What to Keep? What to Toss?

from WinCustomize Forums
I have used some Stardock apps successfully in the past on my Win-95-98 systems. But, there were always limitations and memory problems.

Now that I have a WIN-XP Pro w/SP1 system set-up, I am trying to determine what I want and what I should just toss. I AM using Icon Packager & Cursor XP.

But, the last thing I want to do is Install and Uninstall apps.

Years go only WindowBlinds was available so it was that or nothing.
But, over the years I have tried (and still have on CD) WindowBlinds 4.1, Desktop X 2.0, Object Bar 1.6.

I am reading mixed reviews about WinStyles 1.50, Talisman desktop, Style XP, NextStart, etc.

I am working from memory so please bear with me and remember these questions are from WIN-98 experiences.
Window Blinds was a memory hog?
Some apps and/or parts of apps did not skin with Window Blinds? For example, I seem to recall parts of PowerDesk retaining the original desktop theme.
Desktop X had no application skinning function?
Object Bar is an eleborate WindowBlinds type app for the taskbar only?

This new system "seems" to have the ability to handle anything Pentium 4 2.80ghz, 1 GB RAM, ASUS NVidia GEForce FX 5600 Ultra graphics card w/ 128mb ram.

But, I do seem to have occasional trouble with a slow screen refresh. I am trying to find out if the NTFS file system is that problem.

I use the "Old Type" taskbar at this time, until I can get my Start-Up folders set as I like them. So would that effect eithor or both Desktop X and Object Bar?

So what is the minimum configuration of Stardock or some of the newer apps, that would give me a pretty complete customization, but be most system friendly.

This is both a request from you with more Tech experience and a poll of users.

Thanks in advance.
Mike Mc
3,768 views 27 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I have windowblinds 4.2 and it is only running 1968k....not too bad....I also have y'z toolbar and it runs more!


Keep WindowBlinds
Keep IconPackager
toss desktopX...Memory hog
toss objectbar...unstable


I recommend Object Desktop and you can pick and choose at anytime...I have it and everything is fast pace here. One year with all the updates...you can't lose. )
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
toss desktopX...Memory hog

That's entirely dependant on the theme/objects being used.

WindowBlinds is not a memory hog, quite the opposite.
You mention DX not having application skinning function...........why should it? We have WindowBlinds.
You really should try everything again, now that you're using XP........ things that gave you problems on 98, most likely will not on XP.





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Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top

StyleXP is a system dll hack so keep away.

Powerdesk hasn't been updated for ages and sometimes spits a dummy in XP....but still a great app.

NTFS is one main reason for switching to XP in the first place [from 9x].

Main Stardock App I have used since its inception is Windowblinds.....only gets better and better with each ver....)

Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Windowblinds, Iconpackager, cursorxp, and desktopx. can't go wrong with that.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Ditto......Travis recommendations, also resource free and safe, not necessarily adding any functionality..LogonStudio and Bootskin
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
oh yes. Bootskin and LogonStudio are a keeper. theyre free and small yet they are the first thing (and last in logonstudios case) that you see.
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
bah, I never look at them (logon and boot).
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
i, inlike others, dont fall asleep while my computer boots. *winky*
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I never see the bootscreen (maybe 1 or 2 sec.) and I have login in classic mode. kinda pointless for me to use logonstudio or bootskin. Also I don't normally use xp....
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
*sigh*
he has been on linux too long mam, there is nothing i can do for him...


Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
NTFS is one main reason for switching to XP in the first place [from 9x].


funny thing is, I am using Win XP Pro and i use FAT with it.
Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
funny thing is that reiser is better than ntfs
Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I read somewhere that FAT32 file system is faster than NTFS for gamers. I still use FAT32 with XP
Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top

funny thing is, I am using Win XP Pro and i use FAT with it

Fat32, one hopes...and it's not 'funny' just naive...

Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Go with windowblinds and iconpackager, thats all you need.
Personaly have some nice experiences with styleXP too. Reinstalled my machine and styleXP isn't going to be on it anymore, nice program but indeed a system hack.
Reply #17 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Fat32, one hopes...and it's not 'funny' just naive...


no.. works better for my old games.
Reply #18 from WinCustomize Forums Top
File stability is superior in NTFS.....particularly with an unexpected shutdown/blackout.....no more corrupted/crosslinked files etc.....improved OS stability/reliability is a good enough reason to move from Fat/32
Reply #19 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I know all that Jafo. It is the fact that I have some very old games that will only work on FAT32
Reply #20 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Any performance gain in FAT32 over NTFS is negligible. NTFS gives you stability as well as being less prone to fragmenting problems.
Reply #21 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Kona0197 - given the clear benefits you know about NTFS, how about 2 partitions? NTFS for the system and most apps, and a separate FAT32 one for the old games? That way you'll also be protecting your system from the old games trashing things if they go up the swanny...?
Reply #22 from WinCustomize Forums Top
never thought about that sput. As soon as my new HD gets here, I will do that.
Reply #23 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Kona0197 - given the clear benefits you know about NTFS, how about 2 partitions? NTFS for the system and most apps, and a separate FAT32 one for the old games?

Same thing applies for multiple OS boots....can be set to have non-NTFS reading OSs access the same data as XP by putting the data on a non-NTFS partition for old 9x to read....

Reply #24 from WinCustomize Forums Top
actually most oses can read ntfs, just can't write.
at least out of the microsoft arena
[Message Edited]
Reply #25 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Joining the chorus, I would have to agree that Windowblinds 4.2 on WinXP is a true joy, and I have only very rarely seen memory use increase over running one of the MS Luna themes, and even then it wasn't enough to cause any concern (certainly not with 1GB of RAM). I really like Icon Packager as well, though it took me a while to get used to a few quirks.

As for the others, I would have to say it depends on how you use your computer. DesktopX, will use some system resources, but I find that the benefits in time saved and convenience pay for themselves many times over. And if you are one who likes to have icons on your desktop, IconX, which is part of DesktopX gives you tremendous control over sizing, labeling, controlling, and arranging your icons. And I truly believe that DesktopX has the potential to revolutionize the way people use WindowsXP.

Personally, I think the money I paid for Object Desktop to have it all is one of the best software investments I've made in a very long time.