stardock.

I will keep plugging away at this until I can design and my own desktop, logos and whatchmacallits.
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
As far as I know, and as others above have tried to explain, you need to install the relevant Stardock program for that theme you have downloaded. Each application has different methods of applying it's themes - you need to get to know each one of them (if you're going to use more than one at a time).

For example - you need to install Windowblinds in order to use windowblinds themes, you need to install ObjectDock to use those themes. Same with IconPackager, ObjectBar, DesktopX etc, etc. All of these programs constitute the ObjectDesktop suite. In some cases there is quite an overlap of features also so it may not be ncessary to install everything

The only way to install the registered versions of Windowblinds is to first install Stardock Central. It will not harm your taskbar - if you think it did in the past then it could be due to one of the other apps such as ObjectBar or ObjectDock (for example) which have settings to turn off the windows taskbar. It's by design and not a program fault in that case.

The 'SDMCA' you refer to is likely SDMCP and is used for systemtray functions in the case where you have themes that use it - it can be turned off in Stardock Central.

It sounds like you're trying to do too many things at once. I would suggest focusing on a single application first and getting to know it before moving on.

Posted via WinCustomize Browser/Stardock Central
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
tiesco,

I am not quite clear on the type of theme you are talking about.

If you are talking about an ObjectDock theme, I wrote a mini tutorial on Working with ObjectDock which should give you a general understanding of which files go in which folders in the ObjectDock sub-directory.

You can find the mini tutorial here Link

If you are instead referring to a theme found in the Theme Manager library, the basic way to understand these is that Theme Manager is a co-ordinator of sorts. It reads the theme file, downloads and/or writes the theme component files to their correct locations > invokes the programs which actually do the work of applying the skins, packages, etc. to the Graphical User Interface.

In order for a Theme Manager theme to work, you need to have the relevant softwares installed on the machine. Then - Theme Manager will be able to download and install (write) the files to the locations provided by said softwares.

In some cases, the full file folders including all skin components are included in the Theme Manager file. In this case, Theme Manager will simply copy the folders to their correct locations and invoke the softwares to apply the theme. These types are usually found in some older themes, or premium themes.

In other cases, you will see only an ".ini" file and a preview image. If this is the case, Theme Manager must download the files previous to installing (writing) and invoking softwares to apply the theme.

As for the "sdmcp.exe" file (and running process) - if you have Stardock Central installed, you can go to "Tools > Settings" in that program, and either enable or disable the two "MCP" options. Deselecting them should prevent the "sdmcp.exe" process from running.

It should be noted that you need the "Enable MCP notification area support" option selected to allow ObjectDock and DesktopX to run any notification area (System Tray) functions.

If I am not mistaken, ObjectDock Plus used to install the "sdmcp.exe" file if Stardock Central is not installed, though this may have changed. In this case, and you do not want to have Stardock Central installed, you may need to use "msconfig" to prevent it from running if it runs automatically and is not in any of the account "Start Menu > Programs > Startup" folders.

Not sure what else to include, so I hope this helps.
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I have been doing pc stuff for years now


This desktop environment modding is new to me but I have modded many games an made planes for FS and other sims.


I am fairly good with graphics and files so I know I can install these things without using Stardock.


So then you should have no trouble understanding the links provided to Koasati's tips for new users & Skarnivorous' article about having trouble installing will be most beneficial to you. They explain what the file extension from each gallery should be and how to fix them if they are not correct. They also explain how to install the themes once you have the programs installed and you have the theme files downloaded with the correct extension. Generally, if it comes as .zip, the extension is incorrect as noted in the links supplied previously. No, you do not sort the files with Object Dock.

Once you have that down, here is a link to some tutorials created by Cordelia with some basic instruction on some of the apps.: Link. More articles are on the right side of the page.

