[Shell Patcher] Tango Icons for Windows


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I had the same problem here on my German Windows XP.

For avis Replacer replaces the wrong language resources. On a German Windows XP all icons and bitmaps are written to 1031, which is correct. The avis are written to 1033 (English Win XP) and you end up with resources in 1031 and 1033. But Windows displays the 1031 ones obviously.

I've changed the string '1033' to '1031' in all of the scripts and everything works perfect now (German Win XP). Dunno why Replacer injects only the avis in the wrong resource string?

D'oh, I didn't even think of that... I knew that different languages used IDs that weren't 1033 for strings and dialogs, but I sorta assumed that for non-language-specific resources like the AVIs, bitmaps, and icons, it used 1033 as a sort of default or fallback. I think the scripts can actually have the language ID field omitted, but I hadn't seen it done back when I started my win2k pack, and so the hardcoded 1033s got copied and pasted everywhere. I'll do a quick find-and-replace, and if things still seem right, I'll drop that in the next release. Thanks for pointing that out, I'm surprised that hasn't blown up in someone's face before now!

D'oh, I didn't even think of that... I knew that different languages used IDs that weren't 1033 for strings and dialogs, but I sorta assumed that for non-language-specific resources like the AVIs, bitmaps, and icons, it used 1033 as a sort of default or fallback. I think the scripts can actually have the language ID field omitted, but I hadn't seen it done back when I started my win2k pack, and so the hardcoded 1033s got copied and pasted everywhere. I'll do a quick find-and-replace, and if things still seem right, I'll drop that in the next release. Thanks for pointing that out, I'm surprised that hasn't blown up in someone's face before now!

I have followed Martin's advise and it worked for me : -)). I'm using Russian Windows XP and changed 1033 to 1049.

Meantime I have a problem with exclamation mark in MS office application. It looks that bitmap of exclamation mark is bigger than original one.

Can you look at the below capture?

I had the same problem here on my German Windows XP.

For avis Replacer replaces the wrong language resources. On a German Windows XP all icons and bitmaps are written to 1031, which is correct. The avis are written to 1033 (English Win XP) and you end up with resources in 1031 and 1033. But Windows displays the 1031 ones obviously.

I've changed the string '1033' to '1031' in all of the scripts and everything works perfect now (German Win XP). Dunno why Replacer injects only the avis in the wrong resource string?

Thank you for your advise, Martin. I'm using Russian windows XP and changed 1033 to 1049. After change it worked for me.

post-61703-1144138612.png

Yeah, it's definitely bughunt time for me.

1. I've got the language issue fixed (if one of you on a non-English version can test replacing all instances of "1033" with a null string, instead of your native language ID, I can confirm that)

2. I'm going to play with the script a bunch more anyways, I like its simplicity too much to dump it for a big ugly win32 GUI installer... with this, it might suck, but it's my personal creation of suck. And play with it, I need to - the uninstaller is most definitely borked (one guy on DA who uninstalled and commented got bit), I either need to play with how it works or drop comctl32.dll except as some sort of special "if you want your system permanently tangooied" module. Even SFC /scannow doesn't recopy the original versions of comctl32... messing with files managed by Fusion is bad, mmkay kiddies?

3. I've been seeing the mis-sized icons too... I suspect it might have something to do with icon ordering, historically I think icons are supposed to have 32x32 first (win3.x), 16x16 second (win95), and then 48x48 icons (ie4/win98), and so things that are asking for a specific sub-ID of an icon group are pulling the wrong one, since I've got them in descending order (48>32>24>16). I think I might need to go through and re-order all of them, though, which might be a pain. I'll be sure to at least test it with the most highly visible icons that I see with this problem re-ordered (the user32.dll common dialog icons like that being most of them, the other being something related to deleting stuff, I'll have to keep an eye out for it)

4. Slightly less important, I'm including the folder icons from Tango-Custom as alternates (I personally like them a bit better) alongside some icons for program categories and portable media players, and I'm going to tweak some of the icons so they line up a little better (drop the folders and drives on the the Gnome Hand Of Sharing a little better, maybe try to actually Tangofy the Gnome Hand Of Sharing since I doubt the upstream artists will, and resize the trash icon so that the transition between an empty and full trash can isn't as bad). @Leadhead, I'll drop in the eject glyph for the safely remove hardware icon.

Wow. That's a lot of stuff to work on. My little project's becoming a hobby. Anybody got any other nits to pick? Really, lay 'em out, I'll look at 'em :) Sleepytime!

Edited by vertigosity
I cant install it neither.

The cmd window just popup with some internal error msg (too fast to read what is it) and the XP(eng) restart.

