Desktop X turned off Nortons autoprotect and broke my computer

Somebody please hellllpppp!!!!!

Please someone help, I wouldn't be so panicy if it didn't turn off my Virus protection. It toke me a year to make this plunge to get DesktopX amd now after 2days everyting is messed up. Yes I ran adaware, spywareblaster everything I could think of.


OK now I have a great big problem.....I downloaded DesktopX on Tues or Wed,
22 or 23rd. I went for the client for 15.00...everything was working fine
for two days, and I only tried the widgets. I noticed today that I couldn't
use my SurferNetwork Radio, it came up but it came up blank. When my
Norton's OneButton Checkup (automatically comes on Friday 5:30) It told me
I had 5 registry errors and that my autoprotect was turned off. They were
in my system tray but when I hovered over them they disappeared. I went into
Norton's System Works to make sure everything was on and it never got off
the Refreshing button. When I went up to Symantec's web site, it checked
it out and told me something was missing like java. Also on the One Button
Checkup when I looked at what the 5 registry errors were, they all had to
do with DesktopX. I told it to fix them when it had finished.. I tried
running my Norton's AntiVirus and it runs but they are all zero's, there is
no number where files scanned should be. Went to System Restore and it came
up but the page was blank, like the radio. Tried to run DesktopX, but it
told me dxwidget.exe. was missing and had to close. I don't know what to do,
nothing seems to be working. The registry did say something about active
X.also.
I noticed in all of the forums that I was reading before I downloaded there
was something about a scripting file to download, I don't know if this
pertains to me or not because I can't find it now. Please help me get my
computer back.
I am running WindowsXP home edition.

ps. now My IE spellware checker isn't working either. Sidney Chong version.
Darlene
darco
19,900 views 28 replies
Reply #1 Top
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=c717d943-7e4b-4622-86eb-95a22b832caa&displaylang=en
Reply #2 Top

It is probably a script issue.

Download and install the MS Script from here  http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=c717d943-7e4b-4622-86eb-95a22b832caa&displaylang=en

Not sure why some computers lose their script host, or lose the registration on the script ".dll" files, but this seems to happen to a few users.

I would recommend unloading all programs, and then returning Windows to the default theme via "Display Properties > Themes tab > select Windows XP in Theme drop-down list > click Apply" - before installing the MS Script file.

This should reset your script host and enable the functions in your programs.

Reply #3 Top

Arghh.....

yraq got there first.

Reply #4 Top
Thank you, thank you, thank you. So far everything is back. Does this mean if I load a widget or use desktopx it will break again.
Darlene
darco
Reply #5 Top

Darco,

Good to hear.....

It is not clear what has created the issue, but since you have the MS Script installer, you can add widgets or use DX incrementally (add one at step at a time) to see if one item/object is messing with your script.

I would suggest using the computer and rebooting a few times without using widgets and DX to verify that the issue is not being created by another source, then test incrementally.

Reinstall MS Script if issue shows again, and refrain from using the last item you tried before script issue reappears.

Please post any specific findings to help in development.

Reply #6 Top
Thanks again guys, what a day.... I will try again tomorrow. When OneButtonCheckup runs again next friday and comes up with registry errors that are the same should I tell it not to fix? Of the 5 errors in registry two were lines of code and the other three said desktopX. So I am almost positive it was desktop X. I can't understand why it would turn off the virus protection though. I hope it doesn't say it can't find dxwiget.exe. when I go to load a widget, I really wanted that for a year but was chicken. I usually sail through OneButtonCheckup with only shortcut errors, hardly ever a registry error.
Reply #7 Top

When OneButtonCheckup runs again next friday and comes up with registry errors that are the same should I tell it not to fix?

I would probably use this as a test, assuming all is working well before the check up, and tell WinDoctor (OneButtonCheckup) to fix the issues and see if anything changes in functionality.

I would also make notes, or print the report, to track the problems.

I can't understand why it would turn off the virus protection though

This should not happen.

You could test by using DesktopX and some pre-packaged widgets/themes > reboot > run WinDoctor (OneButtonCheckup) after rebooting to try to determine whether it is a compatibility issue with the standard DX program, or whether some downloaded widgets/themes are causing the issues. No issue after using the pre-packaged items and running check-up would indicate an issue caused by independantly downloaded content.

Note - this assumes that you have been using widgets/themes not included in the standard program.

Reply #8 Top
Check this post for more info.
https://www.wincustomize.com/articles.aspx?SID=1&AID=83294&c=1#654815

Basically, DesktopX and Norton Antivirus or McAffee don't play too terribly well together. Norton and McAffee both have script blocking tools and it the the scripts in DesktopX are triggering Norton and/or McAffee to shutdown the VB script service. You can restart it quickly by
You need to reregister Jscript.dll and Vbscript.dll

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type regsvr32 jscript.dll, and then click OK.
3. Click OK.
4. Click Start, and then click Run.
5. In the Open box, type regsvr32 vbscript.dll, and then click OK.
6. Click OK.

