Most of the time, I use OD+ and have the taskbar hidden. Many of the newer themes have oversized start buttons that remain somewhat visible even when the taskbar is hidden. Is there any way to fix this without modifying the button in SkinStudio (since I still want the taskbar to work on those occasions that I prefer to have it visible). I know that I can set an alternate taskbar, but I'd rather not have to if there is a fix.

For some reason, several programs on my machine (XP Pro, SP 2) are not able to call up the default browser (FF 1.5). The main problem apps are the Stardock apps I use (DX, Right-Click, OD+). I've also noticed the problem with MyBase and it sometimes comes up when trying to register newly installed software. Sometimes simply nothing happens (with Stardock products), or a message comes up saying that the application could not be found (or some other variant). There are no other problems with any of my apps. Other apps, MS Office in particular, seem to have no such problem. Has anyone ran into this? It's a pain in the butt, but not big enough to go through surgery through. Any ideas?

Well, I now have two repetitive tasks that I can't seem to find a way to automate. I played around with a few scripts to no avail. First, I would like a way to easily eject my ipod. Ideally, a link on my dock would work best, but some sort of widget would also be great. You would think that someone has already done this, but I couldn't find anything for Windows.

The second issue I have is that my scanners conflict with each other, so I have to disable my sheetfed scanner (all in one that I use most of the time) in order to use my flat bed. It's easy enough, but one step is better than 5.

Any ideas. The ipod script seemed easy, but I could never get it to work right. I have no idea where to start on the second one.

So I'm in sort of minimilist mode right now--I've eliminated all of the widgets from my desktop, and am relying on a combination of OD docklets and a couple widgets in Right Click to replace functionality. There is one thing missing, however: my pictures. Judge has a nice desktop picture widget for AveDesk and Sysstats, but it doesn't work well on OD (not surprising, since it's not really supposed to). Is there anything else out there that would allow me to have a slide show in a zoomer dock. Currently, I'm using an additional dock with 10 pictures in it, and am happy with the size of the images when zooming. I have a two year old and like to always have a few images of him with me. I've never done anythign for OD or sysstats, but would be willing to try if anyone has any advice.

I always have a couple widgets on my desktop, and was wondering if there is anyway to stop download icons from being placed beneath them (in particular, the default area for new icons, the top left corner, is where I like to have a calendar). Is there a way to define an area in which icons should not appear? I don't have any icons on my desktop generally (OD+ serves that need), but I do prefer to download to the desktop so that the files are easily accessible. Any possible setting tweaks or download suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I can't seem to get DX objects/widgets to control WMP 10. Is this a known issue, or is there something wrong with my setup?

I have a Access database that I use to store arguments that are related to my dissertation project. I would really like to be able to embed the database in a DesktopX object, but can't seem to pull it off. I just want to have a thin transparent border around the database itself (for a total size of 530X375) since I have no use for any of the menus, and WB 5 doesn't really handle Access well (or WinFX for that matter). Any tips, tricks, or directions will be appreciated. If I am able to pull it off, I'll share the finished product with the community, and you will be given credit for your help.

I'm looking for a program or few that will help me multi-task better. I don't find the sort of standard virtual desktop programs sufficient. I would like to be able to arrange windows easily, perhaps by using hotkeys and rules (for example, program A always takes up the left side of the screen, program B takes up the top 1/3 of the right side of the screen, etc.). I'd also like to be able to easily exclude programs that are just sort of running in the background (WMP, iTunes, system tray apps, etc.). Any suggestions?

P.S., this seems to be the one area that Stardock doesn't have fully covered--maybe a future "ThinkDesk" release.

I am excited about the 'virtual folders' ability included in the first beta release of Vista. While I keep my files quite organized (C partition for Windows, D for programs, E for documents and research, and F for pictures and music), some sort of balance between organization and accessibility has to be reached. What I'm wondering is if there already exists an application that allows the user to easily enter meta data that is then used to group files that are presented in a folder like way.

Here's my issue. I am in the early stages of writing my dissertation right now. So I have a folder named dissertation, inside with there are three main folders--writing, notes, and research. The notes are the argument outlines created for the various sources I am working with (if any of you have done this before, you know how broad a literature review can get). I name the all of the research according to the following convention: last name_title, and the notes as NOTES_last name_title. This works well, but its not very useful when I need to look at all the research on some specific sub-portion of my project (or an even smaller portion). Desktop search is great for many other things, but not this. I need to be able to click on a shortcut and pull up everything on the relevant topic (defined with meta data) so that I can see what is there. My convention for meta data is to start broad and add more restrictive keywords as well. I would like to be able to call up whichever group is relevant to what I am doing at the time.

I guess I sort of want something in between desktop search functionality and explorer. I'd like to be able to have shortcuts lead directly to the groups and I would like the database to update itself automatically. I also need it to be easy to enter the meta data--this is far too difficult now. Is there anything out there already, or should I start working on a script to do the job for me.

I want to get rid of the toolbars in Office apps and a couple other programs. I generally just use shortcut keys and like a less cluttered interface. What I would really like to do is to make a tab or two in Object Dock Plus that I can assign to act like the shortcut keys--i.e., a "new page", "print", whatever command that will perform the equivalent "ctrl-p" or whatever in the app being used. I don't always like to use the keyboard shortcuts, so it would be nice to have them handy. In addition to the sort of normal shortcuts, I also have several commands that I use on a regular basis that bring the number up to too many to always recall off the top of my head. Question is, can this be done? I've noticed that when you click on an item in OD, focus is transfered to OD--perhaps there could be a way to add "alt-tab" before the shortcut to send focus back to the app I was working in.



If this can't be done in OD, can it be done with Object Bar or something else?

Any tips will be appreciated. Point me in the right direction, and I'll share the results.