:cry:

Edit hack-o-matic.bat in a text editor, and insert the line "pause" above "shutdown -r -t 00" - then you can see the output, copy and paste it here, and I'll see if I can't point you in the right direction... I'm really starting to have had enough of these silly little batch files :pinch:

Edit hack-o-matic.bat in a text editor, and insert the line "pause" above "shutdown -r -t 00" - then you can see the output, copy and paste it here, and I'll see if I can't point you in the right direction... I'm really starting to have had enough of these silly little batch files :pinch:

Thanks mate...that "pause" tip helped alot....there was a problem with XPize, now i removed and i could install the Tango Patcher....and im lovin' it...

:D

I have the same problem with XPize, i cant install the package.

I uninstalled XPize but it still says XPize at the top, internal error.

The background of the command prompt is blue still, which was done by XPize, so im guessing i reinstall it (maybe a newer version) and then uninstall it again?

I'm lost, ill post the prompt:

15:43:51.23 - XPize

The system cannot find the path specified.

The system cannot find the path specified.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

'doit' is not recognized as an internal or external command,

operable program or batch file.

The system cannot find the path specified.

The system cannot find the file specified.

The system cannot find the path specified.

1 file(s) copied.

Press any key to continue . . .

Any help would be appreciated

I have the same problem with XPize, i cant install the package.

I uninstalled XPize but it still says XPize at the top, internal error.

The background of the command prompt is blue still, which was done by XPize, so im guessing i reinstall it (maybe a newer version) and then uninstall it again?

Any help would be appreciated

Yeah, the XPize command prompt modification sets the command interpreter to always change directory to the Windows directory, which is of course not where any sane person would extract any set of temporary files to; but if you did, it'd work! If you poke your nose into C:\WINDOWS\xpize\Resources\ you'll find two registry files, one to XPize the command prompt and one to bring it back (it isn't actually complete - it forgets to change the font from Lucida Console back to Terminal). If you don't have that directory anymore (because you uninstalled it), then paste the following into a .reg file, and apply it:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Command Processor]
"AutoRun"=""

Edit: Oddly enough, I checked the thread for replies, and tapped this out before I saw the "new PM" message :whistle:

Edited by vertigosity

Hi,

I have winxpsp2 eng and I can't install the pack.

what's the probem?

