The Problem: Auto-installing Skin/Theme files are downloaded as zip files.
The Cause: SP2 appears to be common factor here, but some people report no change after SP2. What's happening is this... self installing file extension for most skinning programs are simply renamed ZIP archives. For some reason after SP2 is installed on XP, the extensions are renamed back to .zip when downloaded. But it's easily fixed.
The Solution:
Step 1. File extension must not be hidden. If you're unsure what that means, open Control Panel > Folder Options > View tab > "Hide extensions for known file types" should be un-checked.
Step 2. Right-click the file and select Rename. Change the zip part of the name to the proper extenion. Example; skin1.zip = skin1.wba (for a WindowBlind skin)
DesktopX Themes = .dxtheme DesktopX Objects = .dxpack WindowBlinds = .wba LogonStudio = .logonxp BootSkin = .bootskin CursorXP = .CurXPTheme IconPackager = .ip
If you get a warning about changing the extention, click OK
Step 3. Double-click the renamed file.
Lantec pointed out that if you use Firefox (or Opera), this file extension won't be renamed when you download.
Jason Carver suggested this work around......... rename the files when you download.
First write down the file extensions listed here. Next pick something to download. In this case , ill download a Window Blind file. When you click download. It shows the save as dialog. Below it , you have two choices from a drop down menu. "Zip files" and All files. Select all files , and add .wba to the end of the file name. When its done saving , you click open and TADA! its installed.
**UPDATE**
So, you like Internet Explorer....you don't want to switch browsers? It appears that the problem can be fixed by installing a 3rd party archive program [WinZip, ZipCentral, IZArc, etc.] The problem seems to be caused by XP's built-in zip program.
drdaniel,
I am not familiar with any updated Docklet, or alternative docklets, for that particular function.
ObjectDock Plus offers the option to have the System Tray shown as a dock, and will function as such - thus, allowing the "Safely disconnect" option by clicking on the icon.
Otherwise, you will have to hope for someone to drop by who knows of a better docklet.
I'm sure you can find lots of info on scripting by doing a google search.
rychian,
You will need 3 basic items to start skinning (other than your imagination):
1 - A graphics editing program (i.e., Photoshop, CorelDRAW, Paint Shop Pro, etc. - you could use Paint, but that would be limiting in many ways due to the lack of support for transparency)
2 - A program to combine your images into a skin (DesktopX for DX themes, objects, widgets, SkinStudio for creating a WindowBlind skin, IconDeveloper, or another icon editor for creating icons, etc.)
3 - If you intend to make advanced DesktopX items (themes, objects, widgets, and gadgets), you will need either "VB Script" or "Java Script" skills - as well as some XML knowledge.
You can find some documentation on DesktopX here https://www.stardock.com/products/desktopx/documentation/index.html
You can find a series of tutorials on creating icons here http://mormegil.wincustomize.com/Articles.aspx?SID=83&AID=64104
If you download and install SkinStudio, there is a tutorial offered (though a bit out-dated) via the Help menu.
There is also a large amount of support available here at WC if you have questions on particular procedures while working with these programs.
I hope this helps.
Kiltul,
For CursorXP (free version), you put the cursor theme file in "C:\Program Files\Stardock\CursorXP\Themes" folder.
An easier way to procede, would be to read this mini tutorial http://corkyo.wincustomize.com/Articles.aspx?SID=5463&AID=82563 - and after a successful download of the CursorXP theme file - simply double-click to install. The files will be written to the correct location, and are then available for application.
If you are running CursorXP Plus, you would put the files in "C:\Program Files\CursorXP\Themes" folder.
For a better understanding of the file structures, you can read my mini tutorial concerning backing-up skins and themes, which illustrates the locations and folders used by the core programs of Object Desktop. This should help point you in the correct direction - read here http://corkyo.wincustomize.com/Articles.aspx?SID=5463&AID=82928
If you have any questions after that, please post again.
tolCAbolt,
1 - Delete the "Skyscape" folder in "C:\Program Files\Stardock\Object Desktop\IconPackager" folder (or in "C:\Program Files\Stardock\IconPackager" folder if you have the program installed that way for some reason).
