Assistance for
Running Vista Dreams using Deskscapes 2.0 from Stardock
Instructions that
you might need
The following is a
quick set of instructions for the latest update to Deskscapes 2.0 created by
Stardock Inc. Deskscapes is a software that allows for animated wallpapers to be
displayed and run on any version install of Windows Vista. Previous to this is
was only available to Vista Ultimate. To enjoy our dreams, you need to
purchase and install Deskscapes 2.0 first! Please read the following before
you do:
First there are two possible downloads for Deskscapes the freeware trial and the
full purchase version. The only difference between the two is that the trial
will only run the three dream files that come with it and nothing else.
-
First download
then install
Deskscapes 2.0 by running the deskscapes_setup.exe file you have
downloaded.
-
If DeskScapes
tells you that you don't have a video codec. You will have to update them
manually. To display video dreams with DeskScapes, an MPEG-2 Video Decoder must
be installed on your computer. Certain versions of Windows Vista (Home Premium
and Ultimate) include a codec provided by Microsoft (the Microsoft MPEG-2 Video
Decoder). DeskScapes has been fully tested with the Microsoft MPEG-2 Video
Decoder so this is the recommended choice.
-
In order to
determine if you have a proper video codec utilizing a third party utility
usually works best. We usually like to use this utility called NirSoft
InstalledCodec. You can download NirSoft's InstalledCodec from here:
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/installed_codec.html
-
To download your
codec please go here:
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/3d0c5a49-8f61-45cc-8a7d-38c4695ba9291033.mspx#EBB
This is the
Microsoft ‘how to’ page for installing their codecs.
There are also
free codecs available. We have used this user-created codec with success:
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Multimedia/Video/Codec-Packs-Video-Codecs/Stinkys-MPEG-Codec.shtml
.
Once you have the codec installed restart your machine before running Deskscapes.
After this you should be all set! If you have further questions this
link: (http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/3d0c5a49-8f61-45cc-8a7d-38c4695ba9291033.mspx#EBB) has multiple trouble shooting steps for double checking your codec status.
Other
troubleshooting issues:
In order for DeskScapes to run, the Desktop Windows Manager needs to be running.
Most computers capable of running Windows Vista in all its glory (with all of
the cool glass effects) will, by default, also be running the Desktop Windows
Manager.
If DWM has crashed go to Start/Programs/Accessories/ then right click on Command
Prompt select Run as Administrator. Then copy this command in:
net stop uxsms (makes sure it is stopped, just in case it is running but not
responding)net start uxsms ()
This will restart DWM. However if you reboot your machine and it stops working
again then that means that Windows has shut off the DWM again. Often the reason
is because Vista scores your Graphics at a 2.0 or lower. To view your score
click on Start>Control Panel>System and Maintence (on the left menu) > System.
To learn more about the Windows Experience Score visit:
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/help/0fee4637-8b21-41f1-87f6-66d2205420d61033.mspx
The reason Windows scores below 2.0 on graphics is due to an underpowered video
card. Most modern video cards will score over 2.0 on the Windows experience
score. However, one issue that might arise if Windows Vista was installed BEFORE
installing a new graphics card. If you have installed a new graphics card in the
same System menu as highlighted before click on the Windows Experience Link and
then in the detailed score setting click "Update my score."
We have also set
up a Forum thread about Deskscapes 2.0.
Go here to read and post in our forum.
