Deskscapes 2.0 Codec Instructions

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Assistance for Running Vista Dreams using Deskscapes 2.0 from Stardock - Codec Information

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 click here.

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 .

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 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 this page.

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.

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If you would like help or assistance, please contact me (Tyler) at the following e-mail address: vistadreams.support@gmail.com. You will also find help and assistance in our Support Forum. Click here to see the six simple steps to your first dream