Need help creating a .wba file to install/use

from WinCustomize Forums
I could use some help to create the windowblind file.  I have a windowblind I like but I like to make a few changes to make it a little more personal.  I would like to create the file to use on my other computer so I don't have to make the changes twice.  I am using the latest beta of Skin studio 6, windowblinds (no beta), and XP.

After I make my changes, the blindworks fine. I use the "make WBA package" under the file menu.  It creates the file, but is very very small.  When I transfer it to my other computer, it does not have all items in it and does not load properly.

I have looked around but can't find anything that I should do different.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.


windowblinds
7,982 views 10 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
You can use winrar to create a install file to use. Navagate to the directory were the blind is stored, highlight all of the contents, right click and choose add to zip, and it will zip all of the files into 1 file. Name that file whatever.wba. You now have a install file.

I have Windows Vista. To create a install file for the blind "Diamond" that comes with WB6 I would navigate to C:\users\public\documents\stardock\windowblinds\diamond. I would then highlight all of the files in the diamond directory and right click and choose add to archive and name that file diamond.wba
This will work with winrar installed. I may also work with winzip if it has shell enhancements.

Since you are running XP you will need to find out where the Windowblinds folder is stored as it may not be the same as Vista.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
That makes sense. I will give that a shot. Do I still need to click on "create WBA package" in skin studio, or only what you described above?

A side question, but if all I need to do is use winrar, why does skinstudio have a that selection? What does that do?

Thanks for the quick reply.
Curtains - Customize Windows with additional styles
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
WB6?, browse to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\Stardock\WindowBlinds, copy folder for skin to other PC.
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
WB6?, browse to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\Stardock\WindowBlinds, copy folder for skin to other PC.
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There you go...thats even easier. :CONGRAT: 

Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
"Create WBA package" should work. It works for me...I don't know why it's not working for you. It's something you might want to look into.
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Hi all. Interesting post here. I was just backing up my skins and realized that most of the ones I downloaded I just had my FF setting to open with WindowBlinds so I don't have the .wba files. All I have is the folders C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\Stardock\WindowBlinds with all the unpacked .wba files. So... my lost ass has a couple of questions.

WB6?, browse to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\Stardock\WindowBlinds, copy folder for skin to other PC.
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1. Hi Canvan, how do you browse to anywhere using WB6? Where is this option? I'd rather use WB6 to make my .wba files rather than SK6 if it's that easy (because of...see next Q).

2. Also, in SK6 you have to open a skin before the 'make wba' option is available on the file menu. However, if a skin has more than one substyle, SK6 requires that a single substyle is selected when opening a skin.

So, if I open a substyle of a skin and make a .wba, is it only going to make a .wba for that substyle?

How do you make the .wba for the skin including it's substyles?

Any help will be greatly appreciated. Happy Easter!!! :)

winXP/Pro/SP2/WB6 latest beta

Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
just one sec...okay...i think i get it. just copy the entire folder from one directory to the other pcs same shared files wb directory??? but i wanted to make wba files as backups.
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
how do you browse to anywhere using WB6?
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Can't, browse in windows explorer to that folder. The only reason to create a .wba for backup is if you really want to save space. If so, no need to use SKS, just zip the folder and then rename .zip to .wba.
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Thanks Cavan. I got it! :CONGRAT: Cheers.