maybe Deskscapes is not properly installed or,

right click on the dream you are having problem with and click on Open with> confirm Deskscapes as default> click OK.

the problem should solve as Deskscapes always runs the dreams as a background on your desktop independent of the video resolution and not in Window mode.

If you installed the media player that comes with the K-Lite codecs you may want to try uninstalling it.

Thank you all for the suggestions.  I'll answer each in one message for simplicity sake.

First, I made sure I did not install the media player that came with K-Lite Codecs.  I picked the codecs and the "info tool" but nothing else.  Also, I ran the DirectX updater and made sure I had the latest version (which I did).  Finally, I right-clicked the Dream and picked Open With --> DreamTasks; but after all of that, the dream still runs in a window-mode that has the title "ActiveMovie Window".

I have an obvious problem with the MPEG2 codec this particular dream, because if I let the dream play until it's time to loop back to the beginning, the dream stops, does not loop and I get the following error:

"The dream may contain an invalid video type or a compatible MPEG-2 video decoder may not be present.  Please visit here for more information: https://www.stardock.com/products/deskscapes/nocodec.asp".

If I view that dream twice in the same session, my entire desktop freezes which requires a log off/logon.

I followed the link and didn't find anything worth while, other than the codec tool that tells you which codecs you have installed:  Here was what mine showed:

and finally, here's the information that pertains to the UFO dream (from the media info tool that came with K-Lite):

General
Complete name                    : C:\Documents and Settings\My Documents\Stardock\Dreams\UFO.Dream
Format                           : MPEG Video
Format version                   : Version 2
File size                        : 55.9 MiB
Duration                         : 1mn 16s
Overall bit rate                 : 6 121 Kbps

Video
Format                           : MPEG Video
Format version                   : Version 2
Format profile                   : High@High
Format settings, Matrix          : Default
Duration                         : 1mn 16s
Bit rate mode                    : Variable
Bit rate                         : 5 872 Kbps
Nominal bit rate                 : 6 000 Kbps
Width                            : 1 440 pixels
Height                           : 1 080 pixels
Display aspect ratio             : 4/3
Frame rate                       : 23.976 fps
Colorimetry                      : 4:2:0
Scan type                        : Progressive
Bits/(Pixel*Frame)               : 0.157
Stream size                      : 53.6 MiB (96%)

You can try downloading Nirsoft's InstalledCodec and use it to turn off your MPEG2 codecs one at a time until you find one that will run the dream correctly.

Also, there are some trouble shooting tips here that may help you.

I see that you have Nero installed. You may be able to use the Nero DVD codec.

One thing, DeskScapes has an issue with Nero 7 on Windows Vista and it would cause a hesitation when looping the video. Not sure if the problem exists on Windows XP. Keep this in mind if your version of Nero is 7.

Hi, I read these posts because I have same issues. But, please be MORE specific. What u are suggesting Carguy, with downloading that Nirsoft program, then going through that long list to disable "certain" codecs, is daunting for 99% of us non geeks. What are the steps in 1, 2, 3 form, speaking in baby language? I have no idea what I just read & as a lawyer, I am not too stupid. Thanks. Phil