But the only solution I have found was to disable script blocking in Norton AV. I wish Norton and/or Stardock would figure out what's causing the problem.
Reply #9 Top
I can't understand why it would turn off the virus protection though


I can't remember about auto protection, but the script service that gets disabled, is used by a lot of things, and they will not work properly once Norton blocks the script when DesktopX loads.
System Restore
System Help
Some Norton Components.
Internet Explorer java type services.

It's a real pain. So disable script blocking.
Reply #10 Top
Check this link and taste the sweetness of Norton: https://www.wincustomize.com/Forums.aspx?ForumID=70&AID=81379
Reply #11 Top

I have a simlular issue:
https://forums.stardock.com/?ForumID=166&AID=93479

JS Regsvr32 did not work for me.  the files were completly gone!

Reply #12 Top
Exact same problem here. Just created a post on it, lol, before finding this. I like the fact that norton stops some scipts, as it has saved me from an infection before. I am not about to disable it just to run a widget. Sadly I didnt read this first. I tried downloading the script exe from microsoft, but I couldnt because explorer kept freezing and microsoft wouldnt let me use firefox to download it (guess I was doing something wrong). I ended up reformating my pc.
So has anyone figured out the cause? That download fixes the issue I guess? I went ahead and downloaded the exe, but I'm a little nervous about trying DX again after all that...
Reply #13 Top
I never speak the name Norton in the same room with my computers unless I am speaking of my old 750 Norton Comando motorcycle!!! LOL
Reply #14 Top

unless I am speaking of my old 750 Norton Comando motorcycle!!!

In my case it'd be my brother inlaw's '70 Commando....

Reply #15 Top
In my case it'd be my brother inlaw's '70 Commando...


I should have known there were 2 m's!!! Mine was a 69. Black tank and it had hand done lettering in Gold on both sides of the tank. They handled corners like a dream. Alas, it is but a fond memory now!
Reply #16 Top
Citizen Absntmind,
The script fixed mine and boy was I thankful for the wisdom of Wizop Corky O and yrag, I am self taught and wouldn't know how to reformat. It probably would have cost me a few hundred to get it fixed. I have the script in 5 different places, and on another drive. Soooo yes I did go back and try DesktopX, but it should come with a warning until the problem is fixed. But I couldn't leave well enough alone, I had to try a desktop theme. Bigger mistake, the first one I tried that was Resolution Independent Kronos II, stopped halfway through, from the bottom up and left me with no task bar or start menu. Well I had the phone book out and was looking for a computer place when I thought I had nothing to lose so I did something I never did before and rebooted and started hitting f8. I tried last know working something, that didn't work. Tried again and went to System Restore because I had made a restore point after getting the script,(this is all in safe mode). Didn't work. Tried SR 3 times and the bar started to come back.
It was working alright today, but I keep checking my Norton's, because the firewall and virus protection icons in the system tray were not working but didn't have a red x on them. They just went pooof when I hovered over them. Today my big adventure was Tiggs Omni todo list, it just froze on the desktop and I couldn't get it off. Rebooted and everything is OK, but there are some strange icons in my system tray and some others that should be there are missing so you will probably be hearing from me again in a panic. But you did want me to test it Wisop Corky O, so this is my report.
Darlene
ps. I just hope you can get me out of the next fix I get in.
Reply #17 Top
Dx is not the problem. Norton is. If you look you will find a few dozen threads on the horror's of Norton. I have never had a script problem with DX or anything else, but I do not have Norton on my computers. It would be alot better for you to get rid of Norton and use Zone Alarm which you can get the free version here http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file_description/0,fid,7228,RSS,RSS,00.asp And AVG antivirus is the best and free too! http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1 They are what I have used for years. No bugs and no script problems. Avg will stop you from getting a bug. Norton will let you get one and then try and deal with it. To be honest, I can't believe they are still in business.
Reply #18 Top
If I was confident enough about setting it up myself I would try it, but unfortunately I am not. I heard when you un-install Norton's not all of it un-installs and causes problems. Therefore I will probably go the cheapest route and just pay for the new definitions. Otherwise I would have to take it into a shop and have them take it out and put the newest one on. I haven't the slightest idea about what ports to block on the firewall anyway. DesktopX is so much fun otherwise, I can't believe the things that the script writers and artists come up with. It has been a wild ride.
Reply #19 Top
I understand. I have only done a regular removal with the Norton stuff that came on my computers. I never used their removal tool. I have left everything that was left behind alone, and for almost 3 years (on my older computer), things have been fine. I have almost every prog Stardock offers on it.
I recently got a laptop and the first thing I did was remove the Norton Security Suite they had put on it. I have not put any customizing progs on my laptop, but it is working fine after removing Norton. It is your call. Just wanted you to know that it has been good enough for me to have what the regular uninstall does. Now if the computer companies would just stop putting that Norton garbage on the new computers, we would be alright. It even came on my laptop which was customized to my specs. I guess we need to ask for it not to be installed even under those circumstances. It's a racket!! Good luck!!!
Reply #20 Top
clwoods, are you saying that you un-installed Norton's without using the removal tool, just a un-install and you were able to get the free version of AVG? Did you have the Norton's firewall installed also? There is a component that they installed using Norton's System Works update called Common Client, I think it ties these two programs together, I'm not sure, but that is what I think it does. This turned out to be the one program that gave me the most grief. But they fixed it over time. It is working at this moment, so I think I will let it go until I have to. Thanks for all of your input, I really appreciate it.
Darlene
Reply #21 Top
Only the Anti Virus prog came on my desktop, but they had the whole Security Suite prog on my laptop. I only used the add/remove that comes with Windows. I have AVG pro as well as Zone Alarm pro on both computers with no problem! I Hope you get it worked out.
Reply #22 Top

