Customizing Your Desktop

[Schuler]

I was wondering what kinds of programs people use to customize their computer. I'm looking for a copy of Stardock's Object Desktop, or atleast Windowblinds4.1 and DesktopX if anyone has one. But I want to know if there are any free alternatives or something better. Let me know. B)

[toddiscool]

Stylexp - for themes and stuff go Here (http://themexp.org), get a serial off kazaa, there is alos a program there to changge your XP login and boot screens. (for XP)

For Icons - icon packager from here (http://www.stardock.com/products/iconpackager/)

I cant think of anything else exspet for the powertoy from windows to change your wallpaper.

[UseLessSkater]

Yeah thats a really good site I have windows but I decked out my comp to look like a mac hehe. And if you want to make it easier to get the serial number look up eclipse on kazaa then copy the harware number of the stylexp thing when it tells you to pay them money then paste it on the eclipse thinger then copy the number that it gives you from the eclipse thing and paste it on the stylexp thing. Hope you can understand that

[chalkmongoose]

I'm usually not bothered too, but I have used StyleXP in the past, and found it to be a nice program overall.

[Cl1mh4224rd]

Forget installing the whole StyleXP program. There's a freely available .dll patch that allows you to use StyleXP visual styles just like you would the default XP styles.

http://www.lightstar1.com/install.htm

I'm using it and haven't had any problems.

[Dapadipz]

im usin stylexp too doesnt use much resources

duz window blinds slow down ur comp?

[Illuminati]

Actually, that is one thing that troubled me - For a program which is supposed to only affect the Windows API in a small way (check the White Sheet on the Stardock site), it uses a lot of resources on my PC :blink:

I've had WB on my system twice (once to try WB and the other to try Object Desktop), and both times it has slowed down my PC significantly. I've put in StyleXP and I hardly ever notice it :D

Besides, when it comes to theme sites I'd recommend ThemeXP (StyleXP supported) over WinCustomise (Stardock's WB Theme site) any day :D

[Schuler]

Ok well I guess I'm going to check out StyleXP but like I said if anyone has a hash or a torrent file for Stardock central I'd still like to see it =D.

[CPU1]

yeah style xp is one of the best. i didnt bother to get the theme patch cause i didnt want to mess with windows files and stardock software sucks

[phatdoggydogg203]

i downloaded the keygen off imesh but im sure it would be on kazaa too , it works fine , i'lll post it in the verified section

[Dapadipz]

cheers for the info Illuminati. i wont be using windows blinds then :D

[Illuminati]

Originally posted by Schuler@24 July 2003 - 15:33
Ok well I guess I'm going to check out StyleXP but like I said if anyone has a hash or a torrent file for Stardock central I'd still like to see it =D.
The Stardock Central program itself is free - It's just a custom browser to manage "all your Stardock software".

All you need to do is "register" (i.e. put all fake details in except an email address for verification - just use one you don't use a lot ;)). Any registration is done by inputting serials in the Stardock Central program, but these are easily unique anyway :)

@Dapa - I think in the end it's a matter of how it works on your PC - I think maybe my PC's set in a way where it's not that much in sync as WB would like it to be in. My honest recommendation would be to try both (they're both registerable shareware anyway), and see which is the best for you :)

[Schuler]

Heh completely true Illuminati, I should think of those things before I post. But I think it's against board rules to be asking for the false information I need so I won't be asking for it.

[Illuminati]

Originally posted by Schuler@24 July 2003 - 16:47
Heh completely true Illuminati, I should think of those things before I post. But I think it's against board rules to be asking for the false information I need so I won't be asking for it.
When I meant "fake details", I mean as in make up your "name", etc so they don't have your real info on record in case the shit hits the fan. Not sure but I think that's how most people do such registrations ;)

As for the keygen - Most Stardock registration keys use your name to generate a serial. Because of that, the keygens make up a key based on what you type as your name. Unless someone's already got your name (You'd have to be stupid to use 'John Smith' for example :devil:), you get your own key. That's what I meant in that the keys are easily unique. :)

[Schuler]

Oh ok, I'll see what I can do, thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

[Izagaia]

Originally posted by Illuminati@24 July 2003 - 15:56
[QUOTE=Schuler,24 July 2003 - 16:47]
As for the keygen - Most Stardock registration keys use your name to generate a serial. Because of that, the keygens make up a key based on what you type as your name. Unless someone's already got your name (You'd have to be stupid to use 'John Smith' for example :devil:), you get your own key. That's what I meant in that the keys are easily unique. :)
Does StarDock currently cross-reference inputted keys with a registration database? Right now, the only Object Desktop component that I ever truely purchased legitimately was Icon Packager. I would like to be able to use other updated components myself using their StarDock Central software.

