It's here! B2 is BoS 2.0. A shell is a program that replaces your taskbar, desktop icons, and start menu with better looking, more functional versions. B2 is no exception. Features include: Skinnable taskbar and menus (3 skins included), animated, scrolling, translucent menus with alpha shadows (even on Windows 98), QuickLaunch tray for frequent functions, shutdown, find, programs, favorites, documents, help, and settings menus, desktop menu, tear off menus (drag the menu titlebar to make it into a window), resizable, movable, docking taskbar, and lots more! NOTES: Be sure to copy Alphablending.dll and ccrpTmr6.dll to your \windows\system folder. B2 is released under the GPL. Please read Copying.txt if you wish to distribute B2 or use code from it. Also, B2 ONLY RUNS on Windows 98, ME, or 2000.
People must love my code! Three awards for the same code, it's rediculous! However, thanks anyway to everyone who voted. (My not-so-secret plan is to win the award again in December :-)
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your Alphablending.dll uses a function AlphaBlend from msimg32.dll this dll comes with NT5 ane may come with 2000 not sure. The code looks great but with out support for alphablend it won't work on nt40 0r win98 sorry (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
WOW! best i have seen... just a few questions... were did my desktop icons go when i replace explorer with it? I paln to take the system tray coding from SoftShell and submit it here, of course leaving the correct credits Brain and the maker of SoftShell should have.
PS, Jim, NT5 is windows 2000
Great Work Brain! (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Your desktop icons have been moved to the desktop icon menu (it's the little picture of the desk). Also, I was thinking of integrating the Softshell code into my own, but decided against it (would make the code buggy). If you would like to try, feel free, just remember to read the GPL before doing it. (The conditions of the GPL apply to both projects) (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Your desktop icons have been moved to the desktop icon menu (it's the little picture of the desk). Also, I was thinking of integrating the Softshell code into my own, but decided against it (would make the code buggy). If you would like to try, feel free, just remember to read the GPL (Go to Start > Help > About B2 and click on "GPL Info") before doing it. (The conditions of the GPL apply to both projects) (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
I always get "Active X component can't create object" on Set tmrShow = New ccrpTimer. What could the problem be. I am on win 98 with VB6 and SP3. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
You must copy ccrpTmr6.dll and Alphablendng.dll to your Windows System folder. If that doesn't work, go to Start > Run and type in regsvr32.exe ccrpTmr6.dll
(If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Hi i realy like your code! I have windows me and B2 will not work correctly i padten the DLL files to the system folder and still get a problem i would like to use this as my shell sh your help would be the best thanks! Windows ME (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Hi i realy like your code! I have windows me and B2 will not work correctly i pasted the DLL files to the system folder and still get a problem i would like to use this as my shell sh your help would be the best thanks!
Windows ME (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Could you please provide a more complete description? Do you get an error, and if you do, what is it? Does it just not start? A good description allows me to accuratelly diagnose and solve your problem. Also keep in mind that B2 is untested on Windows ME (I haven't been able to get my hands on a copy) (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Yes, i get the error "run-time erroe '429': activeX component can't create object" this happens any time i click on somthing on the start bar in B2. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
i cant get the program to work under windows me... there are around 3 errors that often happen one of of the errors is run-time error..... plz. update it i love what you have done to this program and i want to use it but it doesn't want to work.. plz. fit-it... THANKS ALOT.... GOT MY 3 votes.... yup, 3.... (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Nice code, just wonderingi keep geting errors id i click on the B2 start thing, anyways this program is a start bar emulator and a program shortcut handler right? it keeps your desktop as is? thanks Keep up the nice coding!! (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Upon running your code in VB, I get an error message... "Subscript Out Of Range" on the line... "ButtonCaption(i) = """ where i is currently = 4. What is the problem....Any help would be greatly appreciated...thanks! (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Great code! But the "Can't create object" error makes it so I can only see the bar... I did as WoodE said, but another error ocurred anyway, so I guess that's not the problem. I searched for Alphablending.dll and couldn't find it. Can you please send it to me? I'm using Windows98 so I guess it's supposed to work... (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Hehe, I feel soooo lame! All the DLLs were in the ZIP! But the problem is still there, if you want me to tell you the line where the error occurs or any more info you need, just e-mail me. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Well This app is very cool and I think it's much better then BoS1.0 but to be quite troughtfull it will be much cooler if it will works. There are errors with ActiveX creating.