If you run into some issues - you can post questions at Koasati's post or Skarnivorous' & Corky O has writing away (with decent graphic useage) come up some more tutes on various issues that may come up. His page is here: Link

Yes the programs can be installed without StarDock Central, but that is the hard way. The themes are installed with the appropriate program.
Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
...and once again..that unknown marvel known only as Corky O is 2 steps ahead.....*sigh*
Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top
This would be a good place for that "beating head against the wall" gif.
Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Reply #17 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Excuse me for creating so much work for you guys. I am glad that it is so easy for you, maybe because you done it a thousand times?

Let me shove a 3d modeling program at you and come back the next day and ask if the plane is done yet. We all have our thing and I am just trying to get a handle on this one.

For the last time, I do have all the programs, I did download them from Stardock. I did download some suites and some themes and am trying to understand their installation. I realize that only certain theme items will work in certain programs. I find it very strange that there is no readme or doc with any of the things I downloaded. If I sent a plane out a readme or doc my email box would crash from the questions. But I guess the creators assume we know exactly what we are doing, if we didn't then we would have no business trying to use their stuff.

Thanks for the help.
Reply #18 from WinCustomize Forums Top
teisco,

Here is a link to my tutorial on Backing Up skin files Link - this will show you the location of the core program folders and where the skin folders are kept (and installed to).

This should address any questions you have on manually placing the files.

Here is a link to my Downloading content mini tutorial Link - which will show you the basics for successful downloading and installing of content for the Object Desktop core programs.

Basically double-click the file after a successful download to install.

Some of the programs will start up after double-clicking a downloaded skin, theme file - while other programs need to be started and you use the configuration panel to select and apply the skin, theme you installed by double-clicking.

No sweat on the work, just trying to identify what type of help you need. The tutorials I write are designed for beginners and use images where possible - while keeping the tutorial short and to the point.

As a general guide, you would install the programs you want to use to skin:

- WindowBlinds for skinning the Taskbar, Start Menu, and Explorer shell (Window frame, buttons, etc.)
- Icon Packager for applying a package of icons which will change the system icons as well as some file icons.
- DesktopX for using widgets and for applying a DesktopX theme.
- ObjectDock for using a desktop anchor point (dock) for shortcut links to many system resources and programs while allowing the use of high quality icon images.
- CursorXP for applying a packaged set of alternative mouse pointers.
- Logon Studio for applying an alternative logon screen image

The first link I left above will outline the location of the various skins, themes, widgets for the programs mentioned.

Hopefully, this is along the lines of what you needed to know.
Reply #19 from WinCustomize Forums Top


For the last time, I do have all the programs, I did download them from Stardock. I did download some suites and some themes and am trying to understand their installation. I realize that only certain theme items will work in certain programs. I find it very strange that there is no readme or doc with any of the things I downloaded. If I sent a plane out a readme or doc my email box would crash from the questions. But I guess the creators assume we know exactly what we are doing, if we didn't then we would have no business trying to use their stuff.

Thanks for the help.


~And if you simply installed Stardock Central you would have made your life easier. None of these people work for Stardock ..and they graciously tried to help you. I suggest you just ask for your money back and skip the whole thing.
Reply #20 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I am glad that it is so easy for you, maybe because you done it a thousand times?


Speaking only for myself, no. I have not 'done it' a thousand times. I never even owed or used a computer until 2 years ago and I'm 48. What I have done is pay attention when somebody points me in the right direction.

I did download some suites and some themes and am trying to understand their installation.


Have you even bothered to read Koasati's or Skarns' articles from the links provided? They both explain the file extensions and what to do if the theme, suite or whatever downloads as a zip when it should not have. They both explain those items with the correct extension are self installing when double clicked. You can download them to your desktop, then click them.

Pretty much every gallery section has it's own program.

You have not been clear on which one(s) you're asking about.
Are you asking about:
DesktopX?
Windowblinds?
CursorXP?
CursorXP Plus?
ObjectDock?
ObjectDock Plus?
Object Bar?

Or one of the others?

The first thing I did was run WindowBlinds, picked a skin shown and clicked apply. Then 2nd thing I did was right click the tray icon when it appeared to see the options. 3rd thing I did was choose 'help' out of those options.