hasta

Doit: Prepare stobject.dll.
Preparing stobject.dll.
		1 file(s) copied.
Prepare: stobject.dll copied.
Prepare: Reshacking ResHacker.exe -script scripts\stobject.dll.txt
Prepare: Reshacked stobject.dll.
Doit: Implant stobject.dll.
Surgically implanting modified stobject.dll.
Copying modified\stobject.dll to C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllcache
The system cannot find the path specified.
Renaming C:\WINDOWS\system32\stobject.dll to stobject.dll.tmp
Copying modified\stobject.dll to C:\WINDOWS\system32
The system cannot find the path specified.
Creating restore info for stobject.dll.
The system cannot find the path specified.
Doit: Prepare fontext.dll.
Preparing fontext.dll.
		1 file(s) copied.
Prepare: fontext.dll copied.
Prepare: Reshacking ResHacker.exe -script scripts\fontext.dll.txt
Prepare: Reshacked fontext.dll.
Doit: Implant fontext.dll.
Surgically implanting modified fontext.dll.
Copying modified\fontext.dll to C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllcache
The system cannot find the path specified.
Renaming C:\WINDOWS\system32\fontext.dll to fontext.dll.tmp
Copying modified\fontext.dll to C:\WINDOWS\system32
The system cannot find the path specified.
Creating restore info for fontext.dll.
The system cannot find the path specified.
Doit: Prepare console.dll.
Preparing console.dll.
		1 file(s) copied.
Prepare: console.dll copied.
Prepare: Reshacking ResHacker.exe -script scripts\console.dll.txt
Prepare: Reshacked console.dll.
Doit: Implant console.dll.
Surgically implanting modified console.dll.
Copying modified\console.dll to C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllcache
The system cannot find the path specified.
Renaming C:\WINDOWS\system32\console.dll to console.dll.tmp
Copying modified\console.dll to C:\WINDOWS\system32
The system cannot find the path specified.
Creating restore info for console.dll.
The system cannot find the path specified.
Doit: Prepare winsrv.dll.
Preparing winsrv.dll.
		1 file(s) copied.
Prepare: winsrv.dll copied.
Prepare: Reshacking ResHacker.exe -script scripts\winsrv.dll.txt
Prepare: Reshacked winsrv.dll.
Doit: Implant winsrv.dll.
Surgically implanting modified winsrv.dll.
Copying modified\winsrv.dll to C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllcache
The system cannot find the path specified.
Renaming C:\WINDOWS\system32\winsrv.dll to winsrv.dll.tmp
Copying modified\winsrv.dll to C:\WINDOWS\system32
The system cannot find the path specified.
Creating restore info for winsrv.dll.
The system cannot find the path specified.
Doit: Prepare cabview.dll.
Preparing cabview.dll.
		1 file(s) copied.
Prepare: cabview.dll copied.
Prepare: Reshacking ResHacker.exe -script scripts\cabview.dll.txt
Prepare: Reshacked cabview.dll.
Doit: Implant cabview.dll.
Surgically implanting modified cabview.dll.
Copying modified\cabview.dll to C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllcache
The system cannot find the path specified.
Renaming C:\WINDOWS\system32\cabview.dll to cabview.dll.tmp
Copying modified\cabview.dll to C:\WINDOWS\system32
The system cannot find the path specified.
Creating restore info for cabview.dll.
The system cannot find the path specified.
Doit: Prepare shdocvw.dll.
Preparing shdocvw.dll.
		1 file(s) copied.
Prepare: shdocvw.dll copied.
Prepare: Reshacking ResHacker.exe -script scripts\shdocvw.dll.txt
Prepare: Reshacked shdocvw.dll.
Doit: Implant shdocvw.dll.
Surgically implanting modified shdocvw.dll.
Copying modified\shdocvw.dll to C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllcache
The system cannot find the path specified.
Renaming C:\WINDOWS\system32\shdocvw.dll to shdocvw.dll.tmp
Copying modified\shdocvw.dll to C:\WINDOWS\system32
The system cannot find the path specified.
Creating restore info for shdocvw.dll.
The system cannot find the path specified.
Doit: Prepare wupdmgr.exe.
Preparing wupdmgr.exe.
		1 file(s) copied.
Prepare: wupdmgr.exe copied.
Prepare: Reshacking ResHacker.exe -script scripts\wupdmgr.exe.txt
Prepare: Reshacked wupdmgr.exe.
Doit: Implant wupdmgr.exe.
Surgically implanting modified wupdmgr.exe.
Copying modified\wupdmgr.exe to C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllcache
The system cannot find the path specified.
Renaming C:\WINDOWS\system32\wupdmgr.exe to wupdmgr.exe.tmp
Copying modified\wupdmgr.exe to C:\WINDOWS\system32
The system cannot find the path specified.
Creating restore info for wupdmgr.exe.
The system cannot find the path specified.
Doit: Prepare wuweb.dll.
Preparing wuweb.dll.
		1 file(s) copied.
Prepare: wuweb.dll copied.
Prepare: Reshacking ResHacker.exe -script scripts\wuweb.dll.txt
Prepare: Reshacked wuweb.dll.
Doit: Implant wuweb.dll.
Surgically implanting modified wuweb.dll.
Copying modified\wuweb.dll to C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllcache
The system cannot find the path specified.
Renaming C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuweb.dll to wuweb.dll.tmp
Copying modified\wuweb.dll to C:\WINDOWS\system32
The system cannot find the path specified.
Creating restore info for wuweb.dll.
The system cannot find the path specified.
Doit: Prepare wuapi.dll.
Preparing wuapi.dll.
		1 file(s) copied.
Prepare: wuapi.dll copied.
Prepare: Reshacking ResHacker.exe -script scripts\wuapi.dll.txt
Prepare: Reshacked wuapi.dll.
Doit: Implant wuapi.dll.
Surgically implanting modified wuapi.dll.
Copying modified\wuapi.dll to C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllcache
The system cannot find the path specified.
Renaming C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuapi.dll to wuapi.dll.tmp
Copying modified\wuapi.dll to C:\WINDOWS\system32
The system cannot find the path specified.
Creating restore info for wuapi.dll.
The system cannot find the path specified.
Doit: Prepare wuauclt.exe.
Preparing wuauclt.exe.
		1 file(s) copied.
Prepare: wuauclt.exe copied.
Prepare: Reshacking ResHacker.exe -script scripts\wuauclt.exe.txt
Prepare: Reshacked wuauclt.exe.
Doit: Implant wuauclt.exe.
Surgically implanting modified wuauclt.exe.