PS: really great job (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
In my opinion the only valid fix is to register the provided dll's. The only glitch I've found in 5 mins use is that the results text from the bottom bar of my Find box is faintly displayed in B2's task bar (yes, even fom the desktop). Looking good! Keep it up! (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
I get error 429 'ActiveX component can't create object' on line Set tmrShow = New ccrpTimer in frmStartMenu. What's wrong? (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Yeah, I get that error too. It said "ActiveX component can't creat object" at line tmrShow = New ccrpTimer in frmStartMenu, and when I tried to comment it, it cause more & more error. Why ccrpTimer is so important? What is it? Please answer by e-mail. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Add from the last feedback- Even I've download it everytime you promote, it still cause the same error. Don't know why. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
hEy, wait a min.... I've download this version, and it works! How? Well, people who have the same problem with me must register ccrpTmr.dll first, by draging it to C:\windows\system\regsvr32.exe . (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Alpha, ccrpTimer is a Timer object (obviously) that was created by the Common Control Replacement Project (ccrp) group. It is much more accurate than the timer that comes with VB because it uses API calls. CCRP has made several other controls as well to replace the standard VB controls. You should check out there site to see what they have available. http://www.mvps.org/ccrp/ Many of their controls could become standard really soon. You should become familiar with them. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
I get the same subscript error as Tony Gjerdahl and Joe Kramer get: i = 4. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Program looks fascinating if I can get it working.
Thanks
(If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Woah, allot of comments! Does anyone read this far (I did) Good job, I am working on my own shell (might not be as graphically good as yours but I'll try) [From scratch not this code] pic looks good. I can't use it because I don't have VB (I use ideas for c++) (this is VB world right?) (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Hey thanks for helping me with my problem and windows me i draged the ccrptmr6.dll to the regsvr32 and B2 worked thanks for you help. That helped me so anyone who has windows me that should fix any problems. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
amazing...I LOVE IT! I am voting for you again, but I'm waiting for B3, if you are planning to make one! You should sell this product, it's awsome!
P.S. Could you add the compiled executable to the zip, as it sometimes gives me errors since i use vb5 (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
dude there ARE NO dll's in the zip... i THOUGHT there were supposed to be and this code gives me all kinds of errors (probably because of the lack of files) well anyway if you ever get a chance you might want to throw those dll's along with your code ;) (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
I've used your shell from 1 to now and will continue to use it in the future (It's the best), I get a error not in your program but when visiting your site some-times, Why? The error says (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
If there is a next version and What time is it expected to be released? I'm looking forward to using it very much. I haven't seen a Shell that is better then yours, not even Litestep. Also from above the error is "Pokecenter2000 has been taken off line. We are sorry for any inconvienence HELLO!!!".