If you have questions, fine. Try being a little more specific, say one program at a time. Just don't ignore any answers given.

The people here are the same as you. The come here same as you did. They don't get paid for this. They are here cuz they want to be and they are willing to help.

You're welcome
Reply #21 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Properly spanked, thank you.

I did not see the train because I was looking too far down the track, in other words the answer was too simple and I was looking for a more complex solution. Now that I got the themes and suites understood and did it without Stardock I can get on to more serious questions. Such as:

Why does some themes or suites leave their icons when I switch back to normal windows display?

And is there anymore widescreen themes besides "digital revenge"? Looking for 1280x720 or any 16/9. I noticed some claimed "resolution independent" but I think that was still for the standard resolutions. Or, can I resize any themes in some program?

I am getting anxious to began my own desktop experiments and because I am into Warbirds (see my site www.rcwarbirds.com) I want to do an airplane or bomber theme.

Thanks for showing me that small light at the end of this very long tunnel.

Paul
Reply #22 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Why does some themes or suites leave their icons when I switch back to normal windows display?


If you are referring to an Icon Packager theme, you will need to use the "Tools > Restore All Icons" function in the Icon Packager program to revert back to the default Windows icons (make sure to click "OK" button after confirming that you want to restore them).

There are also a few other options in the Tools menu for rebuilding the icon cache, repairing icon images, etc.

Just using the Display Properties dialog in Windows will not in and of itself, restore all the icons.

For a general rule, I tend to use the following in the order stated:

1 - restore defaults via customization program where option exists
2 - unload customization program where option exists (Icon Packager is an exception because it just restores icons)
3 - use Display Properties > Theme tab > select Windows XP (or Windows Classic) from the Themes drop-down list > click "Apply" to return Windows to the default theme. Note - if you are using Windows 2000, the Themes tab does not exist, so using the Appearance tab replaces this step.

And is there anymore widescreen themes besides "digital revenge"?


This theme is a DesktopX theme, and you will need to poke around to see if other authors created wide screen compatible themes. Most themes in the DesktopX library tend to be standard 4/3 (as well as 1280x1024).

For WindowBlinds, all that is needed is 96 dpi in the general tab of Display Properties > Settings tab > Advanced button.

The other core programs will not be adversely affected by resolutions.
Reply #23 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Thanks again!

Can I use one of these programs to disassemble a theme or suite and change it's parts size in a paint program?
Reply #24 from WinCustomize Forums Top
teisco,

You can use Skin Studio to disassemble a WindowBlinds skin (or create one from scratch), and you would indeed use a graphics editing program to edit and create images.

Skin Studio has a nice interactive interface which allows you to click or select parts of the skin in one pane, and diplays the item for editing in another pane - a really nice, and fun program.

You can use Icon Developer to create and colorize icons, and Icon Packager to assemble a new package via the package builder feature.

For a DesktopX theme, you can use DesktopX standard or pro versions > switch to DesktopX builder mode, and modify the theme. It would probably be best to save a copy of the theme, and modify that one.

DesktopX can be fairly easy, as well as quite involved, depending on the objects and scripts that are involved.

DesktopX themes are combined objects (objects and their associated scripts are the building blocks of DesktopX).

If you start by creating a basic object using DesktopX builder, and take a look at the object properties - you will see that objects can be assigned many different attributes.

An object can be an image or text, and objects can be grouped to create a larger, more complex object (i.e., the tabbed launch bar with shelves, and horizontal bars included in the Digital Revenge theme).

Some knowledge of VB script, Java script, and I believe XML is a big plus when working with this program to develop an advanced theme. I am not a coder, so will leave the details to others to explain (there are a number of resources from tutorials on WC, to the documentation pages found on the DesktopX page at Stardock).

As in all art here, you are free to modify for personal use, and must obtain author permission for screenshots and for uploading art for others to download.

Note - there is also Object Desktop documentation that is available via Stardock Central.

Sorry if the answer is too long winded.
Reply #25 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Not long winded at all but very informative, thanks.