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jimehc1
jimehc1
Join Date 08/2009
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October 15, 2009 8:31:21 PM from Stardock ForumsStardock Forums

I laoded objectdock today instead of delldock - both are created by stardock

I setup the dock the way i wanted it and all looked good

but whenever i reboot the dock loads fine and then the dock configuration screen pops up

I found this to be very annoying - so once again I deleted the dock and reinstalled my dell dock - because it does not load the configuration screen every time you reboot..

Does anyone at stardock test this software, or do you just sell it and throw it out there, to be fixed at a later date??

one version works as one thinks it should and the other does not.. why??

I paid decent money for all these bugs and with evey impulse update comes more bugs.. go back to what worked.. there are so many programs within the mycolors / object desktop line that use sofeware across software lines or somehow shared resources - then update across the whole software line

Sure would make more sense and make troubleshooting easier as what works under one software program does not always work under a differant program..

Now I must say that a lot of my posts are rants about stardock's software bugs while using XP, I have Vista with stardock software loaded, but do not use it much or at all on my vista machine..

It does seem to me that a lot of these updates now a days are geared for vista and win7 and if that is the case then I am fine with it.. But give us a tested and working version for XP and then leave it alone.. Impulse has a way to determine Windows Version and create a message stating the software was not intended for your version..

More bugs then a roach motel

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jimehc1
ZubaZ
Join Date 11/2001
+917
Reply #1 October 15, 2009 9:11:49 PM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums

but whenever i reboot the dock loads fine and then the dock configuration screen pops up
That is indicative of the app being in the start up folder in addition to the startup.ini.

Delete it from the start up folder and all will be well.

(This usually happens due to user intervention.)

Does anyone at stardock test this software, or do you just sell it and throw it out there, to be fixed at a later date??
Yes, we have QA.  But we cannot test in every configuration . . that is one reason we have betas. 
one version works as one thinks it should and the other does not.. why??
The Dell dock and Object dock are two very seperate bits of code; they are not different versions of the same app.

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jimehc1
jimehc1
Join Date 08/2009
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Reply #2 October 15, 2009 10:00:47 PM
from Stardock ForumsStardock Forums

Delete it from the start up folder and all will be well.

(This usually happens due to user intervention.)

have you tested object dock?? under the options - load at startup is checked..

the programs puts the shortcut into the startup folder.. if deleted the dock does not load..

So been there a done that - maybe the code needs to be checked by someone at stardock - and not blame the user..

I understand that the dock need to load, and I want it too.. - But then the objectdock config screen pops up on every reboot, that i do not want..

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jimehc1
zakai1369
Join Date 04/2007
+139
Reply #3 October 15, 2009 10:06:34 PM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums

As for the objectdock problem I have had Objectdock set for startup on both Vista and XP and not run into this problem with either one so it is obviously not a full time error with the program that happens to everyone.

 

It does seem to me that a lot of these updates now a days are geared for vista and win7 and if that is the case then I am fine with it.. But give us a tested and working version for XP and then leave it alone.. Impulse has a way to determine Windows Version and create a message stating the software was not intended for your version..

I also just read a comment you had left on another thread complaining about all of the beta updates but if the above statement is the way you feel then why not just leave Impulse set so that it does not show you the beta updates and just stick with using the most recent full version of all programs and wait until the next full version before updating?

 

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jimehc1
Mirsguy
Join Date 11/2007
+432
Reply #4 October 15, 2009 10:10:40 PM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums

So been there a done that - maybe the code needs to be checked by someone at stardock - and not blame the user.

No one's blaming the user. You asked for help, and Zubaz tried to help.

I had a machine that did what you are describing, and deleting the shortcut in the startup folder fixed it.

BTW- I have both used and skinned ObjectDock for 2 years, and IMHO, it is a great program. Due to acquiring different machines and also purchasing an additional license so I could use it on some machines at work, I have used OD+ on MANY machines. No issues. Period.

Just because you are having some issues, valid as they may be, that doesn't make Stardock inept or their software buggy. I know one particular person that, due to a screwy set up, NOTHING runs right on their machine!

Each person is unique, and so is each configuration.

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jimehc1
Ausvet
Join Date 08/2001
+236
Reply #5 October 15, 2009 10:14:15 PM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums

There are 2 start up folders one for all users and one for your user name, the 2 times running happens often with various startup programs and is a foible with windows.

This problem usually happens when you try to clean some of the clutter out of your Start menu. Most of the time, it's caused by the fact that Windows keeps track of the new locations of Start menu folders when you drag-drop them. (Microsoft means well here, but the fact that the Registry is updated automatically whenever you move a folder is more of a nuisance than anything else.)