Copying modified\wuauclt.exe to C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllcache
The system cannot find the path specified.
Renaming C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe to wuauclt.exe.tmp
Copying modified\wuauclt.exe to C:\WINDOWS\system32
The system cannot find the path specified.
Creating restore info for wuauclt.exe.
The system cannot find the path specified.
Doit: Prepare wuauclt1.exe.
Preparing wuauclt1.exe.
		1 file(s) copied.
Prepare: wuauclt1.exe copied.
Prepare: Reshacking ResHacker.exe -script scripts\wuauclt1.exe.txt
Prepare: Reshacked wuauclt1.exe.
Doit: Implant wuauclt1.exe.
Surgically implanting modified wuauclt1.exe.
Copying modified\wuauclt1.exe to C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllcache
The system cannot find the path specified.
Renaming C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt1.exe to wuauclt1.exe.tmp
Copying modified\wuauclt1.exe to C:\WINDOWS\system32
The system cannot find the path specified.
Creating restore info for wuauclt1.exe.
The system cannot find the path specified.
Doit: Prepare wuaucpl.cpl.
Preparing wuaucpl.cpl.
		1 file(s) copied.
Prepare: wuaucpl.cpl copied.
Prepare: Reshacking ResHacker.exe -script scripts\wuaucpl.cpl.txt
Prepare: Reshacked wuaucpl.cpl.
Doit: Implant wuaucpl.cpl.
Surgically implanting modified wuaucpl.cpl.
Copying modified\wuaucpl.cpl to C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllcache
The system cannot find the path specified.
Renaming C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuaucpl.cpl to wuaucpl.cpl.tmp
Copying modified\wuaucpl.cpl to C:\WINDOWS\system32
The system cannot find the path specified.
Creating restore info for wuaucpl.cpl.
The system cannot find the path specified.
Doit: Prepare wucltui.dll.
Preparing wucltui.dll.
		1 file(s) copied.
Prepare: wucltui.dll copied.
Prepare: Reshacking ResHacker.exe -script scripts\wucltui.dll.txt
Prepare: Reshacked wucltui.dll.
Doit: Implant wucltui.dll.
Surgically implanting modified wucltui.dll.
Copying modified\wucltui.dll to C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllcache
The system cannot find the path specified.
Renaming C:\WINDOWS\system32\wucltui.dll to wucltui.dll.tmp
Copying modified\wucltui.dll to C:\WINDOWS\system32
The system cannot find the path specified.
Creating restore info for wucltui.dll.
The system cannot find the path specified.
Doit: Prepare explorer.exe.
Preparing explorer.exe.
		1 file(s) copied.
Prepare: explorer.exe copied.
Prepare: Reshacking ResHacker.exe -script scripts\explorer.exe.txt
Prepare: Reshacked explorer.exe.
Doit: Implant explorer.exe.
Surgically implanting modified explorer.exe.
Copying modified\explorer.exe to C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllcache
The system cannot find the path specified.
Renaming C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe to explorer.exe.tmp
Copying modified\explorer.exe to C:\WINDOWS
The system cannot find the path specified.
Creating restore info for explorer.exe.
The system cannot find the path specified.
Doit: Prepare notepad.exe.
Preparing notepad.exe.
		1 file(s) copied.
Prepare: notepad.exe copied.
Prepare: Reshacking ResHacker.exe -script scripts\notepad.exe.txt
Prepare: Reshacked notepad.exe.
Doit: Implant notepad.exe.
Surgically implanting modified notepad.exe.
Copying modified\notepad.exe to C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllcache
The system cannot find the path specified.
Renaming C:\WINDOWS\notepad.exe to notepad.exe.tmp
Copying modified\notepad.exe to C:\WINDOWS
The system cannot find the path specified.
Creating restore info for notepad.exe.
The system cannot find the path specified.
Doit: Prepare comctl32.dll.
Preparing comctl32.dll.
		1 file(s) copied.
Prepare: comctl32.dll copied.
Prepare: Reshacking ResHacker.exe -script scripts\comctl32.dll.txt
Prepare: Reshacked comctl32.dll.
Doit: Implant comctl32.dll.
Surgically implanting modified comctl32.dll.
Renaming C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\x86_Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls_6595b64144ccf1d
f_6.0.2600.2180_x-ww_a84f1ff9\comctl32.dll to comctl32.dll.tmp
Copying modified\comctl32.dll to C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\x86_Microsoft.Windows.Common-
Controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.2600.2180_x-ww_a84f1ff9
The system cannot find the path specified.
Creating restore info for comctl32.dll.
The system cannot find the path specified.
Doit: Prepare comctl32.dll.
Preparing comctl32.dll.
		1 file(s) copied.
Prepare: comctl32.dll copied.
Prepare: Reshacking ResHacker.exe -script scripts\comctl32.dll.txt
Prepare: Reshacked comctl32.dll.
Doit: Implant comctl32.dll.
Surgically implanting modified comctl32.dll.
Renaming C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\x86_Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls_6595b64144ccf1d
f_6.0.0.0_x-ww_1382d70a\comctl32.dll to comctl32.dll.tmp
Copying modified\comctl32.dll to C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\x86_Microsoft.Windows.Common-
Controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.0.0_x-ww_1382d70a
The system cannot find the path specified.
Creating restore info for comctl32.dll.
The system cannot find the path specified.
Errors were detected while attempting to replace the following files:
shell32.dll
netshell.dll
notepad.exe
calc.exe
charmap.exe
main.cpl
sendmail.dll
access.cpl
appwiz.cpl
cmd.exe
desk.cpl
intl.cpl
joy.cpl
nusrmgr.cpl
user32.dll
taskmgr.exe
mstsc.exe
zipfldr.dll
mmsys.cpl
mydocs.dll
sndvol32.exe
cryptui.dll
xpsp2res.dll
stobject.dll
fontext.dll
console.dll
winsrv.dll
cabview.dll
shdocvw.dll
wupdmgr.exe
wuweb.dll
wuapi.dll
wuauclt.exe
wuauclt1.exe
wuaucpl.cpl
wucltui.dll
explorer.exe
notepad.exe
comctl32.dll
comctl32.dll
An attempt was made to put the originals back in place. No reboot will occur;
take this moment to check the status of the files in question and/or ****
yourself (especially if they're important system files).
Press any key to continue . . . 

