Cannot get any of the styles to apply

from Stardock Forums

I have Windows 8.1
I can't seem to get any of the styles to apply.  There is a spinning icon which has the screen change to black and white, but in the end, nothing changes.  I then have to reboot before I can try to choose a different style, to see if that works.  I've tried uninstalling all the stardock apps and only have open Start8, and Object Desktop.  Any ideas?

Thanks!

windowblinds
3,284 views 8 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Have you used any sort of visual style hack on your system before using WindowBlinds? Did you install WB's on any drive other than the C (OS) drive or move the skins from the default Public folder location?

 Also, what security apps do you have running?

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

Thanks Wizard for the response.  WB is installed only on C drive.  Skins are in the default Public folder location.

I am running Norton 360.  Just by chance, I'll uninstall and and reinstall with Norton disabled.

I remember playing with changing windows themes quite awhile back and I had put something on then, but not sure if that would affect this.  Is that the sort of thing you were asking?

Star Control: Origins
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Yes. Sometimes people use the .UXTHEME patcher crap and it alters system files so badly that other theming programs won't work.

Any of those theme kits/skin packs, etc. cause more harm than good.

 

Windowblinds doesn't actually alter any system files and is your best bet.    ;)

 

Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Good idea, 99ghunter.

After uninstalling, disable Norton, don't connect to the net - for your own protection.

Run the cmd (right click on cmd and 'Run as Administrator') and type sfc /scannow  - note: there is a space between sfc and /scannow.


You can also run chkdsk /f /r 


Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting 99ghunter, reply 2

Just by chance, I'll uninstall and and reinstall with Norton disabled.
End of 99ghunter's quote

 

Doc, he's not uninstalling Norton, although, IMO, he should.    ;)

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

Thanks, guys.  I tried uninstalling WB and reinstalling with Norton disabled.  That didn't help.  I also ran the scannow and chkdsk commands.  I got stuck on the chkdsk command, but eventually it came back.  I then had a lot of my icons turn into white icons.  I found the fix to that with installing Icon Packager, but still can't get WB to work.  Any other ideas?  I don't remember the name of the theme .exe file I placed on my system, but I'm thinking the scannow command should have repaired any files.

 

Thanks!

Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I suggest you send a request for help to [email protected] include in it the url of this thread...and any screen shots you think relevant.

They won't be back at regular work until 1/2/15, but Support folks will be here on and off and will be answering emails...just not at full throttle.

So keep the 'autoreply' you get as it has your ticket number. Don't reply to it. Only reply to Support emails signed by a person. Don't write again as that will kick your request for help to the end of the queue.

Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top

Thanks, Doc!  I posted a question to them at the same time.  I'll wait till I hear from them and give them the URL of this thread.