winstyles go boom

from WinCustomize Forums
Okay, so I finally fork over the money to buy Object Desktop. I get the component manager installed, download and install a bunch of components, no problems. Then, rather than go and configure everything separately, I click my little "WinStyles" tab in my Display Properties, pick a skin, hit OK, and the thing blows up.

After some careful and well-timed screen capturing, I discover an error box comes up, titled "Control Panel" and claiming that "An error occurred while Windows was working with the Control Panel file C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\DESK.CPL." Oddly enough, with an OK button, though the box disappears without my hitting anything.

So ... anyone got some advice?
6,983 views 13 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Pardon me for bumping this back up, but Stardock support hasn't gotten back to me yet. Don't suppose anyone has a clue on how to help me out? I tried uninstalling/reinstalling everything (including manually clearing out the directories) to no avail.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Are you skinning Display Properties with WindowBlinds (usually it's unskinned)? If so, I think this is a known problem, due to be solved in 3.4.
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Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Don't worry about it, Winstyles has not worked for me since the name change from convergence.
I know they will fix it though.. (yeah mine goes all mission impossible over me too)




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Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I didn't think skinning Display Properties when running WIndowBlinds was an option -- I can't find anywhere to shut that off. I've tried using WinStyles with WindowBlinds unloaded anyway, and that doesn't work either.

So what, I'm just supposed to sit and wait for a new version and hope that works, even though I've already paid for this? Hm, I really wish Stardock support was a little speedier.

Thanks for the suggestions, anyway!
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Have you tried going to the Stardock support news group? YOu might want to look and see which thing is going boom. I haven't heard of this problem before.
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Didn't even realize there was a Stardock support news group. Of course, I don't have a news reader per se, so that's not surprising.

Guess I'll give the e-mail a few more days, then try that if I still haven't heard back!
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Glen, If you have Outlook Express you have a news reader. If not venture over to Cnet Download.com and there are some free/cheap alternatives.
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
try this: news://news.stardock.com
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I said I don't have a news reader per se, not I don't have a news reader ... I don't have a specific news reader I actually use for reading news, since I don't read news. I've got several programs already that'll do the trick, though!
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
And does this happen when you use the main WinStyles UI do to it? This isn't the place for support, but are you on 9x? Have the latest video drivers?
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
if i were you I would try uninstalling the winstyles from your component manager, then manually install all of the themes for each program... see if that helps

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Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
If I try to apply a skin using the main UI, the program just crashes, no control panel error. I'm on 98SE ... I'll double-check the drivers, hasn't thought of that one. And I do know this isn't really the place for support, but I figured it was worth a shot!
Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Sometimes it is hard to tell whether or not it is the program or our computers, for instance I downloaded Object Desktop, and have never had a problem, Winstyles works perfectly, however, it works much better in windows XP....which I now have. Why do some people have problems and other's don't? It is a sure sign that it may be your operating system or computer, if it is an OD issue then others would have the same problem...trying going to www.pcpitstop.com, it is a free service that scans your computer and tells you what problems you have, and they offer free fixes as well, I have been using this for a long time.