lwhalen

Join Date 06/2006

Object Dock Theme ini files

help with

Hi,

I'm new to Object Dock and tried changing the theme. This turned into a slight disaster. Took me a while to straighten out. Along the way I discovered you are supposed to have an ini file for a theme in the theme folders. I noticed none of the themes come with an ini file. My question I guess is; "Are we supposed to create the ini files ourselves?" Please understand I am not lost in the world of computing, but I am by far not a programmer. Any Help will be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Regards

Larry Whalen

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Hey Larry,
depending on where you're downloading your docks from.All themes should have a .ini file in the folder with the .pngs. when you down-load a theme/dock/zoomer ; unzip/extract>and copy the folder into; themes into themes folder , backgrounds into background folder ect. but all themes or backgrounds and tabbed docks should already have a .ini file Good Luck!!!

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Mini tutorial on working with ObjectDock http://corkyo.wincustomize.com/Articles.aspx?SID=5463&AID=82930

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that works too...lol

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Hi Guys,

Thanks for your help and answers. I think I found the problem. I assumed the backgrounds and tabbed side docks I downloaded were themes. I see now I was wrong. One thing I am still having a problem with is getting other docks to have tabs. The bottom one is easy just right click over the dock and it adds tabs. The others add seperators and I cannot name them. Any suggestions there. I am learning and it has a lot of potential, but it will take me a little while I think. Thanks again and take care.

Regards,

Larry Whalen

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If you click my name, you will be taken to my page which has mini tutorials on creating and editing both "Non-Tabbed" and "Tabbed" docks.

Note - docks are either "non-tabbed" or "tabbed". To the best of my knowledge, Stardock has not programmed the ability to have a tab on a non-tabbed dock. Both dock styles have unique functionality and this might be a problem if put into practice for many users.

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Hi Corky?

I hope I have the name right. Anyway I tried making a tabbed dock, but it does not allow me to use any other backgrounds or tabs. It will also only come in centered on my left monitor and not allow me to change monitors. Am I missing something vital here on the creation. I wanted to use a different background and tab set which I have downloaded, but it does not seem to be available. Even the ones that come with Objectdock Plus seem unavailable if I try to make a tabbed dock. Thank you again.

Regards

Larry Whalen

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You have the name right.

I would suggest clearing the cache, which is explained here http://corkyo.wincustomize.com/Articles.aspx?AID=82461

In your case, you would save your theme if you want > unload ObjectDock > follow the directions to clear the cache (just delete the "ObjectDockPlus" or "ObjectDock" cache folder to clear) > reload ObjectDock, which will load with the default settings.

From the default settings, you should be able to create a new tabbed dock and work with the dock to customize it via that docks "Dock Settings" dialog.

I do not run dual monitors, so I am not sure on support for dual monitors. Perhaps someone with experience in that will drop by and comment.

Note - the link in comment #2 will give you the proper placement of the skin folders so you can work with them. For backgrounds you will want to make sure you are placing a folder bearing the name of the background theme (which must include the background images and the "background.ini" file) inside the "C:\Program Files\Stardock\ObjectDock\Backgrounds" folder.

You will then be able to use the specific dock's "Dock Settings\Appearance" section to select a tabbed dock background.

I hope this helps.

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It must be something I am doing wrong. I delete the cache. I put the backgrounds in the background folder. I restart the program and am able to make non tabbed docks with any background of my choice, but when I try to make a tabbed background no luck.

I have checked the background ini files and they show tabs for the tabbed backgrounds. I guess I am not allowed to have tabbed docks unless they are the generic start one

Thank you for your help. If you have any other suggestions I will give them a try. Take care.

Regards

Larry Whalen

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Okay, let's try this.

Download the tabbed dock background from here https://www.wincustomize.com/ViewSkin.aspx?SID=1&SkinID=4507&LibID=29 and save to "My Documents".

