Small problem

posted on May 22nd, 2011, 4:09 pm

I have a problem and don't know where ask to ask about it... for a while now, I keep getting a Generic Host Process for Win32 Services Error message about 5-10 minutes after startup that disables any visual theme other than 'Windows Classic' in the settings.

It's generally minor, since most existing windows stay the same, but new ones are in the classic-style. Anyone know what to do with this?

posted on May 22nd, 2011, 4:13 pm

already opened windows retain the xp theme? but new ones switch to classic?

that is indeed odd. would expect that all the windows would switch to classic.

try restart the themes service after the crash.

type:
net start themes

into run. that will start themes. and should allow you access to the xp themes again.

have you modified uxtheme.dll, ie to allow 3rd party themes etc.

posted on May 22nd, 2011, 4:16 pm

I have added a modified uxtheme.dll today, but this problem has been around for a few weeks.

Putting net start themes (I'm assuming you meant all three, including spaces) got an empty command box with 'Net' at the top.

posted on May 22nd, 2011, 4:24 pm

Putting net start themes (I'm assuming you meant all three, including spaces) got an empty command box with 'Net' at the top.

yup, the black window should disappear almost immediately though. does yours stay?

[Tyler]

posted on May 22nd, 2011, 4:28 pm

Last edited by Tyler on May 22nd, 2011, 4:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Yes, for a few minutes until I close it myself. Maybe it's just being slow? My computer is a little slow at times, though.

EDIT: Tried again, it disappeared after a few minutes and I can still only get classic in the menu. Is there something else to do?

posted on May 22nd, 2011, 4:32 pm

it cant be that slow, over 10 seconds is a ridiculous time to start 1 service. that must be another symptom

try going to run, type in cmd.

then type net stop themes

push enter

then net start themes

push enter.

this time the window wont auto disappear, and maybe any errors will give an error message.

posted on May 22nd, 2011, 4:35 pm

Tried that one and it said it can't do it.

posted on May 22nd, 2011, 4:45 pm

Tried that one and it said it can't do it.

what was the exact error message?

posted on May 22nd, 2011, 4:49 pm

'The Service is not responding to the control function'.

posted on May 22nd, 2011, 4:53 pm

'The Service is not responding to the control function'.

can u unpatch the uxtheme.dll file and try it again. see if the themes service still stays dead when it has an original uxtheme.dll

posted on May 24th, 2011, 12:31 pm

But, I'd lose the custom theme I have now... this one's not bad enough for that.  It's only minor, so I guess I'll bear with it until I get bored of the new theme.

Do you know anything about the computers audio? Because I'm having problems with that, too. Sound on the net and in FO works, but is shown as disabled in the Control panel. If the net is shut down or crashes, sound won't work there anymore and doesn't work in most games. I have to reset the computer to play Left 4 Dead with sound, then reset again to go back to the Internet.

The only sound that always works is system sounds...

posted on May 24th, 2011, 1:34 pm

Do you know anything about the computers audio? Because I'm having problems with that, too. Sound on the net and in FO works, but is shown as disabled in the Control panel. If the net is shut down or crashes, sound won't work there anymore and doesn't work in most games. I have to reset the computer to play Left 4 Dead with sound, then reset again to go back to the Internet.

The only sound that always works is system sounds...

oh wow, thats a weird bug. have u tried reinstalling windoze? sounds like your computer could do with a good wipe.

posted on May 24th, 2011, 1:38 pm

I haven't, I don't usually try the option that would make me lose eveything I have on the computer.

posted on May 24th, 2011, 1:41 pm

I haven't, I don't usually try the option that would make me lose eveything I have on the computer.

you dont have backups? if u backed up all your docs and media all you'd lose is programs. so you'd have to reinstall your software/games. the only tricky bit would be saving configurations for complicated programs (most good programs provide a function for saving these settings) and saving save games (which is usually as simple as copying a directory). its well worth it though, as it cleans out plenty of old trash that slows a computer down.

posted on May 24th, 2011, 1:56 pm

Backups never really came up, so I haven't bothered with them before. I'm getting an External hard drive soon, so I'll probably copy important things (games) to that when I get it.

How big are they usually?