David Lyncheski David Lyncheski

I am not using windowblinds anymore

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I am not using windowblinds anymore

it's to slow

from WinCustomize Forums
I am not using windowblinds anymore. It is to slow.
anybody that is using stylexp, where do you get your skins?
skinning
17,127 views 75 replies
Reply #51 from WinCustomize Forums Top
see if Desktop Architect works for you
Reply #52 from WinCustomize Forums Top
David....another thing with using 'hacked' theme patchers and StyleXP is that they disable some features in XP, namely System Restore, Backup in XP Pro and System Repair using your XP Installation Disk, particularly if using the hacked bootscreens.

I found this out the hard way when using them, and was required to insert my installation disk to replace a missing file. Nothing would install and I was constantly going around in cirlces until I discovered the cause, having to reboot constantly until I uninstalled the patcher/hacked dll's. Once this was done my system behaved as it should....something that is not necessary with Windowblinds or other Stardock programs.

Your best bet, seeing as you've already paid for WB5, is to bite the bullet and get a decent graphics card that supports its features, and in doing so, you're most likely to resolve the 'too slow' issue. Mine was a tad slow until I upgaded, now its lightening fast.
Sins of a Solar Empire II
Reply #53 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I have found WB doesn't work well on my laptop but I know better than to blame WB. I simply have too little memory to properly operate WB. Although actually the problem is more so with transparancies. I am upgrading my base memory soon so I know that will help things run much smoother. But why do people have to immediately go and blame WB for things being slow. It doesn't really require more memory to use it, unless you wish to take advantage of the more graphic intensive features.

Posted via WinCustomize Browser/Stardock Central
Reply #54 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I've been switching back and forth from StypleXP to WB for a few years. I install the latest version of WB - lured by some great skin spotted here or on DeviantArt. And I *always* end up uninstalling it because of some problem or another.

I have been enjoying WB5 with Kol's now banned Vista skin for a few months. I've just UNinstalled it because Autodesk VIZ (=3DS Max under another name) and @Last SketchUp don't like it - even when they are TOTALLY excluded (ie 'Ignore this Application and do not skin it' in Per Application settings). For both programs chunks of the app. window disappear (desktop shows through) and loads of other visual glitches.

I've reinstalled StyleXP and everything works just fine - and I think my system is a bit faster too.

No doubt WB5 is the more advanced proggie - lots of options and tweaks etc. But it all comes at a price.

K

Athlon 64 x2 4200+
2Gb RAM
FX5600 256Mb
Reply #55 from WinCustomize Forums Top
does any body know how to remove the file, view, help... menus from explorer?
Reply #56 from WinCustomize Forums Top
You can build 'em, from scratch, using VB6 or VB(whatever), so I would assume one would just open the form/window you choose to work on in VB (Visual Basic). If you mean How to Remove from a Blind, someone else jump in who's built blinds. I've coded VB for things like popups and window forms, but not a linked series such as an entire skin...try Visual Basic, would be my suggestion on where to look...
Reply #57 from WinCustomize Forums Top
the hacked version allowes me to install themes.

Do I understand this right? You're running a hacked version of WB?
Reply #58 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Do I understand this right?

No Po', he's using a hacked uxtheme.dll, which is essentially StyleXP without the front end.
Not a wise thing to do at all.

David L. - I don't know how much support help you will get here if you are using the hacked .dll file. Good luck to you though.
Reply #59 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Use Styler for your toolbar and you can turn the file menu off.
Reply #60 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I changed from Style XP to WB5 because of the per-pixel feature. I have a radeon 9000 card and I actually experienced a slight increase in graphics rendering with WB5 over Style XP & standard WinXP theming. Not sure why but it works great for me.
Reply #61 from WinCustomize Forums Top
i ran WB5, StyleXP, and WB4.6
my favorite is WB4.6 and styleXP
for WB5, as previously stated, the "glass" look comes at a price - i did a few little benchmarks (ram cache) and it seems that WB5 does impact performance. I also think that buying a new video card just to run WB5 better is a stupid idea, video cards should be bought to run 3d applications better. WB5 should be bought to accompany a nice video card, not the other way around.