And if they do not cross-check keys and or registration, could you please e-mail or PM me the manner in which they use your name to generate a key.

[chimp2k2]

Originally posted by Cl1mh4224rd@24 July 2003 - 10:37
Forget installing the whole StyleXP program. There's a freely available .dll patch that allows you to use StyleXP visual styles just like you would the default XP styles.

http://www.lightstar1.com/install.htm

I'm using it and haven't had any problems.
i have the same thing.

works fine for me.

and it doesn't use no RAM like styleXP does :P

[Cl1mh4224rd]

Originally posted by cpumaster1@24 July 2003 - 15:45
i didnt bother to get the theme patch cause i didnt want to mess with windows files [...]
What do you think StyleXP does, hmm? ;)

[Izagaia]

The only real difference between using StyleXP and the UthemeXP patcher that I have noticed is that the patch triggers XP's file protection system. It will frequently (about 1 in every 5 logons) ask you to verify the file and/or replace it with the original prompting you for your windowsXP disk. You can bypass this, however, the pop-ups can become annoying fast. StyleXP just makes changing/installing themes somewhat more convienent.

Quite frankly, of all the XP theme authors, Lightstar, is by far, best IMO. I prefer to use his works for my system themes. B)

[liquidacid]

Originally posted by Izagaia@ 24 July 2003 - 23:13
The only real difference between using StyleXP and the UthemeXP patcher that I have noticed is that the patch triggers XP's file protection system. It will frequently (about 1 in every 5 logons) ask you to verify the file and/or replace it with the original prompting you for your windowsXP disk. You can bypass this, however, the pop-ups can become annoying fast. StyleXP just makes changing/installing themes somewhat more convienent.

Quite frankly, of all the XP theme authors, Lightstar, is by far, best IMO. I prefer to use his works for my system themes.
I have used the uxtheme patch for months now and not once have i had to do what you describe. There really is no need for StyleXP, why have an unneccesary app running away in the background.

Get this (http://www.lightstar1.com/install.htm), and then go here. (http://www.themexp.org/)

On the subject of favourite themes, b0se classic (http://www.themexp.org/view_info.php?comments=1&id=17644) is my absolute favourite. Having used it now for a while, there's no way i could go back to the old chunky themes.

[Izagaia]

Originally posted by liquidacid+24 July 2003 - 22:37--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (liquidacid @ 24 July 2003 - 22:37)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Izagaia@ 24 July 2003 - 23:13
The only real difference between using StyleXP and the UthemeXP patcher that I have noticed is that the patch triggers XP&#39;s file protection system. It will frequently (about 1 in every 5 logons) ask you to verify the file and/or replace it with the original prompting you for your windowsXP disk. You can bypass this, however, the pop-ups can become annoying fast. StyleXP just makes changing/installing themes somewhat more convienent.

Quite frankly, of all the XP theme authors, Lightstar, is by far, best IMO. I prefer to use his works for my system themes.
I have used the uxtheme patch for months now and not once have i had to do what you describe. There really is no need for StyleXP, why have an unneccesary app running away in the background.

Get this (http://www.lightstar1.com/install.htm), and then go here. (http://www.themexp.org/)

On the subject of favourite themes, b0se classic (http://www.themexp.org/view_info.php?comments=1&id=17644) is my absolute favourite. Having used it now for a while, there&#39;s no way i could go back to the old chunky themes. [/b][/quote]
Are you using the UX theme patch from TGT soft or the auto patcher version from sites such as Belchfire.net?

The UX theme freeware patch from TGT is somewhat more stable, but more difficult to effectively install for the average windows lay-person.

[shn]

Originally posted by liquidacid+24 July 2003 - 16:37--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (liquidacid &#064; 24 July 2003 - 16:37)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteBegin-Izagaia@ 24 July 2003 - 23:13
The only real difference between using StyleXP and the UthemeXP patcher that I have noticed is that the patch triggers XP&#39;s file protection system. It will frequently (about 1 in every 5 logons) ask you to verify the file and/or replace it with the original prompting you for your windowsXP disk. You can bypass this, however, the pop-ups can become annoying fast. StyleXP just makes changing/installing themes somewhat more convienent.