For instance, if you try to consolidate your personal Startup folder and the All Users Startup folder, Windows still thinks it's looking at two different folders, and thus two copies of all the shortcuts contained therein. To fix the problem, you need to correct the folder locations in your Registry:

 

  1. Open the Registry Editor (regedit.exe).
  2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SOFTWARE\ Microsoft\ Windows\ CurrentVersion\ explorer\ Shell Folders and make sure all the entries here point where they should:
    • In Windows XP/2000/2003, the Common Startup value should be set to C:\Documents & Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup.

       

    • In Windows Vista, the Common Startup value should be set to C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup.
  3. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SOFTWARE\ Microsoft\ Windows\ CurrentVersion\ explorer\ User Shell Folders and correct the values here as well.
  4. Next, navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ Software\ Microsoft\ Windows\ CurrentVersion\ Explorer\ Shell Folders, and set the correct values for your personal Startup folder:
    • In Windows XP/2000/2003, the Startup value should be set to C:\Documents & Settings\{your_user_name}\Start Menu\Programs\Startup.

       

    • In Windows Vista, the Common Startup value should be set to C:\Users\{your_user_name}\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup.

    Note: Make sure to replace {your_user_name} here with the folder name matching your user name.

  5. Finally, navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ SOFTWARE\ Microsoft\ Windows\ CurrentVersion\ explorer\ User Shell Folders and correct the values here as well. The only difference here is that each entry should start with %USERPROFILE% instead of C:\Users\{your_user_name}.
  6. When you're done, close the Registry Editor and restart Windows to test the new settings.

  7. Follow all this carefully and use only after backing up your registry !! 

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jimehc1
jimehc1
Join Date 08/2009
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Reply #6 October 15, 2009 10:25:25 PM
from Stardock ForumsStardock Forums

Load MyColors harley Classic theme and reboot

You will have 2 calanders - one overlaying the other

Load MyColors Music Theme

and you get empty gaget folders

Load MyColors Diamond theme

as you get a fuzzy, colorblocked start menu, taskbar, app window

Load MyColors Mustang theme

You get a start menu with full of mustangs

All using impulse, mycolors and mycolors themes - nothing else - fully updated thru impulse on XP3 machine

Now load ThemeManager - OH, by the way - it asks you to reboot before the installation completes.. and if you select yes you get a message asking if you want to cancel installation and you also get an error dialog box..

But theme manager seems to load win7 skin (small block to right of clock)

Now load windowblinds7 - diamond theme loads if selecting vista theme and the Mustang theme now has one animated mustang

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jimehc1
jimehc1
Join Date 08/2009
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Reply #7 October 16, 2009 6:36:13 AM
from Stardock ForumsStardock Forums

For instance, if you try to consolidate your personal Startup folder and the All Users Startup folder, Windows still thinks it's looking at two different folders, and thus two copies of all the shortcuts contained therein. To fix the problem, you need to correct the folder locations in your Registry:

Never been in the registry - but I will check for those entries.. But before I really mess things up here and I know it can real easily.. How do you back up the registery...

I also want to point out once again - that dell dock does not load the config screen after every reboot.. And it was used before and after using objectdock, with both program shortcuts being setup in the startup folder by the program itself..

I really do thank all of you for the advise, but this advise comes from people that code ( we call them "coders" in the forums that I mod for) but I the end user do not code.. I just purchased software and would like it it work as it should and if it works the way and as great as you all say it does.. Then I do not need the software as I find it to be with to many bugs and a forum full of complaints about it..

I mean really - we received a free theme (Music) october 1st - the complaints where the gagets where not loading - there where 3 or 4 updates for the theme version and none corrected the problem even to this day!! Yeah someone suggested coping the theme, renaming it to .zip and extracting the gagets manually, then coping the folders to the gaget folder.. Yeah that works, but is that how it is supposed to be.. Hell No and that known issue (problem) is 16 days old.. yeah, yeah it was a free theme and you get what you pay for.. But i did pay for objectdesktop and that theme is offered for sale at 19.95

I mean really - whats the use of reporting a bug and then being advised that you need to re-code your computer or alter the software to make it work..

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jimehc1
Bichur
Join Date 10/2003
+253
Reply #8 October 16, 2009 7:42:04 AM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums

How do you back up the registery...

 

file > export

 

don't quote me but i think creating a restore point first also creates a back up

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jimehc1
jimehc1
Join Date 08/2009
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Reply #9 October 16, 2009 7:59:47 AM
from Stardock ForumsStardock Forums

And since that update post was brought up here about all the updates - 17 in 2 months for windowblinds7

Did windows XP, Vista or Win7 change all that much in that time??

NO, the program changed 'that much"!!

So it gets back to my point once again of that post - are theses programs tested before they are released or are they just thrown out there to show that stardock is working on a new project..