Once download is complete, extract to the same "My Documents" location. If using the native XP extraction wizard (right-click ".zip" file > Extract All.. command) then just click Next a couple of times until done. After clicking "Finish" you will be looking at the image files and the ".ini" file.

Close the folder and then move the extracted folder named "ShinyBlack" to the "C:\Program Files\Stardock\ObjectDock\Backgrounds" folder.

Start ObjectDock if not already running > right-click the ObjectDock icon in the notification area (next to clock), and select "My Docks" > click "New Tabbed Dock" > either select the new tabbed dock listing in "My Docks" dialog and click "Edit Dock", or right-click the dock and select "Dock Settings" > use the Appearance category to select the new "ShinyBlack" background from the list.

Do you see the "ShinyBlack" background listed and does it apply?

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Hi Corky,

Thank you again for your help. I have downloaded, unzipped and placed the shiny black file in the backgrounds folder in Object dock. The story continues. I can make a nice dock with a shiny black background, but I cannot make a tabbed dock with the shiny black background.

I just thought of one thing. I don't think it should be an issue, but I am working with Windows 2000 Professional. If I can make one style of tabbed docks though I would think I could make all the different styles I wish. I am lost on this one. I can make it do everything else I want, just no tabs.

Regards

Larry

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but I am working with Windows 2000 Professional

This might be the issue.

There might be something in the code that requires a file specific to XP.

I would suggest contacting support support@stardock.com and let them know the issue including the version of Windows, and version of ObjectDock (as well as the contact e-mail and serial number to reference the account information).

The Stardock web site indicates Windows 2000 and XP as requirements, so I would think this may be a bug in the new "1.3" version of ObjectDock.

Sorry I could not help you sort it.

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Thank you for your patience. It just didn't occur to me because Windows 2000 was one of the requirements. Well now to contact Stardock.

Regards

Larry

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but when I try to make a tabbed background no luck.

Even thought the Win2k issue is probably the cruical one, what are you doing to create the tabbed dock & what happens when it fails?

Posted via WinCustomize Browser/Stardock Central

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Hi Chris,

I go to dock settings and click on create Tabbed Dock. At this point I go to position and it does not allow me any options for the second monitor. So okay I guess I will try to make it look the way I want. I first go to appearance and backgrounds isn't even listed. I then try tabs here they will only let me change color again.

It also has started a new issue when I had it on drawer if I moved my mouse in any of my programs the drawer took over and I was not able to use the original program. Today I have turned off Object Dock and am still waiting to hear from support. I am disappointed that I have not even received acknowledgement of the e-mails, but will be patient as they are small. Thank you and I look forward to hearing any suggestions you might have.

Regards

Larry

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I go to dock settings and click on create Tabbed Dock

So the dock is created OK?

At this point I go to position and it does not allow me any options for the second monitor.

Sorry, I've only got one monitor so I'm no help there!

So okay I guess I will try to make it look the way I want. I first go to appearance and backgrounds isn't even listed. I then try tabs here they will only let me change color again.

You need to go to 'Tabs & Styles'. You should see a list of your tabs on the right. Click on the first tab and more drop-down boxes should appear. To change the background you select one of the entries in the 'Style' drop-down. The 'Apply to All Tabs' button does just what it says, though I dunno what happens if you just leave mixed tab styles!

It also has started a new issue when I had it on drawer if I moved my mouse in any of my programs the drawer took over and I was not able to use the original program.

I'm not sure what you mean... Is it a Z-order thing (i.e OD on top of other windows)? If so you need to experimnet with the 'always on top' and/or hotspot activation to set it to suit you. I always have my tabbed dock as an autohiding drawer and it's been fine.

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Hi Chris,

Yes the dock is created okay. I just tried going to the tabs today and it changed it to the alternative. That worked wow. Now if I can get the position to work I will be all set. I know about the z order and have been trying different settings, but the computer is going wild at the moment. Progress has been made. Now to see if I can get the other things to work. Thank you for your help everyone.

Regards

Larry

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