Thanks (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
cool but stucks... and you also have to check if the StartMenu/Programs has more items than can fit in screen. I have over 100 items in my startmenu/programs (because i'm on a development server). Anyway, its cool but if you don't add system tray and safer environment (stacked 2 times on me) it won't be usefull. Thanks, and congratulations :-)
Vasilis
(If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
I have Windows 98. I registered the DLLs and then ran the project and nothing happened! I see you have several folders with skins. Should i get a form to choose the skin or just what should happen? (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
I need some help because I ain t a good computer addict and sometimes I am stuck! It looks really nice , I hate the current windows and tried lots of other software but there are always bugs so can somebody help me try this new shell , especially in installing it. thanks a lot and my congratulations to the author , looks really nice . (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
The menus are a bit odd, When I get deep into menus (programs/acceeesories/communication) the menus 'slide out' very very slow. How do you fix this? I have got a 3d card with 16mb of ram and a p3 700. Your shell is the best and I want to use it all the time. Can't wait for the next version. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Brian, I have try many times to fix it but still face the same problems, I hope you can take action to solve it, thanks. a box prompt up every time I open it
runtime error "91" object variable or with block variable not set
After this, the Bos will shutdown automatically (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Could you e-mail me a compiled version of BoS2? I only have VB5. You can e-mail me at marklu@myfavoritei.com. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
This code rocks. I work on an NT4WS and I've downloaded the MSIMG32.dll. It actually works. My only problem is that I can't see my complete menu and some icons in left corner are disapeared also my old windows toolbar still works. But I am sure that I can work this out when I change the code a little. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Hey! really would like to use B2 but. How can i make it my default shell insteak of explorer? and what should i do about the slow sliding menus? thanks.
PS what is the website of BoS? (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Great code I have made something like this almost as good and I am currently working on a seperate OS ( Yes thats possible :P ) and I will release it sometime by christmas if anyone of you is interested - it combines many linux commands as well as windows interface and much much more , stay tuned! (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
hi, i downloaded the zip file and extract it but cant seem to figure out how to run and change my icons kindly please give me directions on how to run it thanks.. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
One major problem here. If you have a large programs menu, you can't acess all of the menu items. Add a pager type scrolling thing, so you can acess all of the menu items. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
got it to work on XP (Final Version) looks... interesting the B2 buttons are bigger than the XP ones in the taskbar, and the start button is smaller, and it doesn't replace the menus, it just kinda puts a transparent B2 menu over it. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
That last comment was kinda rash... I have some more to add so yeah, the task bar looks all screwy because you can kinda still see the old one, also, in the start menu, it shows a lot of empty menu folder items and I also found that, in my documents, whenever I tried to open something, it would be like rightclicking the file and choosing "Hex edit with Hex Workshop"
I realize Windows XP wasn't your target OS, so no biggy if it doesn't work 100% on it.
Great program, I've used it on Win 98 and loved it. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
This is great coding, from what I see! The problem is not your code though, its my VB, so I can not run the project file after I open it. Where would I be able to download the latest B2.ExE file? (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Great program nice work, but since these hobos cant get it to work, i think you should add an exe to it so they can see how great your program really is, aslo you could sell this for soooooooooooooo much $$$$ you would could have a bed made of 100 dolar bills, that is how good this coad is.
Ps. you probably got this from the coments but GREAT WORK! (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Its a dang shame this code wont run when you click on the start bar. Makes me upset when i have to attempt to patch code to make it work, i have fixed 2 errors with your timer,When i click on start bar Now i get "object variable or With block variable not set" on line " Set tmrshow.Notify = Me" In frmstartmenu. I would like to use this and vote, but it wont run.. it looks dope as hell, code looks good, someone help?? *********** (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
i know uve prolly heard this a bit but i also get the error that activex vant create something... have u ficgured this out? (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Cool but i'm curently working on someting realy better, its will replace the 'border on the form' including the 'X'... and if you wana load your shell instead of windows shell, just replace 'explorer.exe' in your windows or system directory by your own app but name it 'Explorer.exe', the only probler is the external call by other app will not work because your 'Explorer.exe' will no longer have it. sory for my por english. Good program (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
hi against, about the tray icon, i think a ave a good idea, take no dll or anything. LOOK: all tray icon use the same Handle(hWnd) so you just have to manipulate it and put it into an other hwnd, use function luke setwindows, showwindows... with api anything is possible.. My speciality is Handle manipulation and 3D,2D graphical like dx or manipulating picture. Email me if you want more info about Handle manipulation like changing all windows shell(including form header(the X and ...) with a program that use NO FORM!!! only module and classes. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
9/1/2002 12:22:14 PM:
Hi,
Could you please mail me the Alphablendng.dll file ?