hi,

When I ran the patcher, all icons were replaced except My Computer in the start panel. Do I have to manually replace this icon?

Shouldn't have to, it ought to be replaced as part of the normal process. If you look at c:\windows\explorer.exe, does it have the proper Tango icon on it?
A suggestion is that to use maybe one of those Bricopack installers, that would be nice. Sometimes I can't install it correctly with just a cmd prompt.

I'd sorta thought about that, but I really can't find any information about who to ask for a copy of the necessary sources/compiler/tools. I know I've seen a page with a whole collection of things using the Bricopack installer at one time, but I haven't been able to find it anytime in the last year or so. All the information I can find on it is in French, and my knowledge of French is limited to what I picked up in (the wrong) half of a semester in middle school... and I'm honestly afraid that Babelfish might randomly insert French insults if I tried using that to contact the author. I personally like the FlyakiteOSX/XPize installer a bit more, and I'm pretty sure whoever's maintaining that is an English speaker, but I haven't been un-lazy or impudent enough to ask about it :blush:

I have improved the batch files a bit - fixed the ability to deal with multiple files with the same name but different content properly, clear the icon cache PROPERLY, and removed the need for the post-install script to delete the old files. I also went and tweaked the reshack scripts (dumped the LCID field) so that they ought to work properly on all languages. Of course, I'm sitting on this until Wednesday, so I can upload it on a nice fast pipe; I'll spend some time hunting for icons to replace until then.

Hi,

I have winxpsp2 eng and I can't install the pack.

what's the probem?