Quite frankly, of all the XP theme authors, Lightstar, is by far, best IMO. I prefer to use his works for my system themes.
I have used the uxtheme patch for months now and not once have i had to do what you describe. There really is no need for StyleXP, why have an unneccesary app running away in the background.

Get this (http://www.lightstar1.com/install.htm), and then go here. (http://www.themexp.org/)

On the subject of favourite themes, b0se classic (http://www.themexp.org/view_info.php?comments=1&id=17644) is my absolute favourite. Having used it now for a while, there&#39;s no way i could go back to the old chunky themes.[/b][/quote]
styles xp only uses about 520k of memory when it runs in the background, which basically has no impact at all on system performance.. The only time it uses the most memory is when your installing themes or visual styles from the stylesxp control panel. You can also disable stylesxp as a service and still use the theme.

I think stylesxp is better and the people that are behind that ux patch or whatever it is they call it know that and are jealous that stylesxp is such a good app. :lol:

[sparsely]

Why get an app to patch a file that you can patch yourself?
the uxtheme.dll patch works just fine, and if you want to change your login screen
just download one you like, make a backup copy of the logonui.exe in WINDOWS&#092;System32,
delete the logonui.exe from WINDOWS&#092;System32&#092;dllcache and
WINDOWS&#092;Service Pack Files&#092;i386 (if it&#39;s there), then place your new logonui.exe in WINDOWS&#092;System32.

[sparsely]

and in case you&#39;d like to know, here&#39;s how to disable Windows File Protection:

Click&#33; (http://www.winguides.com/registry/display.php/790)

the key they mean is this one:
Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Key: Software&#092;Microsoft&#092;Windows NT&#092;CurrentVersion&#092;Winlogon
Name: SFCDisable
Data Type: REG_DWORD
Value: FFFFFF9D

[Schumacher_Skaife]

I got the patch but the 2 bloody sites TGT and Style XP both wont show up&#33; Any one else having this prob? <_<

Dave

[ricochet]

Originally posted by Sparsely@26 July 2003 - 03:04
and in case you&#39;d like to know, here&#39;s how to disable Windows File Protection:

Click&#33; (http://www.winguides.com/registry/display.php/790)

the key they mean is this one:
Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Key: Software&#092;Microsoft&#092;Windows NT&#092;CurrentVersion&#092;Winlogon
Name: SFCDisable
Data Type: REG_DWORD
Value: FFFFFF9D
Is it better to completle disable windows file protection or to set to enabled but with no popups??I also have lightstars patch and I get some popups which can be annoying..But the patch is much better than installing a new program.

[shn]

Originally posted by Schumacher_Skaife@25 July 2003 - 22:13
I got the patch but the 2 bloody sites TGT and Style XP both wont show up&#33; Any one else having this prob? <_<

Dave
They have frequent outages with their site just like this forum does from time to time because of too many concurrent connections. All you can really do is keep hitting refresh and the site should come up eventually. :D

[sparsely]

getskinned.org (http://www.getskinned.org) has good stuff too.
and not all the annoying SQL errors

[Illuminati]

This still going on? Good.

Since I last posted here, I&#39;ve been trying out another Stardock program - I don&#39;t like WindowBlinds, but this is one I&#39;ve grown fond of :D

Stardock has a program as free betaware called &#39;ObjectDock&#39;. What it does is create a docking bar for you to place whatever shortcuts you want. Trust me - When you have a LOT of files on your desktop (try about two spaces free on a 1024x768 desktop) This is a godsend for clearing it up (I have only My Computer & Recycle Bin up now :D

URL&#39;s at ObjectDock.com (http://www.objectdock.com), but I&#39;d seriously recommend that you check out WinCustomize.com (http://http://www.wincustomize.com/skins.asp?library=29) as well. Simple reason is that not only does it have the best icons I&#39;ve seen so far (I&#39;d recommend any icons by Jairo Boudewyn), but it also has a handy mod called KkMenu where you can create your own menus in ObjectDock (sorting them out even more) :w00t:

IMO WindowsBlinds sucks - But ObjectDock has given me back some faith in Stardock :D

[shn]

Originally posted by Illuminati@26 July 2003 - 01:21
This still going on? Good.