Stardock should hold off on the beta releases until they can be a little better QC checked and better tested first

Win7 had a beta release, RC1 release and then a retail release over a longer period of time..

I mean once again - really??

yeah i know bugs will appear as the program is used in many ways, on many differant machines and with differant OS versions

But they could dang sure do some more intensive inhouse testing first, before releasing the update..

Yeah we all want the latest and greatest software release, but come on now, 17 beta releases in 2 months just shows me (and I am sure other users) that stardock is just pushing buggy software out the door..

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jimehc1
jimehc1
Join Date 08/2009
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Reply #10 October 16, 2009 8:00:26 AM
from Stardock ForumsStardock Forums

Quoting Bichur,
reply 8

How do you back up the registery...


 

file > export

 

don't quote me but i think creating a restore point first also creates a back up

Thank You

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jimehc1
zakai1369
Join Date 04/2007
+139
Reply #11 October 16, 2009 12:22:26 PM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums

What is beta software?

After an initial round of in-house testing, software publishers often release new programs to be tested by the public. These pre-release versions are called beta software, usually denoted by a "b" in the version number, e.g., Firefox 3.1b2. Since the publisher couldn't possibly test the software under all possible conditions, it is reasonable to expect that wider use of the software may uncover problems that were not discovered during in-house testing. The publisher expects to be notified when users find such problems so that the program can be fixed before its official release.

In general, you should expect to run into bugs whenever using any piece of beta software. These bugs may range in severity from minor features that don't work to problems that cause your computer to crash. You should decide whether the benefit of new features in a beta program outweighs the risk of program instability before choosing to use a piece of beta software.

 

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jimehc1
warreni
Join Date 12/2005
+86
Reply #12 October 16, 2009 12:56:31 PM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums

Quoting zakai1369,
reply 11
What is beta software?
After an initial round of in-house testing, software publishers often release new programs to be tested by the public. These pre-release versions are called beta software, usually denoted by a "b" in the version number, e.g., Firefox 3.1b2. Since the publisher couldn't possibly test the software under all possible conditions, it is reasonable to expect that wider use of the software may uncover problems that were not discovered during in-house testing. The publisher expects to be notified when users find such problems so that the program can be fixed before its official release.

In general, you should expect to run into bugs whenever using any piece of beta software. These bugs may range in severity from minor features that don't work to problems that cause your computer to crash. You should decide whether the benefit of new features in a beta program outweighs the risk of program instability before choosing to use a piece of beta software.

 

+1

jimehc: I understand that you're having some issues and they appear to be legitimate, but there's no sense in complaining about bugs in beta versions of software. It's sort of like complaining about peanut butter having an offensively peanutty taste. There is an option in Impulse to disable showing betas. I have it turned on precisely because I don't like dealing with these kinds of headaches; maybe you should try it.

 

Regarding your startup issues, I would suggest following Zubaz's original advice; this may well be the source of your problem. I don't think selecting "load at startup" actually tells the software to place a shortcut in the start menu startup folder; I believe that it adds an item to the registry. Someone more familiar with this can correct me if I'm wrong.

Also, you can easily create a registry backup by opening the registry editor (go to Start Menu -> Run and type regedit.exe) and selecting Export. . . . Select range "all" and save the .reg file to a CD or flash drive.

 

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jimehc1
Mirsguy
Join Date 11/2007
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Reply #13 October 16, 2009 1:22:08 PM
from WinCustomize ForumsWinCustomize Forums

And since that update post was brought up here about all the updates - 17 in 2 months for windowblinds7

Did windows XP, Vista or Win7 change all that much in that time??

NO, the program changed 'that much"!!

Umm, I get Windows updates almost every day...

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jimehc1
SirBedwyr
Join Date 03/2004
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Reply #14 October 28, 2009 6:56:21 PM
from Stardock ForumsStardock Forums

A corollary to the Beta comment.  Most software releases are "operationally good".  That is they work as intended and have fairly rare bugs pop up on occasion.  Showstoppers tend to get stomped on quickly, but minor annoyances may stick around for the life of the product.

 

The only place where this isn't normal is in critical applications such as flight guidance systems.  Because someone's life or incredible amounts of money are at stake, it better work and so the iterative, continuous process you see in consumer development is less apparent (though you still get bugs no matter what... it's just that the roll control program on, say, a Space-X rocket WILL work).  In fact the president of Space X commented about that.  He was used to the consumer development industry and was at least somewhat surprised by how much work and money goes into making sure a particular test aobsolutely positively works because it's so expensive.

 

So you too can have perfectly working software.  Just be sure to get a fair sized market's worth of people (2-3 million should be sufficient) to pay quintuple the price you're paying now and hey-presto, you get much more reliable software.

I have to remind myself about this since I'm human too and get frustrated if the software isn't working right (See my comments on Windows 7 in another forum).

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