Black Screen on Most Dreams.

from WinCustomize Forums

 I just got the trail of DeskScapes 3 yesterday, but only a few work. I first got the MPEG-2 error though I fixed that. Now they show up in DeskScape, but when I hit apply it's just a black screen. The ones that work are:

Winter Snow

Water Dream

Desktop Earth

Vintage Dream

Desktop Slideshow

All of the ones I downloaded and the others stock ones don't work. My specs are: XP 32bit, Nvidia 8800 GT 512MB, 3GB RAM, AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 4200+ 2.20Ghz.

4,928 views 15 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Stardock gives a number of dreams as part of the trial package. They are, as far as I know, the only ones which will work with the trial.

"DeskScapes is available now as a free trial. The trial package includes dynamic, hybrid, and video dreams designed to enhance your PC experience."

 

Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Doc, all dream work with the trial now, but it times out after 30 days.

pogwarts...the dreams you have working are dynamic or hybrid dreams. You still have a mpeg2 codec issue.

ObjectDock - Access shortcuts and frequently used applications from an animated dock.
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top

So far the only dreams that work with XP are the ones mentioned in the topic.  All others only give you an "Active Movie" window. :(

Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top

If you get an ActiveMovie window it suggests the mpeg2 decoders you have are not compatible with windowless mode.  Older decoders tend not to be.

Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top

CarGuy, do you know how I can fix the mpeg2 issue?
End of quote

I've heard some have had good luck getting free mpeg2 support by installing VirtualDub-MPEG2.

Not sure if it will help you since all of the versions of Windows that I've run DeskScapes on have always had MPEG2 support.

If you have a copy of PowerDVD you can install it also.

It's a shame, I have a few old copies of Power DVD5 that would probably work with absolutly no need for them.

Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top

pogworts... sorry...didn't see the XP in there. Yeah, I'd agree with Carsguy and Niel. Prob the mpeg2 thing. Sorry I steered you wrong.

Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top

If you get an ActiveMovie window it suggests the mpeg2 decoders you have are not compatible with windowless mode. Older decoders tend not to be.
End of quote

Neil...I understand it has something to do with the Mpeg2 decoder...so if you can point me to decoders that work I'd be greatful. I would love to get this all sorted out once and for all. ;)

And I also have PowerDVD installed...but that doesn't seem to help.

Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting CarGuy1, reply 6

CarGuy, do you know how I can fix the mpeg2 issue?
I've heard some have had good luck getting free mpeg2 support by installing VirtualDub-MPEG2.

Not sure if it will help you since all of the versions of Windows that I've run DeskScapes on have always had MPEG2 support.

If you have a copy of PowerDVD you can install it also.

It's a shame, I have a few old copies of Power DVD5 that would probably work with absolutly no need for them.
End of CarGuy1's quote
VirtualDub didn't work. I got InstalledCodec, but I don't know how to change the priority on it.

Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top

You may need to alter the priority of your mpeg decoders.
End of quote

 

And how does one go about doing this. That could also be the problem since I was under the impression that all I had to do was install these codec packs and saw nothing about setting priorities. Thanks Neil!

 

Update: Ok...I just removed all the dreams that weren't working and left the ones that were....then I checked off the different types...Video...Dynamic...Hybrid and I can see that I have dreams installed from all these categories and they all work. So...does this still mean that the codec is bad? Or is it that some dreams are done in some different format? Or is it that some are just to big filewise? Just trying to get this sorted out.

Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I've read that Vista Home Premium has the codecs, and I happen to own a copy (I recently switched back to XP). Is it possible to just explore the disk and install the files?

Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I've read that Vista Home Premium has the codecs, and I happen to own a copy (I recently switched back to XP). Is it possible to just explore the disk and install the files?
End of quote

Very doubtful. Why not install Vista? With service pack 2 it runs as fast as XP.

Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting CarGuy1, reply 13

I've read that Vista Home Premium has the codecs, and I happen to own a copy (I recently switched back to XP). Is it possible to just explore the disk and install the files?
Very doubtful. Why not install Vista? With service pack 2 it runs as fast as XP.
End of CarGuy1's quote
I might if I can't find a fix on here.