Since I last posted here, I&#39;ve been trying out another Stardock program - I don&#39;t like WindowBlinds, but this is one I&#39;ve grown fond of :D

Stardock has a program as free betaware called &#39;ObjectDock&#39;. What it does is create a docking bar for you to place whatever shortcuts you want. Trust me - When you have a LOT of files on your desktop (try about two spaces free on a 1024x768 desktop) This is a godsend for clearing it up (I have only My Computer & Recycle Bin up now :D

URL&#39;s at ObjectDock.com (http://www.objectdock.com), but I&#39;d seriously recommend that you check out WinCustomize.com (http://http://www.wincustomize.com/skins.asp?library=29) as well. Simple reason is that not only does it have the best icons I&#39;ve seen so far (I&#39;d recommend any icons by Jairo Boudewyn), but it also has a handy mod called KkMenu where you can create your own menus in ObjectDock (sorting them out even more) :w00t:

IMO WindowsBlinds sucks - But ObjectDock has given me back some faith in Stardock :D
Thats old news. I downloaded it a while back and have never used it. I dont feel like creating a whole nother task bar because thats basically what you have to do. Th default icons they have on there have to be reconfigured and changed to suit your taste, Ill stick with my xp taskbar. B)

[Illuminati]

Not arguing with any of that - I spent about half an hour re-creating shortcuts on the bar so that I can delete them on the desktop, about another 90 minutes to both figure out KkMenu and to use it to make the menus.

But once it&#39;s configured, it is a bloody good item IMO - I can actually see my wallpaper again :D

But for the icons, you don&#39;t need to necessarily set up new icons - Just link to a program and the bar automatically sets it up to the default icon (if no image is picked). It&#39;s just that the icons are a bit more fluent IMO - But not necessary B)

[shn]

Yeah thats initially why I had downloaded it. I dont like the traditional xp icons that cover up your desktop and wallpaper and objectdock solves that problem when youve got nice wallpaper and dont want it covered up. And if you right click and hide the desktop icons then that becomes kinda inconvinient as well. But unfortunately Im a very lazy person maybe one day Ill gather the strength to try out and configure object dock again. :P

[liquidacid]

Originally posted by Izagaia+ 26 July 2003 - 03:29--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Izagaia &#064; 26 July 2003 - 03:29)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>&nbsp;
The UX theme freeware patch from TGT is somewhat more stable, but more difficult to effectively install for the average windows lay-person.[/b]
The patch from TGT is deliberately made difficult to install to deter people from using it. Use the patch from Lightstar&#39;s site (http://www.lightstar1.com/install.htm).


Originally posted by Izagaia@ 26 July 2003 - 03:29
&nbsp;
Are you using the UX theme patch from TGT soft or the auto patcher version from sites such as Belchfire.net?
I used the autopatcher from Lightstar&#39;s site (http://www.lightstar1.com/install.htm). It&#39;s probablly the same as the one you&#39;ve seen at Belchfire.net.


Originally posted by shn@ 26 July 2003 - 03:52
&nbsp;
I think stylesxp is better and the people that are behind that ux patch or whatever it is they call it know that and are jealous that stylesxp is such a good app.
Hmm. This from the linux guru? The patch is free, it was developed by the skinning
community to make the installation of a UI, such as StyleXP, unnecessary. What&#39;s so great about StyleXP? It&#39;s a UI to do something you can do through your display properties, and we&#39;re expected to pay for it? Yes there&#39;s a keygen, but why bother?



Originally posted by Sparsely@ 26 July 2003 - 04:00
&nbsp;
Why get an app to patch a file that you can patch yourself?
Exactly.

<!--QuoteBegin- Schumacher_Skaife@ 26 July 2003 - 05:13
&nbsp;
I got the patch but the 2 bloody sites TGT and Style XP both wont show up&#33; Any one else having this prob? [/quote]
TGT make StyleXP, they&#39;re the same site so why, having applied the patch would you want to go there? Are you looking for Theme XP? (http://www.themexp.org/)

[Schumacher_Skaife]

No i just wanted to go there to get some themes, i got some from another site but i am having allot of trouble getting them to work, is there a walkthrough any where. I am zipping them to Resorces&#092;Themes but i cannot get them to work&#33;

Dave

[liquidacid]

ThemeXP is the best site for themes and visual styles. Once you&#39;ve unzipped the theme, if it does not show in display properties, try clicking on the msstyle file you created in windows/resources/themes. This should bring up the display properties window and allow you to apply the theme.

