Start Screen - Change Background Color and Image

[robinb9]

I just tried to install Windows 8 Start Screen Customizer- windows 8 blocks the install, even if I rename it to the exe
I tried downloading the other one but ie stops it
also some are having problems with it on sites I am reading reviews
I think I still like decor8 but it is no biggy
I am sure others will come out with a better free one
Classic Shell free or start8 are still good ones
robin
robin

 

[Brink]

Hello Robin,

You should be able to just unblock the .exe file using OPTION ONE in the tutorial below to allow it to run.

Open File - Security Warning : Unblock File - Windows 7 Forums

 

[robinb9]

Why would it do this anyway? If it is a secured and signed program shouldn't windows just install it like any other exe file? I did not have to do this to decor8 which is basically the same program?
robin

 

[Brink]

Hey Robin,

It's because the .exe doesn't have a digital signature, so it's classified as an unknown. That's enough to get it blocked by Windows SmartScreen filter until you unblock it. It's perfectly safe though.

 

[znod]

Problem Changing Start Screen Background

I been using this tutorial in trying to change my metro start screen background. Everything seems clear. I didn't need to unblock in any context. And, everything works until restart. It seem to me that I have tried all the alternatives for keeping the background change from reverting on restart. FWIW, I am not running uEFI. Originally, BitDefender and I fought it out on allowing the app to work. But, I uninstalled BitDefender just to see .... I do have one problem; the app sometimes doesn't start properly. I have tired several different downloads; every on works the same way. I was thinking that this problem could be an issue upon restart after choosing the "Hide" alternative. But, I want to emphasize the "Exit" option anyway.

 

[Brink]

Hello znod,

If you're using OPTION TWO, double check to make sure that you have checked the Run at startup box at step 6 to see if that may be the issue.

Hope this helps.

 

[znod]

Thanks for your reply. It's definitely checked. I have tried checking it both before and after using "Apply and Save" and using each "Hide" or "Exit."

 

[Brink]

Are using the Win8StartScreenCustomizerEN.exe version that installs on the computer?

Do you have any other security program installed that may be blocking it from running at startup?

 

[znod]

I am using the version noted here:

"If you have not already, then you will need to download the latest version of the portable or installer Windows 8 Start Screen Customizer .exe file at the link below. NOTE: If you download the portable executable, you will need to extract ModernUIStartScreen.ex_and rename it to ModernUIStartScreen.exe."

I had to change to "exe." Only using Windows Defender. As noted, I uninstalled BitDefender when it gave me problems with the program. BitDefender is completely off my machine. I did a clean install as it had remnants that kept interfering.

 

[Brink]

Ah, ok. Give the installable version a try instead. It works great for me.

 

[znod]

I may give it a shot. Actually, it's so easy to reinstate what's shown on the start screen with the portable app that I might bother no more. I don't restart very often anyway. Are you aware of 3rd party AV's, such as BitDefentder, having problems with the install version--which was the case with the portable version?

Now if I could just get a screen shot of my altered start screen, then .... You probably have, but, if not, then please see this topic on screenshots.

 

[Brink]

I don't use 3rd party AV programs, but I'm sure you could add the program to the AV's safe/exception list.

I posted this below to help with the direct screenshot issue.

http://www.eightforums.com/software...screen-shot-capture-thoughs-4.html#post173457

 

[znod]

I tried adding it as an exception in BitDefender. BitDefender didn't cooperate so I uninstalled. I see that you saw my solution to the print screen issue. Thanks for your input.

I have interesting news on the change the start screen background issue. The program decided to start working without me doing anything--well, just a little. When I restart, the original start screen displays. But, after I go to the desktop and back to the start screen, the program works--displaying my new background. Go figure.

 

[Brink]

Hmm, gotta love those quirks, but glad it's working for you.

You might pass that along to the program developer at their site as well. Hopefully they'll have a fix for it in the next release.

 

[znod]

Yes, on both counts. I should have added that what happen is that at some point the program starts running/appears in the notifications area. This is the behavior I would have expected if I had chosen "Hide," I selected "Exit." Thanks again.

 

[znod]

Hmm, gotta love those quirks, but glad it's working for you.

You might pass that along to the program developer at their site as well. Hopefully they'll have a fix for it in the next release.

Restarted again. This time I waited in the start screen. Sure enough, after a short while the program started and my start screen changed to my new one. So, I don't have to go to the desktop and back to the start screen for the program to work. It still seems like it is working as if I had chosen "Hide," but I chose "Exit."

 

[Brink]

Sounds like a slight delay while loading your startup programs before it gets to the program.

 

[znod]

Definitely yes. I am not sure why so slow though. I only have 4 "little" startup items. I disabled 2 of them. Eventually, I'll see if it makes a difference.

 

[Tepid]

Hi, for me, the Windows 8 Start Screen Customizer is ok for a free choice, but Decor8 is much much better in my opinion, well worth the $4.99.

However, I am waiting for the next WindowBlinds or more stardock items to be 8 ready before I purchase as I want the suite.

When it comes to Start8, I like ClassicShell better. However, I may take another look at Start8. But ultimately, ClassicShell I think, is better over all.

 

[znod]

Thanks for the info.