Darlene,

You can unload DesktopX and then clear the cache to force DesktopX to start with the default settings at any time.

I wrote a mini tutorial outlining the procedure for clearing the cache for some of the Stardock programs which use this function - you can read it here http://corkyo.wincustomize.com/Articles.aspx?SID=5463&AID=82461 

After clearing the cache (delete the DesktopX cache folder), you can restart your computer and should be able to manually start DesktopX to work from the default settings.

As for the system tray icons, if you have either/or both MCP options enabled in Stardock Central - you can try disabling them. This may clear up the system tray icon issue for Norton products. To disable, use the following:

Start Stardock Central > go to Tools menu > select Settings > deselect both "Enable MCP notification area support" and "Enable MCP SmartStartup" options > click "OK" > reboot machine.

Note - the "MCP notification area support" is required for any of the following "System Tray" functions:

- DesktopX themes which incorporate "System Tray" functions

- System Tray docks in ObjectDock Plus

If you are not clear on whether a DesktopX theme needs the process, just run it to see if all parts function correctly. You can always re-enable the process.

I have noticed that the MCP notification area support seems to prevent the Norton system tray icons upon occasion, so this may help.

Note - your hanging DesktopX issues when loading the theme may be due to the script blocking feature in Norton. If you lose the taskbar, make sure to look in the Taskbar and Start Menu properties to see if the "Auto-hide the taskbar" option has been selected by the DesktopX theme - some do this, and do not deselect upon unloading.

FYI - you can always call up the Start menu and Taskbar by hitting the "Windows Logo" key on any modern keyboard, which will allow you to get to the Control Panel to work with the properties, etc.

Reply #23 Top
Corky,
I must of read your primer but didn't remember you had to unload DesktopX. After a few crashes or "desktopx must close now do you want to send a report" I did go to the Current theme and just deleted everything in the folder. I also deleted the .jpeg and note in ThumbsCache, also went to Application Data and deleted the folder that was giving me trouble.

It hasn't shut off Norton's or given me blank objects since I downloaded the script. I am hoping that was a one time deal. Still I am turning off the widgets before I close, but not the objects. Before I was checking the box to have the widgets load on startup. Will try that again when I get brave to see if that is what turns off the Norton's and gives me blank pages.
Some of the applications don't go well with other things that I have on already, but I am learning. Sent in a screen-shot and uploaded it for December screen-shots before I mess the computer up again.
When I loaded a desktop theme the whole bottom of the screen and the start menu disappeared and it locked, I didn't remember that the windows key displayed the start menu.....I wonder if that would have worked? But where would I go from there to get the bottom of my screen back? I don't think I will be trying a theme for a while.

I think who ever put the previews in the briefcase should mention it. I came across it by accident because I was trying everything. That is a really nice feature. Thanks again Wisop Corky for all of your help, looking forward to the next lesson.

Darlene
darco
Reply #24 Top
When I loaded a desktop theme the whole bottom of the screen and the start menu disappeared and it locked, I didn't remember that the windows key displayed the start menu.....I wonder if that would have worked? But where would I go from there to get the bottom of my screen back? I don't think I will be trying a theme for a while.


DesktopX can hide your bottom taskbar. A lot of DesktopX themes use this. The windows key usually works. The Themes that utilize the 'hide' have a taskbar and system tray in the theme. They usually have a Start Menu also. They work the same as the ones hidden. In Desktopx Standard and Pro, you can right click on the tray icon and switch to builder mode which allows into the tab that has the checkbox to hide the taskbar. I don't think you can access it in the Client version.

When you get a desktopx theme you also want to make sure you get one made for your resolution or one that says it's resolution independent. My resolution is 1024x768 and I download one at 1280x1024 by mistake and the right right side showed up on the tv in the livingroom.
Reply #25 Top
Your kidding aren't you? About now I could almost believe anything, just lost another desktop trying the RSS feeder that came with DX. Most of my trouble seems to be with the widgets not the objects.
darco