Hi Pachisto! Add a shorcut in the start folder. It's in C\User\username\AppData\roaming\Microsoft\Windows\SatrtMenu\Programs\Start  this a translation of my french laptop ( a HP too ), I'm not sure you can paste this directory to find the folder.

bye

Load up DesktopX Builder.  Click on Configure DesktopX either in the Helper widget or by right clicking the DesktopX Builder icon in the system tray.  Next click on the preferences tab and check the Run automatically when Windows starts preference.  Finally, click on Apply on lower right of the Configuration panel.

As to saving your desktops when you make changes use the save as option again in the Helper widget or by right clicking the DesktopX Builder icon in the system tray to set the file path and file name of the desktop you wish to save.

Get to know the DesktopX Configuration Panel.  There are manu useful items that are set there.

Did he apply it correctly(by clicking on apply in the properties tab)?  Did he save his theme correctly?

This in particular is a step that is sometimes overlooked for setting the DesktopX autoload preference.

The method of setting DesktopX preferences to autoload at startup(and clicking apply) is how DesktopX autoloads.  If that is not working on his computer then he needs to submit a ticket to support.

I wanted to make sure he had tried all of the steps in the process before recommending he submit a ticket to support.

Hi Pachisito-

Ya since you also mentioned saving themes and I do most of my DesktopX stuff in Builder that's why I used it as an example.  It works exactly the same in Client mode.  The way DesktopX sets itself to autostart requires it to modify your startup and if that's not working on your pc I'm thinking DesktopX is being blocked by a security feature or application on your Vista.  You probably should start a ticket with support@stardock.com.  Send them all relevant info including OS and SP level and in this case all security software you have installed.  I'm not sure if the UAC blocks this feature in DesktopX but, it might.

I have the same start up, or non-start up problems with DX.  Have tried all suggestions listed.  I wonder if the executable has to be "Run as Administrator"..... will try that out and report back.

Hey Pachisito,

Have you figured out how to solve thi? I'm runnin vista sp1 too and have same prob.

Gettin desktop builder to start at startup is easy enough by shortcutting to startup folder but still have to load themes manualy.

Hoped you or someone else here have figured it out before I harrass support.

Thanks

Greg

1)  Click on the start button

2)  Click on 'all programs'

3)  Right click on 'startup'

4)  Click 'open'

5)  Now LEAVE THIS WINDOW ALONE and in a seperate window find the name of your theme.  It is PROBABLY easiest to open DesktopX and click on 'Load desktop' but importantly DO NOT double click on the desktop you've been creating

6)  Drag the desktop you have been creating from there, into the startup window we made earlier

7)  Thats it!  Ensure that these files are 'associated' with desktopx.  This is the middle tick of the 'desktopx builder' preferences - make sure it is ticked and 'apply' is hit.

You see rather than opening desktopx builder with some kind of parameter specifying which desktop you are after, I am simply putting the DESKTOP FILE NOT THE BUILDER PROGRAM into the startup and then letting the OS think 'aaah - this file is associated with DesktopX builder' and loads that up with the desktop you want.  EXACTLY THE SAME as if you put a microsoft document into the startup it automatically knows to load 'Word', if you get me.

The LAST bit of the jigsaw is when you boot it will say 'Do you want to save desktop before loading 'whatever.desktopx' and you just click 'no'.  I'm working on a way to disable this dialog box now for 100% solving your problem ...

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