hasta

Edit: Looking at what the log a little closer, what I said earlier is completely wrong... it actually looks like it can't find any of your system files... which just sorta makes one of my eyebrows go up. I'd honestly have to take a moment to try and come up with a good explanation for that. Edited by vertigosity
This topic is now closed to further replies.
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    • Helium Browser 0.13.3.1 by Razvan Serea Helium is a private, fast, and honest Chromium-based web browser — built for people, with love. It offers the best privacy by default, unbiased ad-blocking, and a clean experience free from bloat and noise. Proudly based on Ungoogled-Chromium, Helium removes Google’s clutter while keeping a fast, efficient development pipeline. With thoughtful touches like native !bangs and split view, Helium is a people-first, fully open-source browser that puts control back in your hands. Privacy, security, and control come first. Ads, trackers, and third-party cookies are blocked automatically, HTTPS is enforced everywhere, and all Chromium extensions work seamlessly — while Google can’t track your activity. Helium’s 13,000+ offline-ready !bangs let you jump straight to sites or AI tools like ChatGPT instantly. Open-source, people-first, and unbiased, Helium delivers a browsing experience that’s fast, secure, and free from noise, ads, and compromises. Helium Browser key features: Performance Fast, efficient, and lightweight — built on Chromium’s optimized engine. Energy-saving and consistent — stays fast over time without slowing down. No bloat — stripped of unnecessary components for maximum speed. Minimalist interface — compact, clean, and distraction-free. Customizable toolbar — hide elements you don’t need. Smooth and stable — no flicker, lag, or animation glitches. Comfort-focused experience — intuitive and unobtrusive. Privacy & Security Best privacy by default — blocks ads, trackers, phishing, and third-party cookies. Unbiased ad-blocking — powered by community filters and uBlock Origin. No telemetry or analytics — zero background web requests on first launch. Strict HTTPS enforcement — warns for insecure sites. Passkeys supported — modern authentication made simple. No built-in password manager or cloud sync — your data stays yours. Extension Compatibility Full Chromium extension support — including MV2 extensions. Anonymized Chrome Web Store requests — Google can’t track extension installs. Extended MV2 support — maintained for as long as possible. Smart Features Native !bangs — browse faster using 13,000+ offline-ready shortcuts. AI integration — use !chatgpt and others directly from the address bar. Offline functionality — bangs work without an Internet connection. Philosophy People-first design — open source, transparent, and community-driven. No ads, no noise, no bias — privacy and honesty over profit. Helium Browser 0.13.3.1 changelog: f53b28d update: helium 0.13.3.1 (#292) b3cbb2ba revision: bump to 3 (#1925) bcacb8c7 chromium: update to 149.0.7827.114 (#1924) Download: Helium 64-bit | Portable 64-bit |~100.0 MB (Open Source) Download: Helium ARM64 | Portable ARM64 Links: Helium Home Page | macOS | Linux | Screenshot Get alerted to all of our Software updates on Twitter at @NeowinSoftware
    • Microsoft Weekly: Xbox exclusives are back, big Windows app updates, and more by Taras Buria This week's news recap is here. Microsoft is returning to XBOX exclusives, Windows 11 gets new preview builds, the Low-latency Profile is here, big updates for inbox Windows apps, Patch Tuesday updates, and more. Quick links: Windows 10 and 11 Windows Insider Program Updates are available Reviews are in Gaming news Great deals to check Windows 11 and Windows 10 Here, we talk about everything happening around Microsoft's latest operating system in the Stable channel and preview builds: new features, removed features, controversies, bugs, interesting findings, and more. And, of course, you may find a word or two about older versions. The June 2026 Patch Tuesday updates are now publicly available. Windows 11 users can download KB5094126, which introduces plenty of new features and security updates, including the Low-latency Profile for better performance, shared Bluetooth audio support, and more. Windows 10 users with PCs enrolled in the Extended Security Update program can download KB5094127. In addition, Microsoft released new Defender updates for its operating systems. Speaking of Defender, Microsoft will now deliver EDR updates via Microsoft Update for faster security improvements independent of Patch Tuesday updates. Following the release of this month's Patch Tuesday updates, Microsoft also published new Windows 11 images available in the Media Creation Tool app. Now, you can create bootable USB media for clean Windows 11 installations with the latest releases. Some unfortunate stuff is going on with certain PCs from Dell and HP. Dell acknowledged that the SupportAssist bug causes black screens of death, while HP systems are suffering from Secure Boot update issues and boot loops. Both companies issued official advisories. Windows Insider Program Here is what Microsoft released for Windows Insiders this week: Builds Canary Channel Builds 29610.1000 and 28120.2302 This week's "Canary" builds only contain performance improvements and fixes, including the Low-latency mode, which is now available in the Stable channel for all Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 users. Dev Channel Build 26300.8687 Microsoft brought some useful File Explorer changes with this build. You can now open folders in a new tab by middle-clicking them in the address bar. Beta Channel Build 26220.8680 and 28020.2298 Screen Tint, improved Windows Widgets, and other enhancements are included in this week's Beta releases. Release Preview Channel Builds 26200.8728 and 26100.8728 These builds also feature better widgets, new Windows Update controls, point-in-time restore, File Explorer improvements, and more. In addition to new Windows 11 preview builds, Microsoft announced that inbox Windows 11 apps now have their dedicated release notes in the official documentation. Also, Microsoft dropped massive feature updates for six apps, including Paint, Clock, Calculator, Camera, Media Player, Photos, and more. Updates are available This section covers software, firmware, and other