All in all for desktop customization, my vote goes 100% to WB4.6

What i tested on:

AMD Athlon 64 2800+
512mb DDR430 Ram
60gb Hard Drive
ATI Radeon x700pro AGP
Reply #62 from WinCustomize Forums Top
i am using styler to do that. it is now free. http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fta2027.plala.jp%2FStyler%2Findex.html&langpair=ja%7Cen&hl=en&safe=off&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&prev=%2Flanguage_tools
Reply #63 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Styler needs to be thawed?
I don't know how to 'double please click'
Styler has a drug and drop?
If development is over, what's the purpose of the idea contest indicated in the task tray?
Reply #64 from WinCustomize Forums Top
You guys can take this statement and spread it over your lawn to make your grass grow really green:
"That means you are no longer actually using the 'Windows theme services' but a back-yarder's hacked version. Good luck with that..."

Because there is not a thing wrong with the patch. I use it religously since the only time i use Windowblinds is when i'm using one of our themes or testing one of ours. Otherwise the patch is stable as hell and the most native way to skin Windows.
Reply #65 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Otherwise the patch is stable as hell

then I'm guessing it's important to get 'the patch' from the 'correct' source since I have seen posts at other forums that have issues with patching. quite often the response is 'you got a bad patch. go here and get the good patch'
Reply #66 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I find it interesting that you, Jeff, would be using a modification of a Microsoft file, which is dissallowed in the terms and services that you agree to when you use Windows.
Reply #67 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Cerebro: I'm not a Microsoft employee. If you want to get technical the patch i use is the neowin patch i believe. Since Stardock now owns a large portion if not all of Neowin you could say the same thing for your bosses couldn't you? Since it's readily available. I'm pretty sure Microsoft knows the patch is there. One quick search and you can find it on Neowin. Now i may be using it on my own computer but i'm not distributing it either. What's that saying? Clean up your own backyard...
Reply #68 from WinCustomize Forums Top
then I'm guessing it's important to get 'the patch' from the 'correct' source since I have seen posts at other forums that have issues with patching. quite often the response is 'you got a bad patch. go here and get the good patch'


If you are referring to UXtheme, i trust that people that are able to find the patches on the internet have enough background computer literacy to know what service pack of windows XP they are using (The "Different Versions" you are talking about) That isnt even a issue with styleXP anyways
Reply #69 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Because there is not a thing wrong with the patch. I use it religously since the only time i use Windowblinds is when i'm using one of our themes or testing one of ours. Otherwise the patch is stable as hell and the most native way to skin Windows.


I'm sure that Stardock appreciates your promoting of hacking windows like that. Gee, maybe you will also get a pat on the back for pretty much stating that it's the better way to go than WB!!

For someone that seems to have a big name in the field, you are overflowing with the spew of crap!
Reply #70 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Phoon: Are you the new Stardock spokesmodel? I must have missed the swimsuit edition. Any one have pics?

My point is the patch is not some backyard hack like was stated. All it does is unlock Microsoft's skinning engine and it works perfect for me. So does StyleXp for that matter. I prefer going "native" than using a third-party solution. I can't afford a crash when i'm working in photoshop doing layouts or working on a contract. And while Windowblinds doesn't always crash it is simply not as stable (in my opinion) as Window's own skinning engine. I'm not saying i'm right i'm saying this is my opinion. Unless this site has turned fascist all of a sudden i think i'm allowed to have an opinion. Windowblinds has its good points and it has its bad points. It's certainly more customizable than the patch or Style XP but at what price? Thanks for the debate. Moving right along...
Reply #71 from WinCustomize Forums Top

The one problem that I saw with StyleXP, was that some of the pallete controls (most notably Photoshop 7) were not aligned correctly in the default skins that came with the program.

I do like the windows theme engine, and would use StyleXP if the program installer would have backed up the original files and restored them upon uninstalling the program. This would have made the program very nice. The maintenance required to restore the Windows file(s) if one does not want to use the program anymore and unistalls it, is not - IMHO - a good selling point.

Of course, I also like 'Luna'.

Reply #72 from WinCustomize Forums Top

unistalls

Oops, should have been "uninstalls".

Reply #73 from WinCustomize Forums Top
does anybody know of a english version of styler's site.
Reply #74 from WinCustomize Forums Top

My point is the patch is not some backyard hack like was stated.

No, certainly not in Microsoft's backyard, anyway..

Nor is it a positively/formally sanctioned 'hack'/third-party modification of an MS dll.

It DOES appear to contravene the MS EULA but since MS apparently is 'ignoring' the hack and/or it's legitimacy I guess we all can, too...

The fact that something is readily available does not make it legal or legitimate...just readily available.

Reply #75 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Are you the new Stardock spokesmodel? I must have missed the swimsuit edition. Any one have pics?


Whatever...