Messed up again with DesktopXXX

from WinCustomize Forums
Hi, This happened more than a week ago but I didn't want anyone here to know how stupid I am. After getting back my blank pages with the scripten exe. and having a few more bad experiences with DesktopX that I was able to either get out of or live with. I have one that I tried to find a solution to everywhere. I was trying out a few of the media players, and only one of them worked, that one was Tiggs, Killer because it played my WinAmp. None of the players that called for Windows Media Player worked for me. I noticed one by Tiggs said it was for WMP 9.something. Not knowing then which one I had I tried it and it didn't work. Since then I can not get streaming radio on any of the web pages and Coast to Coast which I subscribe to and has always used WMP stopped working it comes on and then it turns red. Some of my WMV film clips that played before will not play now, but get this some will still show the video and sound but most don't. I know it has something to do with me fooling around with the media players in DX. Since then I looked and I have WMP 8. I even tried to upgrade to WMP 10 and the installation started then it stopped and said there was something wrong. It didn't install and It didn't tell me what was wrong. So now I am stuck with a half broken player. It still plays all of the wav's on my computer but no streaming radio and hardly any WMV film clips. Can anyone tell me what I can do to get it back. I know it has something to do with me trying those media players. Please!!!!
desktopx
12,101 views 25 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Darlene,

Start by deleting the DX cache folder > reinstall the MS Script file > use the Help\Check for player updates in WMPlayer > download and install if available.

If this fails, try to use the "Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs > Add/Remove Windows Components button (left task panel) > deselect WMPlayer (remove check mark) > follow prompts to remove access > reboot > repeat, but select WMP this time > follow prompts to reset access to WMP.

Hopefully this will resolve the issue.

The Political Machine 2024
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
*bump*


I like the title
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Corky,
thanks for getting back to me. Here are some of the things that you suggested that I tried today, Deleted the DX Cache folder, reinstalled the MS Script file, downloaded and installed the security patch for the WMP. None of this worked, went to the control panel > Add Remove Windows Components, could not deselect the WMP because it is not listed there. They had Games and Accessories, it wasn't under Accessories, Internet Explorer (only to remove it from the start menu), update root certificates, indexing services and MSN but no Window Media Player or anything close. In currently installed programs (the one you get when you go into control panel) the only thing listed was Windows Media Format Runtime plus the patch I had just installed. I don't think there is anywhere to uninstall the media player. so I couldn't follow the second part of your instructions. Anything else you can think of? I downloaded and saved WMP 9 and also WMP 9.5 when they came out. They are not available now for Windows XP, in updates they only offered me WMP 10, which I mentioned It could not install when I tried it stopped halfway through. Do you think I could mess it up any more if I tried to install say WMP 9 on top of my broken WMP 8 or do you have any other suggestions.
Darlene
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Darlene,

At this point, I would probably suggest using System Restore to get to a point before you installed the DX media objects/widgets.

In many cases, these DX objects are calling to the Media Player offered via Stardock Central, which can read and play media.

If System Restore fails, you could try to install the WMP 9, as the installer should search for other versions during installation - and inform you if any problems arise (note - make sure to set a restore point before attempting this installation).

If all else fails, and you have the Windows XP installation disc, you can do a "Repair" operation to restore Windows XP. This generally leaves the current programs installed intact, though some custom settings may be cleared.

If you do a repair, back-up all your saved files, and then do the following:

1 - Restart your computer and hit whatever key is indicated to enter the "BIOS" settings (usually referred to as "Set-Up") > look for the Boot Options screen or section in BIOS settings (it will be a list of devices in numerical order, which indicates the order in which the computer looks for the Operating System to load).

2 - Set the CD drive as the first device, if it is not already set that way (there should be text indicating how to move devices up and down in the list) > hit the proper keys (usually indicated on the bottom of the screen) to save changes and exit.

3 - After booting successfully to Windows, place the Windows XP installation disc in the CD drive, and restart the computer.

4 - During boot - watch for the text "Hit any key to boot from CD", and then hit a key. Wait a bit as set-up gathers information and displays a screen with the option the hit "Enter" to enter Set-Up.