notable updates (released and coming soon) delivering new features, security fixes, improvements, patches, and more from Microsoft and third parties. Google has some bad news for those still using MV2-based extensions in Chromium-based browsers, particularly Chrome. The company is now removing flags responsible for Manifest V2-based extensions (uBlock Origin is one of the most popular). However, some browsers resist this change, and Opera issued a statement that it will allow users to continue using MV2 extensions for as long as possible. While Microsoft is still not ready to share new details about MV2 extensions in Microsoft Edge, the company shared important details about the way it will be updating the browser going forward. Now, Microsoft wants to update Edge every two weeks across all platforms instead of the current four-week schedule (only the Extended Stable is exempt from this change). This week, Microsoft confirmed a useful new Teams feature that is coming to the messenger soon. It also detailed all the improvements that made the platform better for users in 2026. However, not all changes are great, as the company is moving ahead with the check-in feature, which many believe will lead to employee monitoring. PowerToys received a feature update this week. Version 0.100 arrived with a big rework for the Shortcut Guide, a new extension gallery for Command Palette, new Dock features, and plenty of other changes. Here are other updates and releases you may find interesting: Microsoft is bringing big performance improvements to OneDrive on Mac Popular Windows 11 file manager Files gets improved tags, layouts, and a new OneDrive icon New Outlook for Windows and Web is getting a simple but very useful email feature Microsoft had to shut down 70+ GitHub repos after getting hacked, bringing back some Microsoft AI boss no longer believes that AI will replace human workers Microsoft wants to end printer driver headaches with Windows Ready Print SQL Server Management Studio 22.7 brings "What's New" page, T-SQL formatting, and lots more Microsoft releases Visual Studio Code 1.124 with smarter autonomous AI agents Windows Server gets DNS over HTTPS (DoH) support Here are the latest drivers and firmware updates released this week: NVIDIA 610.52 Hotfix with multiple fixes for black screens of death, sleep issues, G-SYNC, and more. Reviews are in Here is the hardware and software we reviewed this week Steven Parker reviewed a rather unorthodox device here on Neowin this week. He took for a spin the DWARF mini, the world's smallest smart telescope for night and day sky captures. It tracks objects in the sky, has a sun filter, and has a low learning curve. There is also nice build quality and a quite affordable price. Pulasthi Ariyasinghe reviewed 007 First Light. The game turned out to be a satisfying spy adventure in the James Bond universe with great gunplay and combat, impressive crowds, over-the-top action sequences, and more. There are a few quirks here and there, but overall, the game scored high on our scale. On the gaming side Learn about upcoming game releases, Xbox rumors, new hardware, software updates, freebies, deals, discounts, and more. Microsoft held the latest XBOX Games Showcase this week. There, the company announced plenty of cool stuff, including a remake of Halo: Combat Evolved, a special 25th anniversary XBOX Series X with a classic translucent green design (coming in November 2026), details about Gears of War: E-Day, Spyro: A Realm Beyond after nearly 20 years since the last release, a new Hellblade game from Ninja Theory, a new expansion for DOOM: The Dark Ages, fresh details about State of Decay 3, and even a new entry in the Crazy Taxi series. More improtantly for XBOX fans, Microsoft announced the return of XBOX exclusives, with Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution kicking it off. Microsoft also has some good news for Nintendo Switch 2 owners. Minecraft is coming natively to the second-gen Switch, offering better performance and new features, including the visual overhaul called "Vibrant Visuals." Playground Games revealed a 30-minute gameplay video of the upcoming Fable, showcasing combat, action, NPC simulation, relationships, and player choices. Additionally, the studio confirmed a bug with Forza Horizon 6 wiping saves for some gamers. It also had to shut down one of the game's online modes after users discovered an infinite money glitch. NVIDIA announced new games for the GeForce NOW streaming service and a big Summer sale that lets you get 12 months of GeForce NOW for $35 or $70 less, depending on the tier. Speaking of discounts, check out this week's Weekend PC Game Deals article, full of discounts and the latest freebies from the Epic Games Store. Great deals to check Every week, we cover many deals on different hardware and software. The following discounts are still available, so check them out. You might find something you want or need. GIGABYTE Radeon RX 9070 XT Gaming OC ICE 16G - $649.99 | 13% off 1TB Samsung T7 Portable SSD - $189.98 | 31% off AirPods Pro 3 - $179 | $50 off Edifier R1280Ts Powered Bookshelf Speakers - $129.99 | 24% off This link will take you to other issues of the Microsoft Weekly series. You can also support Neowin by registering for a free member account or subscribing for extra member benefits, along with an ad-free tier option.
    • Microsoft Flight Simulator's City Update 15 enhances Midwest cities by Pulasthi Ariyasinghe The third major city update of the year has landed for the original Microsoft Flight Simulator and the 2024 release. The latest drop is upgrading the visuals and regional accuracy of three metropolitan regions in the American states of Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The 15th city update is adding eight new areas of interest that have been enhanced with high-fidelity TIN (triangulated irregular network) surface texturing in the mentioned regions. The free update highlights Chicago, Elgin, Cicero, and Arlington Heights in Illinois, as well as Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, Duluth, Brooklyn Park, Woodbury, Lakeville, Plymouth, and Blaine in Minnesota. In Wisconsin, the development has also upgraded the lands and buildings of Milwaukee, Madison, and Racine. The update lands just as one of the world's largest enthusiast flight simulation conventions, FlightSimExpo, kicks