Stuck in Windows 7 Basic Theme?

from Stardock Forums

Hi! I just recently installed two pieces of software, Stardock Fences, And Stardock WindowFX. Ever since installing the two, my computer has been forced into Windows 7 Basic theme. Whenever I opposite click and click "Personalize", I get "Explorer.EXE - Unspecified Error". I tried uninstalling the two, and the problem is still occurring. My computer is running Windows 7 Ultimate x64. If anyone can give me any help with this, that would be great. Thank you in advance!

fences
3,416 views 11 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Registry cleaner and then SFC /scannow.

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

Can you be a little more clear instead of just blurting out a statement?.. Might be a little more help.. Don't mean to sound rude. I just don't know what you're asking me to do..

TouchTasks - Access tasks with ease on Windows touchscreens.
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top

If you have uninstalled both programs and not reinstalled then run a program like CCleaner that has a Registry Cleaner included with it, and reboot your system.  If you still get the same error then from a C: prompt or a Command Prompt run SFC /scannow.  Running SFC /scannow will find corrupted files and repair them.  Just follow the prompts.  If that clears things up you can then try reinstalling Fences and WindowFX.

At times some us forget that there are a lot of new folks using computers that are less experienced then others.

Post back and let us know what happens.   :sun:

 

EDIT:  Are you by chance running any other desktop customizing software?

Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top

If you've uninstalled both programs, run a registry cleaner, like Advanced System Care or the one in CCleaner.

 

Then, open an administrative command prompt. Type in SFC (space) /scannow and hit enter. Allow it to do it's thing. It'll fix system files. If you need more help, send an email to [email protected].

 

I guess we posted at the same time Philly.

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

I'm definitely not new lol. I just like to make sure that members of any forums are taking care to explain things in detail instead of just slopping facts out there. And my only fear of using a Registry cleaner, is that in the past every time i have it has corrupted my system to the point where i couldn't restore the registry backup, and i had to reinstall my operating system.

And the only other desktop customization software i'm running is Rainmeter which to this day has never caused an issue with my computer. (I also have quite a few shell extensions, not sure if that would interfere)

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

If you'd like to know the shell extensions that I'm running, they are

  1. Attribute Changer 7
  2. TortoiseGit
  3. TortioseSVN
  4. Unlocker
  5. PowerISO
  6. and Notepad++
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Can you use system restore back to a point before you installed the software? Do you have anything else installed that ties into explorer? Your problem is not common, in fact, I don't recall it being reported here in these forums. Definitely send in a report to support.

CCleaners registry cleaner doesn't go very deep into the registry so I doubt you will have any issues running it. I never have. It does give the option to back up the registry before you make any changes, so you may want to do so, just to be on the safe side.

Try restarting UxSms in Services to get DWM running again.

Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top

You really should drop a line to [email protected]

In it I would definitely list the shell extensions you are using, as well as the url of this thread.

I'm also wondering whether you have any other Stardock programs like Windowblinds, etc.

I'm sure the more info you give support, the better they'll be able to help, and they're quite good at that.

After submitting the request for help you'll receive an "auto-reply". If you don't see it within 24-48 hrs., check the "spam/junk email" folders in your email. Don't reply to it as that will kick your request for help to the end of the queue. Wait until an actual person answers you.

Good luck in solving your problem, and when you get a solution, please add it to this thread. :)

Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top

The Registry Cleaner in CCleaner works fine for me and has not messed up or corrupted my system.  From what I understand on how it works is once you uninstall a piece of software or a program it finds the links to those and cleans them out of the registry.  As for the other shell programs you are running someone from Stardock will have to answer as to whether there may be conflicts with their software.  Rainmeter is okay.

Reply #10 from Stardock Forums Top

I will drop a line and let them know what happened, As of right now, I found that I had a restore point created when I installed TightVNC the other day, So after i try a registry cleaner, if it doesn't work i will just restore to that restore point. But I will still drop a line to the support team and let them know what happened so they can figure out if it's their problem or not. Thank you all for your help! If they reply with a solution at all I will be sure to let you all know. Thanks again!

Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Also don't forget to tell them which versions of Fences and WindowFX you are running (Paid or Free).