5 - Hit "F8" when prompted to accept the EULA > wait to see the screen offering options to "Repair Windows XP", or to "Install Windows XP" > select the option to repair by hitting "R" > follow the prompts to repair the current installation of Windows.

That should set you straight, but obviously is a last resort - so hopefully, someone with more knowledge than I have will drop by with a better alternative.

Will check back.

Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Thanks Corky, These are good directions and I am going to save them until after New Years or until I really total Windows XP and am ready to call the repair man. They are a little beyond my pay grade and definitely above my expertise. I will continue trying Desktop XXX. It is working on most of the objects and widgets and my Norton's is working so all I am missing is my streaming radio, though I miss it. A few other things are showing up that I used to be able to do before and can't do now with the WMP. I think the first thing I will try is downloading the WMP 9 that I saved if I do anything when I have a little more courage. I am feeling a bit drained now. System Restore only worked for me once, do you think clicking on the WMP 9 would really mess me up or just not load. Or would it break Windows XP? You seem to know what you are doing, I'm impressed!! I will continue to be your DX tester after a rest and recoup and will continue with my reports. I am sure I will be crying again soon because I just can't let thing rest. Thanks for putting up with me and thanks to you Sir Bichur also.
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Darlene,

No problem....I understand being cautious when you first start out in computers.

It sounds like WMP starts, so have you tried going into WMP "Tools > Options", and doing the following:

1 - File Types tab = select all file types and then click "Apply".

2 - Network tab = make sure all protocols are selected, if not - select all and then click "Apply".

3 - Plugins tab = look for any plugins from the objects/widgets that you installed, and if found - select them and remove them.

A couple easy things to try.

Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Corky,
Did the thing with the file types have them all checked, did that a few days ago. Looked in the plugins folder, besides the SDPlugin folder the other plugin folder only had one plugin for a calendar. Going for the System Restore again, this time before I installed DX.
Darlene
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Tried 4 different dates for system restore and all 4 failed, that program only worked once for me and that was the second day that I had XP on my computer and downloaded sp1 which totaled my computer. System Restore worked the next morning and hasn't worked since.That was about 4 years ago. I have a backup of WMP 8 on another disk which I just remembered. What If I try to install that over my broken WMP 8?????? Now that I know system restore doesn't work I will wait for your reply....maybe.
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Darlene,

I would say yes to reinstalling WMP 8, and if successful - update to 9.

I believe you need 9 to update to 10, which may be why the installation failed before.

I definitely recommend restoring Windows to the default Windows XP "Luna" theme, including all icons, and removing any "Run at startup" options you may have set in Widgets, DX, ObjectDock, etc.

Microsoft, though clearly not perfect, is pretty good at designing their installers to look for previous installations of the software - and work with the existing settings to provide for a successful install, or to abort the install if something prevents it.

In other words, I believe you will be safe in making the attempt.

If system restore is not working, you might clear the current restore points by turning it off, and then starting it again. This would allow you to set a point before attempting to install WMP 8.

If you want to do this, you would do the following:

1 - Right-click "My Computer"

2 - Click on "Properties"

3 - Click on the "System Restore" tab

4 - Select "Turn off System Restore on all drives" > click "Apply" > confirm that this is what you want to do in the pop-up dialog.

5 - Deselect the "Turn off System Restore on all drives" > click "Apply" > click "OK"

6 - Go to System Restore, and create a new restore point.

Good luck, and will check back.

Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Corky O,

I know it took a long time to get back to you, but with the Holidays and everything. I did a lot of reading also, forums and google searches. I wasn't going to let this go with my Windows Media Player not playing. Here is what I did, I only had the Windows Media Runtime in the control panel, and couldn't remember seeing it there before. In one of my google searches someone was having the same problem as I was. I kept coming back to this particular thread whenever I would do a google search of anything to do with the WMP. He tried everything and when nothing worked out of frustration tried to uninstall Windows Media Runtime from the control panel, well it didn't uninstall it rolled back. So I finally tried that and mine rolled back also, to what version I haven't a clue. But most of my streaming media, like Coast to Coast started playing again. But not some of the news pages that were showing a clip and some radio stations, also most of my film clips were not working, just the audio.
They were all showing before, so there was more work to do. I had three things left to try, direct x 9 from Microsoft, K lite Codec pack or WMP 6 Codecs.
Well I installed WMP 6 Codecs and now everything is working. I hope anyone else out there who has this problem benefits from this. Thank you for all of your time and help. I will still be your tester for Desktop XXX.

