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How can I fix WindowBlinds in Windows XP?

I'm using Windows XP, have downloaded WindowBlinds 4.5 and it seems that Yahoo chat does not work along with it. Every time I right click it closes Yahoo no matter where I right click, it simple just exits the program.

So then I tried to go back to the old version of WindowBlinds 4.4 within Windows XP, but found that it did the same thing. If I click on Search, Favorites or History in Internet Explorer it would flicker like it's flashing the search or favorite icon in the left corner of the icon. That happened with WindowBlinds 4.5, but it doesn't do that on the older version. Is the problem WindowBlinds, or it is my computer?


Dave's Answer:

Programs that change the behavior of the entire system are tough to debug because it's hard to know what is being caused by the program and what isn't. If you can't just disable WindowBlinds and confirm that everything works properly without it, you can at least try a few different tactics.

First off, it is possible that there is a pop-up blocker that is not working correctly with windowblinds? Do you have any sort of pop-up blocker on your system, or an adblocker? If so, check to see if it's compatible with WindowBlinds.

Also here is a useful snippet of useful information from Stardock, the developers of the WindowBlinds application:


My Application doesn't work right with WindowBlinds loaded...

Windowblinds will have trouble skinning software they draws their windows without using the windows API. To get around this, please use the "Per Application" setting in the windowBlinds configuration window. Set it to ignore the application that it is conflicting with.


According to the Web site, you can temporarily keep Yahoo from being skinned by holding down CTRL while program is loading. This will let you know if really is WindowBlinds causing problems.

If you need more information, Stardock has a useful and informative site that includes a discussion forum that could be a good place to get further help on this issue.

Thanks to Tommy Martin for his help with this question


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Comments

I had the same problem. Click on Per Application (from the main WindowBlinds window) and add YPager.exe. In the settings window that comes up, check the first box (Ignore this application and do not skin it) under "Total exclusion." That's it...no more dissappearing messenger application!

Posted by: Dawn at April 13, 2005 1:48 PM

Amazing your post saved me...!

Posted by: Abhijit at March 3, 2007 7:05 PM

Better solution:
Set compatibility mode to Windows 98 for YahooMessenger.exe! Blam, no more crashing and your theme works.

Posted by: Tim Markworth at May 28, 2007 3:47 PM

how to insert themes and softwares into windows xp boot cd rom so that they are placed in the autoplay menu

Posted by: viswajeeth at December 29, 2007 1:54 AM

I have a lot to say, but ...
Starbucks coffee cup I have a lot to say, and questions of my own for that matter, but most of all I'd like to say thank you for all your efforts on this Web site by buying you a chai!

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