Strange behavior

from WinCustomize Forums
I've been using Windowblinds now for about 4-5 years.  Right now I'm running 6.1 (Build 55 x86) and I've kept it updated via Stardock Central.  I am not running a trial version.

The last 2-3 times I've updated it, I've had problems with WB applying at boot up.  I get the Windows Classic look instead of the selected WB I've had set to apply.  If I reboot 2-3 times, WB finally kicks in and I get the skin I've set.

This only started happening over the last 2-3 updates I've done to WB. 

If I  open up WB from the Start menu (running Windows XP Pro), WB will open but there is no title bar.  If I try to "apply" the blind I know I have already set, it appears to go thru the process of applying it but I still have the Windows Classic look. 

Then I have to do a ctrl-alt-delete to get WB to close as the title bar is missing.

I've reformatted a couple times over the last 2-3 updates to WB and this problem still continues even after reinstalling.

Any ideas of what's going on here?

TIA.
windowblinds
2,932 views 6 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Open the WindowBlinds Configuration screen and click on "System info" then click the "Copy text" button. Paste that info here.

You may also try updating WindowBlinds using Impulse.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Thanks for the reply - here's the info you requested.

WindowBlinds version : WindowBlinds 6.1 (build 55 x86)

WindowBlinds is installed correctly on this PC
WindowBlinds appears to be activated on this PC
Your machine supports per pixel borders on WindowBlinds skins.

(Default Monitor) 1 is attached to NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400

Wblind.dll 2008/05/06 15:25:20
Wbsrv.dll 2008/04/28 11:35:10
Wbconfig.exe 2008/04/29 21:02:32
Wbload.exe 2008/04/28 11:35:14
Wbhelp.dll 2008/04/28 11:35:07
Wbui.dll 2008/04/28 11:35:05
Tray.dll 2008/04/28 11:35:21
Screen.exe 2008/04/28 11:35:18
Sins of a Solar Empire II
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
P. S. I don't know what "Impulse" is... other than a .exe file. Is there something wrong with using Stardock Central to update my Stardock products - of which I have many!?
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Impulse is the next generation of Stardock Central for installing and updating Stardock products and games.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Not for now. Impulse is our new download/install manager for our products,as well as other products/games. Stardock Central will still be viable for the foreseeable future, but eventually everything will switch to Impulse. Couple of things for you to check:

-Do you have any security software running that would prevent WindowBlinds from working?
-Make sure you have the latest drivers for your graphics chipset. In the case of the nVidia GO 7400, you'll probably need to go to your notebooks manufacturer's site to get it.
-You can also try running this file: http://sd.stardock.com/mike/apps/stardock_access.bat which will resolve any permissions issues that may cause this.

I would definitely recommend installing through Impulse for any of these.

http://storage.stardock.com/files/Impulse_setup_full.exe
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Thanks all for the info. I run Norton Internet Security but I've run that for years and thru many interations of all Stardock programs without issue until recently. My video drivers are updated - I keep my system in tip top shape and have for years. Haven't tried running the ./bat file yet but probably will and see what happens.

Will check out Impulse...

WB has been working fine ever since I posted my problem. Figures. Kinda like a rattle in your car the service dept. can never find... KWIM?

Thanks again.