Which brings me to my next problem, you know the big bug that Microsoft had with the WMF. They were not releasing the patch for a week and on my ZD Net newsletter they had a patch released from someone as a temporary fix. It was a WMF_fix hexblog 14.exe unofficial patch. Well I downloaded it and saved it.
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Hey! They timed-out and didn't finish my letter, maybe it was too long. Here is the rest of it.

Which brings me to my next problem, you know the big bug that Microsoft had with the WMF. They were not releasing the patch for a week and on my ZD Net newsletter they had a patch released from someone as a temporary fix. It was a WMF_fix hexblog 14.exe unofficial patch. Well I downloaded it and saved it. A couple days later Microsoft released their patch and when I went up to their site they scanned my computer and did not offer it to me. It was KB912919. I guess they didn't offer it to me because I don't have sp1 or sp2. If you were in my position would you put on the unofficial patch?

I wish they taught this stuff when I was in school.
Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Try going to Microsoft's WMP website and download a new package of codecs. Chances are one or more of the plugins that you tried borked the codecs that were previously working on your system.

I don't understand exactly how codecs work, but I do know that every time I've had a problem with WMP it turned out to be a codec problem.

Posted via WinCustomize Browser/Stardock Central
Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I guess they didn't offer it to me because I don't have sp1 or sp2. If you were in my position would you put on the unofficial patch?

Darlene,

Without SP2, you will lose a few of the updates, as they (MS) are using the product verification which looks for that service pack to offer supplimental updates. All the security patches should be offered, but not the "additional softwares".

As for the 'unofficial' patch, I do not know how that one was written, and what requirements it was written for. I would research that one a bit before installing it - or hopefully someone like 'yraq' will stop by with more information on that patch. Note - I simply waited for MS to release the patch due to my running SP2.

J-Mac's suggestion might be your best route for the first step if you do not want to install SP2.

Glad to hear you got the functionality back.

Just out of curiosity, is there a specific reason you do not install the service packs for XP?

Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top
i think I read something at another site that mentioned installing the unofficial patch cause you to lose view thumbnail capability.
Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Un-registering shimgvw.dll caused the loss of thumbnails via Picture and Fax viewer.

The 'un-official' patch does the same thing as the MS patch.

Without SP1/SP2, you will get no MS security updates.
Reply #17 from WinCustomize Forums Top
My computer which is about 5 years old came with Windows Me installed. Well it kept breaking and giving me a lot of grief, so the last time something happened to it, I tried what the guy at Comp USA did and put my CD in and tried to fix it. Needless to say it didn't work and I took it to a Computer store and they said Windows Me was junk and to put Windows XP on. So I upgraded right about the time sp1 came out. When I downloaded sp1 everything broke on my computer, my CD Burner wouldn't work anymore and a lot of other things didn't work. I was going to take it back to where I had it upgraded (which was a pretty professional shop) and then I remembered System Restore. I tried it and it worked and my Computer was just like it was before and I never touched sp1 again. I downloaded individual patches and noticed in the control panel that they had sp1 next to them. But I still needed the condensed version of sp1 to get sp2 which probably would have really messed it up. I followed 42 pages of people having trouble with sp2 at a Teck Support site and found out I needed some drivers for my HP Pavillion and the multimedia keyboard, plus patches from Norton's and it still would have trashed my CD Burner. So either way I was going to end up back at the computer shop, either with a virus from not having it patched or to get my CD Burner fixed if I downloaded sp1 and sp2. So that is how I am where I am, between a rock and a hard place.

Yrag, do I need thumbnails or should I just not put it on? Something already happened to my computer since yesterday I only have five things in my temporary internet files. The only thing I did recently is renew my Norton's System Works subscription, and I found them over there in their web cleanup, advanced. I used to delete them every night before I closed my computer all but about 5 cookies that I subscribe to like Wincustomize. I wonder what caused me not to have a cache, everything is still loading and I am still logged in. Where did they go? Is this something new?
Reply #18 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Yrag, do I need thumbnails or should I just not put it on?