Thanx! Great Code !
(If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
10/7/2002 2:00:01 AM:
Hey wiked work brian. i want to make a taskbar like thingy that shows the current apps and so i can dbl clik it to maximise. how do i do this - Keith (defcongaming@hotmail.com) ps: email me back (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Pl. send me the two .dll files. ccrpTmr6.dll and Alphablendng.dll I don't have them. I have a system with Win 98 as OS. Also tell me about how to make use of this shell app on Win 98 OS. Your help is urgently required. Anybody else also who helps me will be appreciated and credited duefully. I look forward to an early response from everybody out there.
regards, Ninad Mairal Nagpur INDIA ======================
.
(If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
10/26/2002 4:44:14 AM:
were can i find alphablending.dll and ccrpTmr6.dll i cant find these on the net or computer it wont work without it so can u please help me (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Where can i get alphablending.dll??? I have searched for 2 days and have not found it. For the download sites, only 1 of them worked. Please e-mail me where to get them. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
I can't download ur program, plz could u send me as an attachment, PSC does not allow me to download, wonder y? but i can download other sources (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
12/16/2002 9:50:38 PM:
I also cannot download your sources. can anyone email me this to sianden@pl.jaring.my
thanks (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
1/3/2003 11:48:04 PM:
http://www.staes.nl/downloads_zelfgemaakt.php (Coffe Gift includes the Alphablending.dll file: while the app is running, copy the dll to st. else /to remain after close/). The other file can be found everywhere :P.
"Nice" shell, but not much function (but i won't be able to create a better one :P). (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
Sub UpdateWidth(X, Y, ChangeOldWidth As Boolean) TaskbarWidth = TaskbarWidth + X If TaskbarWidth < 630 Then TaskbarWidth = 630 If ChangeOldWidth Then SetWindowPos Me.hWND, HWND_TOPMOST, 0, 0, TaskbarWidth, TaskbarHeight, SWP_NOMOVE OldWidth = TaskbarWidth End If oldnumbuttons = TaskbarButtons Debug.Print oldnumbuttons TaskbarButtons = Int((TaskbarWidth - DesktopButtonWidth - StartButtonWidth - picTray.Width - MyComputerWidth - picQuickstart.Width - (picGripper.Width * 2)) / TaskbarButtonWidth) - 1 If TaskbarButtons < oldnumbuttons Then For i = oldnumbuttons To TaskbarButtons Step -1 ButtonVisible(i) = False picProgram(i).Visible = False Next End If For i = 0 To TaskbarButtons '*right here* --> ButtonCaption(i) = "" Next UpdateTaskbar Me.Refresh End Sub
is say subscipt out of range (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
your program wont work in Win2000 id tried to use your CCRP????.dll file in Win2000 VB6, and return an error "ActiveX Component. Cant Create Object" can you help with this (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
2/7/2003 7:21:01 PM:
I need Alphablending.dll can someone please tell me where to get it or email it to me TylerSReed@msn.com (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
2/25/2003 3:20:44 PM:
I cant get this program running! It seems so great but i cant get it to run on windows ME!! I also cant find these .dlls people are talking about! Please email me back ozzy12321@hotmail.com (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
You can download AlphaBlending.dll at http://www.vbtools.atelier.pl/vbtips.php?plik=92 p.s this is awesome! (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
3/19/2003 6:28:52 PM:
The imaging is unbelievable, unfortunately even after transferring the dll's to system folder and registering them, there was dozens of errors. As a word of advice perhaps you should use Option Explicit. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
3/23/2003 8:15:15 AM:
I must admit the screenshot looks great. too bad couldn't run it! ERROR MSG: Can't find project or library "tmrShow As ccrpTimer". -------------------------- The zip when unzipped didn't contain Alphablending.dll and ccrpTmr6.dll so I couldn't run it...SORRY!!... In the recycle bin it goes!
