Doc Bio

Join Date 02/2007

Windows Explorer crashes when WindowFX unloaded (current beta version)

Anyone have a cure for windows explorer crashing when windowfx is shutdown? I didn't used to have this happen...now all of a sudden it does. If I turn on my SLI, switch from dual display to SLI, WindowFX just unloaded...and windows explorer crashes.

The same thing happens if I shut down WinFX manually...so it is not an issue between Nvidia drivers and WinFX. My laptop (ATI Mobility Chipset) also has the same problem.

Solutions?

windowfx

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Nimbin

Join Date 01/2006

+118

i think the main thing to look at here is the wording (current beta issue),
as you know beta software can have unexpected reactions with some systems, your best bet is to download the most recent stable version and try that. good luck

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Fuzzy Logic

Join Date 05/2002

+493

Not quite right. The latest version of WindowsFX is the full release but is showing in SDC as beta.

I was talking to Doc yesterday on IRC and confirmed the issue 'real time'. I had to use task manager to close and re-start explorer as a work around.

I've submitted a bug report on this, hopefully a solution will be found soon.

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So, given the track record so far...soon is probably a VERY loose term.

I was told they would fix the version problem with SDC about 2 weeks ago...nothing has changed.

C'mon stardock...renew my faith here!

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Same thing here. Explorer crashes every time I unload WindowFX.

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Fuzzy Logic

Join Date 05/2002

+493

I did get an answer from support. They told me to update to the latest beta, which is the wrong answer.

What I did to solve this was to uncheck 'show pre release versions' in Stardock Central and install 3.00.013, which works fine. If you then check 'show pre release versions' it will show 3.00a{b}.005 as a beta - that is the version causing the problem.

I replied to the support e-mail but as yet haven't heard back from them.

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yeah, I've tried both and it happens with either version for me. Pretty annoying. I've stopped using it. It's nice and slick looking, but Windows doesn't need any help crashing...

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yeah...I've used both versions and get the crash as well. Perhaps it is time for StarDock to start updating this product now that ObjectDock and WindowsBlinds have both been recently updated. I won't hold my breath...but we'll see.

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I emailed Stardock support, and this is their response (which I suppose is confirmation that "soon" is indeed a VERY loose term, and could possibly mean "never"):

***Stardock Support Response***

Re: [#PJZ-480622]: WindowFX crashing explorer.exe when unloaded

I have actually not heard of such a problem.

I would suggest updating to the latest version (pre-release) through Stardock Central.

I would highly suggest using Stardock Central to download any of our applications. Not only will this allow you to resume downloads, it will also notify you when updates are available, and prompt to update.

You're able to create a Stardock.net account here: https://www.stardock.com/sdnet_login.asp
This will be required to log into the Stardock server through Stardock Central.

You may download Stardock Central here: http://sdc.stardock.com/sdcentral_setup.exe

By the way, you're also able to have Stardock Central email you your account information at any time through the Tools->Lookup serial number option. This is a nice feature, though you will never need to remember your serial number or any download links to use Stardock Central. You will only need to remember the email address and password you specify for your Stardock.net account.

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I have been unloading windowFX (to free up resources when I start work in an app like Photoshop or Flash) several times a day for as long as I've had it installed (at least 5 years) and it NEVER crashed explorer until just a couple weeks ago. It seems to have started after one of MS's emergency security updates, but that could just be a coincidence.

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Also, until I know more about the new digital rights management in Vista, I am sticking with XP, so WindowFX was one hedge against obsolescence. Anyway, eye candie is nice until it starts fucking with stability.

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heh....well...obvious Stardock isn't checking the formus as much as they would like us to think they are! "never heard of the problem"...oy vey. It would be nice to get this program out of beta after a year in it...wouldn't it?? I mean...if you've seen beryl on ubuntu...you know this kind of eye candy, in a stable form, is possible. So what's the hold up here Stardock? Are you going to develop this software or not??

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I get that problem too,hadn't said anything as I thought I was the only one lol

It's being sorted right?

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I found a solution. Turn off the task switching effect (double click the WindowFX taskbar icon, click "Task Switching", and uncheck "Enable Graphical Task Switcher").

If you want a graphical task switcher, try TopDesk - http://www.otakusoftware.com/topdesk/

It gives XP Flip3D just like Vista.

And while you're at it, check out YODM, it's free - http://keznews.com/2705_Yodm_3D_-_3D_Desktop_for_Windows_XP_and_Vista

3D cube of virtual desktops like what Beryl can do on Linux.

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by the way, with the task switching effect disabled, WindowFX behaves perfectly well with YODM and TopDesk. The three make a very effective combination. Gives XP just about everything Vista has except for DreamScene.

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Thanks Mr-X for all of the troubleshooting. And would have expected some conflict with all 3 running.

It's My Secret

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No problem. Explorer has only crashed once since yesterday (and out of the 3 enhancements, WindowFX was the culprit), but I'm pushing it pretty hard (constantly rotating the cube between desktops, using the TopDesk flip 3D over and over again, and minimizing, restoring, and moving windows around with all the WindowFX bells and whistles) so that's not bad. I'll see how long it takes to crash again. I definitely recommend this combination, though, if you want to make the visuals of your XP machine approach (and even surpass) what Vista can do out of the box.

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