2 - Try downloading the Skyscape icon package using the method described here http://corkyo.wincustomize.com/Articles.aspx?SID=5463&AID=82563
3 - After downloading the file, just double-click to install.
This should invoke the IconPackager program, which should have the package loaded - allowing you to click "Apply". Wait a few seconds while IconPackager applies the theme.
Note - the "Skyscape" package is made for IconPackager version 3, so you will need that version installed to run it.
Suflet,
Normally, you would do the following:
1 - Go here http://www.download.com/DesktopX/3000-2340_4-10422614.html?tag=stardock and download the "DesktopX 3.1" shareware program
2 - Install the DesktopX program on your computer, and then restart your computer
3 - Go here http://corkyo.wincustomize.com/Articles.aspx?SID=5463&AID=82563 and read my mini tutorial on "Downloading content from WinCustomize", and then download the DesktopX theme you want to your computer using the directions in the mini tutorial.
4 - Double-click the DesktopX theme file you downloaded to install and it should automatically be applied.
5 - If the theme does not automatically apply - start DesktopX and click the Load Desktop option to select and apply the new theme.
That should get you started.
For more information on using the DesktopX program, you can read this https://www.stardock.com/products/desktopx/documentation/index.html
Shmihel,
First - the ".suite" file type is used by Theme Manager.
Second - Theme Manager is basically a file co-ordinator (manager) program, which reads the theme file (".suite" file type), and then invokes the proper program to apply the theme.
Third - you will therefore need the correct program installed to apply the different parts of the theme, such as:
- WindowBlinds to skin the Start Menu, Taskbar, Window Frame, Toolbar Icons, Scroll bars
- IconPackager to apply a set of custom system and file type icons
- CursorXP to apply a set of custom mouse pointers
- DesktopX to run widgets, or to apply a DesktopX theme
- ObjectDock to apply a dock theme
- LogonStudio to apply a custom logon screen
There are more programs as well, most of which can be found either under the "Software" tab at top of page, or via a link in the program's library (which are found at the top left of home page).
If you have the proper programs installed, including Theme Manager - you would simply double-click the ".suite" file to install > run Theme Manager > select the theme in the preview list > click the "Apply" button > wait a few seconds for the theme to be applied.
I have written a few mini tutorials for beginners which may help understand downloading content, working with the file structures of some of the programs, and backing up installed skins. You can go directly to my page by clicking my name, and you will see the list of mini tutorials there.
Due to server time-outs currently, I cannot grab a link to Cordelia's Corner (this is Cordelia's page) where you can find some tutorials for beginners outlining the basic use of some of the programs - so you would have to go to the "Site tab > Cordelia's Corner > Articles" and look through the articles for more information.
I hope this clears things up a bit.
Stars are ratings, which are given by users with the proper access level (achieved by developing a presence on the site, giving to the community in some way, and then receiving a bump in rank by users with abilities to recommend rank increase)
Referrals are links from other sites, referring users to the skin, site, page, or article.
HDUltra03,
Both of those programs include a "Themes" folder inside of their respective program folder:
IconPackager = "C:\Program Files\Stardock\Object Desktop\IconPackager\Themes" folder
CursorXP = "C:\Program Files\Stardock\CursorXP\Themes" folder
Note - if you are using CursorXP Plus, it will be: "C:\Program Files\CursorXP\Themes" folder.
I suggest trying to use the method outlined in this tutorial for downloading content http://corkyo.wincustomize.com/Articles.aspx?SID=5463&AID=82563 - after which, you should be able to double-click to install automatically.
Yes.... anything other than alpha-numeric characters (and I guess '-') will cause uploads to go wonky.
The lsz extension is for LiteStep. LS replaces the "Explorer Shell", so be sure to read the documentation before you try it.
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