(If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
3/23/2003 8:34:09 AM:
How on earth am I suposed to download any of the dll's from a site such as http://www.vbtools.atelier.pl/vbtips.php when I can't understand the language? I'm sorry but the who page looks like it's in 'gobble-di-gooke'.
(If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
4/12/2003 3:22:08 AM:
here is a simple fix that would probably take awhile. use real code not DLLs. i will not even attempt to download this because you 1.focus too much on graphics not function 2.use DLLs instead of real code i can learn from! (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
4/12/2003 3:24:28 AM:
lose the DLLs (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
4/12/2003 4:54:02 PM:
click on the link that says alphablending. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
4/14/2003 1:19:46 PM:
this line in frmtaskbar.UpdateTaskbar(): For i = 0 To TaskbarButtons should be: For i = 0 To TaskbarButtons -1 this should get rid of a subscript out of range error. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
4/14/2003 1:30:18 PM:
the redundant subs can be done away with too. instead of having a display sub for each form that is identical to the display sub in all the other forms make one public sub and add an argument to the call: something as form, so each call would give you the form that needs to be displayed so you can get the hdc and something.show this would cut down on redundant code and allow for a smaller exe which takes up less memory to run. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
4/14/2003 1:38:41 PM:
redundant api declarations also need to be dealt with, shellexecute should be declared public once and then can be used anywhere in the app. this also saves memory and can improve performance. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
4/14/2003 1:45:16 PM:
to the peeps that can't get b2 to work in ME get a different OS. ME was an MS mistake they will never live down. so get rid of it. it crashes faster then mac OS 8 started with a mac OS 7 system disk. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
4/15/2003 12:11:36 AM:
hiya, I can't get a hold of a vb compiler and i'm a newbie to boot. it'd be great if there was an installer with required dll's for this program? ... Maybe that would solve all of the problems people are experiencing ;) ... (oh and yes i was looking around for a shell replacement that has some transpareny for windows98 even if it does use 'fake' transparency, i'd wuv to see it in action). (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
5/12/2003 6:45:15 AM:
Would This Work On An XP Machine either Pro Or Home? (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
(If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
1/17/2004 11:32:21 PM:
The screen shots look real good. i did a search on yahoo for the alphablending.dll file and found it, but when i try and run the file i get a run-time error where it says ButtonCaption(i) = "" under updatewidth on the taskbar form. i tried compiling it and setting the compatibilities to 2000, but it didnt work. you did say only for -2000 and i am on xp...but the compatibilites thing...yeah. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
1/18/2004 2:44:13 AM:
please send me other your code thank you
(If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
1/26/2004 1:05:44 AM:
Great work. Impressed with the amount of time you must have put into this project. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
1/28/2004 4:12:26 AM:
Very useful; Great code (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
3/11/2005 12:31:10 AM:
i need the alphablending.dll...where can i download the file?i cant run the code...! (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
3/11/2005 1:06:26 AM:
http://www.vbtools.atelier.pl/vbtips.php?plik=92
download alphablending.dll from this site..:) (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
http://www.vbexplorer.com/VBExplorer/viewcode.asp?SendText=files/alphablend here is the alphablending.dll (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
ok, with a little playing around i got it work, maybe i can clear it up for others =) I am running Vista. I downloaded this, and I also went searching for 'alphablending.dll' and 'ccrpTmr6.dll' I finally downloaded both and put them in my c:\windows\system foloder. Then I view 'regsvr32.exe' in c:\windows\system32\ folder. To clear my error of "ActiveX Component. Cant Create Object". I drag the DLL files into 'regsvr32.exe' and they should become registered. then your error will be fixed. (If this comment was disrespectful, please report it.)
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