off in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota, on June 14. The Flight Sim development team's 40-minute keynote at the event can be watched here. At the same time, Microsoft is bringing the 6-seat, single-engine, multi-use light civil airplane Piper M600 into the game as a part of its Expert Series 2 program. This premium plane can be purchased from the in-game marketplace for $24.99. City Update 15: The United States Midwest is now available in Microsoft Flight Simulator, as well as the newer Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, as an optional download. It can be accessed across Steam and the Microsoft Store for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5, as well as Xbox and PC Game Pass subscriptions. Xbox One, mobile, and PC players can also jump into the new content using Xbox Cloud Gaming if they have a Game Pass Ultimate membership. The game must be updated to the latest version to download this free update from the in-game marketplace.
    • Five things you might have missed during Apple's WWDC 2026 by Aditya Tiwari Image: Apple Apple's annual developer event, WWDC 2026, happened from June 8 through June 12. We have already covered several new features and updates that the iPhone maker unveiled during the official keynote. Apple took Google's help and finally announced the upgraded Siri AI personal assistant, which now comes with an app. Moreover, a truckload of Apple Intelligence features took the center stage. That said, this year's WWDC is a bit different, and you might have noticed or missed the following stuff: Apple's ongoing unification of platforms Image: Apple One thing Apple is widely known for is its seamless hardware-software ecosystem. The company added a new chapter in 2020, when it began the Apple Silicon transition and launched macOS 11 Big Sur with native ARM support. Some major changes happened last year as well, when Apple renamed all of its operating systems to version 26 and introduced the Liquid Glass design language. Until WWDC 2025, Apple keynotes had dedicated segments for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and other operating systems, in which the company discussed each in detail. The WWDC 2026 keynote was different, and Apple allotted most of the screen time to Apple Intelligence and Siri. It didn't even publish separate press releases on its website for different operating systems. While it might seem surprising at first, it shows how Apple plans to move forward with its software ecosystem. Be it the Liquid Glass changes, child safety updates, or other features, they are mostly rolling out across multiple platforms. In other words, Apple is slowly blurring the line between its operating systems and achieving feature parity wherever possible. It's easy to rule out that someone in Apple's marketing team forgot to press the publish button. Everything is a calculated move when it comes to a company like Apple. Putting Apple Intelligence left, right, and center hints that the OS itself is no longer the product anymore. It's Siri, not Pepsi Time and again, various Apple products have been compared to unrelated things and turned into meme material. You might have heard about the "cheese grater" Mac Pro or the "trash can" Mac Pro, to name a few. It's Siri's turn this time. The upgraded AI assistant got a fresh logo, and people have started comparing it with Pepsi. There are other contenders, such as the Sony Ericsson logo and the Yin and Yang symbol. Shot on iPhone. Edited on Mac Image: Apple Apple has been putting the iPhone's camera muscles to the test on various occasions. Even NASA astronauts took it to Space earlier this year and captured some out-of-this-world photos. Recently, Apple TV streamed the first major live sporting event shot entirely on iPhone 17 Pro: an MLS match featuring the LA Galaxy vs. the Houston Dynamo FC. The 'Pro' iPhone has also been used to shoot Apple events in recent years. It's "Scary Fast" Mac event in 2023 was among the earliest attempts, and the tradition trickled down to the WWDC 2026 keynote, which ended with the tag line "Shot on iPhone. Edited on Mac." It's unsurprising to see Apple flexing the camera capabilities of its Pro models, especially when it has been baking professional-grade features, including ProRes RAW and Genlock. Hints for the foldable Apple has been sitting on the foldable iPhone for so long. There is still confusion over when the company will make it official. A recent report said that the iPhone Fold might get delayed as Apple is struggling to perfect its hinge mechanism. But Apple has been dropping hints here and there. A developer dug into the iOS 27 beta code and found internal references about device folding states. As verified by Macworld, the code includes references to "foldState" and "angleDegrees" internal status values, which are apparently designed to tell apps if a device is folded and at what angle. As of now, no other Apple device uses these states. The publication also found internal code suggesting Apple has been testing a device with both Touch ID and Dynamic Island, a combo that doesn't exist today. Last event as Apple CEO Image: Apple Tim Cook's bond with Apple is now almost three decades old, having started in 1998 as the SVP of Worldwide Operations. Back in August 2011, Steve Jobs stepped down as Apple CEO months before his passing, and Cook took charge. Now, the baton has been passed to the hardware chief, John Ternus, who will take over the role on September 1. WWDC 2026 is the last major Apple Event for Tim Cook as CEO. We have seen so much during Cook's tenure over the years, much of which defines Apple as we know it today. From new hardware product lines like Apple Watch, AirPods, Apple Vision Pro, and Apple Silicon, to boosting Apple's services business with Apple Music, Apple TV, Apple Pay, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, Apple Care One, and more. That said, the first developer betas for Apple's latest operating systems are now available. You can check if your device is supported on iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27 Golden Gate, watchOS 27, and other platforms. What's your favorite feature that Apple announced this year at WWDC 2026? Tell us in the comments.
    • Trailer park trash “sport “, fits the current White House
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