The 'patch' does not affect your images. So you can apply it (it will show in your Add an Remove panel). Having said that, if you don't have any of the service packs installed...ah...why bother?

If you go to the Microsoft site, you can send for the CD with the service packs on it. I assume it's still free. I think you'll find the CD install (assuming Norton doesn't have a say) will go smoothly. At some point, you're going to have to bite the bullet, so......food for though.

The Temp Internet folder should be cleaned by Norton (don't know if that's new or not). If Norton keeps them somewhere else, that shouldn't be a problem unless the pages are loading slow...if they are, turn the web filtering off.
Reply #19 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I have already sent for and received the CD, I know I will have to bite the bullet sooner or later, but with an anti virus and firewall, spywareblaster, adaware and spybot plus emptying my cached and deleting the cookies every night I was hoping it would be later. That is why I was upset to see my cache of the temporary internet files gone. It is much faster to delete them there than go to Norton's System Works, wait till they find them and then I never deleted them there. It might delete my good cookies. This is Norton's System Works 2003, and it never did this until today and I renewed it earlier this week. Where do I turn web filtering off, I couldn't find it in Norton's. I really would like them to be in the temporary Internet files, at least I know what I am doing there. Could it be something else doing this in Windows instead of Norton's?
Reply #20 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Maybe someone who uses Norton can give you a hand with the settings....I don't use it, so I'm reasonably Norton stupid (and happy to be so). When you say you clean the cache out manually, are you using Internet Options or are you actually going to the folder and deleting everything except the cookies you want? I can't imagine (even for Norton) that it moves the files someplace else. Nothing you have installed should be doing it and nothing in XP would do it unless you initiated it. Check in Internet Options settings and make sure the folder location is correct. You can also use XP's Disk Cleanup for Internet files and it should leave all the cookies. I certainly wouldn't worry about a bunch of text files.
Reply #21 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Yes, that is where I deleted them all of these years tools, internet options, delete files. Then I went through the cookies that were left and deleted all but the ones I subscribe too. The files and cookies were gone all day yesterday and that's what sent me looking for them, but just after I replied to you I hit delete files in internet options and they came back. Must of been a quirk or something. Thanks all of you for your help, and special thanks to Corky for all of his help with the WMP.
Chances are one or more of the plugins that you tried borked the codecs that were previously working on your system.

This is what I think happened also, being I was trying all of the media players. I really like Desktop X, but it certainly keeps me on my toes. I now wish I would have bought the builder edition, then I would be a permanent fixture over here.
Reply #22 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Just wanted to mention one thing, some of the Dxplayers will only work if you have ObjectMedia installed.
Reply #23 from WinCustomize Forums Top
ooh, that's true...forgot all about that
Reply #24 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Thanks, where do you get Object Media? Not that I would mess around with it again after going through all of this.
Reply #25 from WinCustomize Forums Top


First let me say I am sorry you are having problems with Destopx.I also use and build DXthemes. It does have some problems, But i find version 3 to be fairly stable.

To answer your question... ObjectMedia comes with Object Desktop. When some one makes a dxplayer in DTX it requires ObjectMedia (unless it is made with scripts. That use either WMP or WinAmp.) This is a default setting for the DXplayer. But you can change the player you want to use in DXplayer properties. ( Go to DXplayer Configuration.. Then User preferences then check which program you want DXplayer to use. i.e.. WMP, WinAmp or even cool player. To find DXplayer configuration ...right click on an object in your player such as the player button or even volume slider. that will bring up the objects properties box.Then on the General Tab go to bottom where it says Remote Media Player Highlight it the click on Configure. in the next page click on User Preferences...

You seem to have many problems with your computer. When you changed from ME to XP was it a full Install of Windows XP or did you install an XP update over ME. Because if you just updated ME to XP you will still have the same problems you had with ME if not more. The reason I ask is because you said " When i downloaded SP 1 every thing broke on my computer" Which leads me to believe you installed XP over ME. If this is the case.. Your best option would be to Buy Windows XP Pro Format your disk and make a fresh install..