Graphical Glitches Gone?

from WinCustomize Forums
It's been a while since I've been back but I see we've got another version of WB and I was about to install it on my laptop when I remembered why I uninstalled it the last time....the glitches...
For some reason the taskbar (along with other parts of the OS) would not be skinned and just show white. If I move my mouse over the area, it would reskin but after a while it would go back to white. I lived with it for a bit, but after a while it just got a bit annoying (especially when it would happen with checkboxes and such) and I went back to the regular silver xp theme.

So, with version 4.6 can anybody tell me if they've fixed this little issue? I'm fairly certain it's not something with my machine as i've had 3 machines (2 of which had excellent graphic cards) and they've all had the same problem. I really want to use windowblinds again but it's so annoying to see those little white areas that really stick out and ruin the total look of the theme. Or perhaps there's a way to fix this that I just don't know about??
3,818 views 11 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I haven't had that problem...but I don't use a laptop.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
i had suffered the same problem but i usually can solve that by reloading the skin... or restarting my computer as the last option.
SoundPackager - Customize the Windows sound scheme
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I haven't had that problem...but I don't use a laptop.

I've experienced this on my desktop as well.




i had suffered the same problem but i usually can solve that by reloading the skin... or restarting my computer as the last option.


Ok, I installed version 4.6 and tried out Micron2 and the same problems are there.(I can post shots later). Guess i'll be sticking with what i've got.


Kinda curious though why this still happens. You'd think by now this would have been fixed but I guess it's not a big issue with everyone.
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
was about to install it on my laptop when I remembered why I uninstalled it the last time....the glitches...


I have both a laptop and desktop, and have never had a problem. I usually, as a routine, reboot my computers after applying a new blind.

I download the updates through Stardock Central. Do you have Object Desktop, or just Windowblinds? I don't know if that makes any difference or not...just a thought.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
thundr51, It sounds like a graphics card or card driver problem. Check and make sure you have the latest drivers installed. I did have a Sony laptop with an integrated ATI display that never would display some skins properly, even with the latest driver. Check and make sure all the skins you try to load show the problem. Do both systems use the same type card?
I'm assuming your running XP and not 98 or 2000. I don't believe they are fully skinned with the last few versions of WB.
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I just bought a Packard Bell laptop with a nVidia Geforece Go 6400 graphics card running on XP home and I have not seen such problem so far.

I have never seen the problem on any of the desktop systems I have used WB on.
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Assuming you are running XP and no other shell customizing programs, I agree with Lantec.

It sounds like something in your video hardware, drivers or display settings.

You do have the DPI set to 96 don't you?

The only issue I have seen on my laptop was due to the DPI being set to 120 (Large) - found in Display Properties>Settings>Advanced>General.

Again, this would be based on your not having say something like StyleXP installed but not disabled, etc.

Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Ok, I switched the video card on my desktop and voila everything looks good...so far...

On my laptop however i'm still getting some problems. I'll try to post a shot in a bit. Yes my DPI is 96, but it looks like either the taskbar area is glitched a bit (near the tops) or its the start menu...I guess it depends on the theme i've loaded. I've always know my graphics card on my laptop to be crap but I wouldn't expect that I'd need that much power to display some simple skins...

btw, my laptop is a Sony Vaio PCG-K23
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
btw, my laptop is a Sony Vaio PCG-K23

That's the same one I had my problems with. Ended up giving it to my bookeeper.
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Try this skin Link
I made it on the PCG K23 and it works without any flaws. Others I found to work were Vectorcell, most of Z71's skins and almost all of the skins by Essorant.

Finally bought myself a Sony VGN-A690....skins flawlessly.
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Ok, after some serious reseach it looks like I have to be very selective which skins I use. I've managed to find a few skins that work flawlessly so I guess i'll be happy with that. I've noticed some of the more detailed skins cause problems while the simple ones work with no probs. Guess i'll have to experiment...

Thanx for the help everyone