[Illuminati]

Originally posted by liquidacid@26 July 2003 - 10:50
ThemeXP is the best site for themes and visual styles. Once you&#39;ve unzipped the theme, if it does not show in display properties, try clicking on the msstyle file you created in windows/resources/themes. This should bring up the display properties window and allow you to apply the theme.
You don&#39;t even need to do that with StyleXP. Just drop the zip (unextracted) anywhere you want and use the &#39;add theme&#39; button to point to the zip. It automatically reads the zip for the theme info.

I find it a lot easier to download a load of zips in C:/WINDOWS/Resources/Themes than having to extract each one and sort them out after. :D

[Schumacher_Skaife]

Yeah i couldnt get it to work so im just gona get Style and then a crack, allot easier to manage&#33;

Dave

[Illuminati]

Why affect the build with a crack when you can use a keygen? :D

Look for the ECLiPSE keygen for Style XP - That one works like a gem ;)

[Schumacher_Skaife]

Yep got that 1, got version 1 off kazza but didnt support my XP build so im gettin 8 now.

Dave :D

[liquidacid]

I&#39;ve just installed Object Dock and must say i really like it.

One thing though, it&#39;s a shame its not possible to have more than just the single row of shortcuts. Ideally i could have a drop down transparent menu that filled the screen with my shortcuts.

[Illuminati]

Originally posted by liquidacid@26 July 2003 - 12:45
I&#39;ve just installed Object Dock and must say i really like it.

One thing though, it&#39;s a shame its not possible to have more than just the single row of shortcuts. Ideally i could have a drop down transparent menu that filled the screen with my shortcuts.
First on the list (http://www.wincustomize.com/skins.asp?searchtext=Menu&sort=updatedate&order=Descending&library=29)

It&#39;s a mod for it which allows drop-down menus - The other menu items are skins for Kk Menu.

It requires semi-advanced knowledge and takes a bit of getting used to, but if you read & understand the HTML file included in the zip, you should be able to get used to it quickly :)

[liquidacid]

Cheers for that mate, i looked at it but it&#39;s not really what i&#39;m looking for.

What i mean is that all the short cuts that are currently on my desktop would only drop down when i need them, in rows and columns though. I&#39;d still keep the start menu though for everything else.

[Schumacher_Skaife]

Na still no bloody luck it says i have the wrong build of XP for it and to get an update but i cant get onto the site&#33;

Help me its startin to shit me&#33;

Dave

[RedRival]

I always liked the skin pack that came with StyleXP. MacOSX is a good XP theme. Betta than anything else IMO. Since everything that is downloadable on themexp.org are mainly made by ppl using homemade software, I prefer downloading official releases.

[liquidacid]

Na still no bloody luck it says i have the wrong build of XP for it and to get an update but i cant get onto the site&#33;

Help me its startin to shit me&#33;

Dave
Oh dear, you are having a tough time&#33;&#33; I think that this may be something to do with service pack 1. Have you got it?

Originally posted by RedRival@ 26 July 2003 - 13:32
I always liked the skin pack that came with StyleXP. MacOSX is a good XP theme. Betta than anything else IMO. Since everything that is downloadable on themexp.org are mainly made by ppl using homemade software, I prefer downloading official releases.
Hmm. I&#39;m not sure i know what you mean by &#39;home made softeware&#39; or &#39;offical releases&#39;. I agree though that a lot of the styles at themexop are flawed in some way, i personally don&#39;t want anything too fancy so i&#39;ve got b0seclass. I did like &#39;toothpaste&#39; though and &#39;stylexp&#39; was quite nice, wouldn&#39;t mind getting my hands on those again but don&#39;t want the StyleXp app on my system.

[Illuminati]

Originally posted by RedRival@26 July 2003 - 13:32
I always liked the skin pack that came with StyleXP. MacOSX is a good XP theme. Betta than anything else IMO.
I will admit that I&#39;m a bit partial to the Aqua-type styles myself - I had one of the Crystal themes for about a month and have just switches to AquaOSX less than a week ago :D


Since everything that is downloadable on themexp.org are mainly made by ppl using homemade software, I prefer downloading official releases.

http://www.piczonline.com/client/titey/wtf.gif

Most styles on ThemeXP are made by StyleBuilder, the style-authoring tool developed by the same makers as StyleXP (TGTsoft).

What the hell you&#39;re on about when you talk about "official releases" and "homemade software", I do not know. http://www.piczonline.com/client/titey/huh1.gif

[Schumacher_Skaife]

Yeah i have SP1

Dave