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Hallo there i hope this isn't as stupid as it looks!
I noticed that when i view the Display Properties>Desktop in order to change my wallpaper, the "Background" list is greyed out and the Browse button is greyed out as well.Which means they are both unusable.I was wondering if it's a registry record that i should check or if i should reinstall my Display drivers.
Thanx in advance
Have a nice day
Hello gioannou :)
No, it`s not stupid. Seems to be a common problem these days. :(
Have you recently cleaned out any nasties such as SpySherrif? This seems to be one of the main causes of the problem.
Have you seen any security alerts in the taskbar stating that there are various security risks with your computer?
Here are a couple of things to try, but if they don`t work I think you may have some sort of malware.
Right click Desktop/Properties/Desktop/Customise Desktop/Web
Uncheck anything in the white box entitled "Web Pages"
Also uncheck "Lock Desktop Items".
Click OK
"Apply".
If that does not work go to
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_abc.htm
Click “W” at the top
Click “Allow Wallpaper/Background Changes”
Save the REG File to your hard disk. Double click it and answer yes to the import prompt
Let us know if anything helps
Elaine
Thanx for the response dunedin.
I've tested the settings from the display properties you mentioned on the PC i'm working on right now which is also XP SP2 fully updated(I'm at work - yeap not a really busy day :))and the problem is not recreated.
I can't find the specified registry path.Perhaps it only exists when this policy is activated.
To be precise:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\ActiveDesktop the folder on bold does not exist.
I'll check it out at home.Perhaps it will be in place(I HOPE!!)
I guess the reg file does the same job as the manual process.
I performed a HijackThis clean 2 weeks ago i hadn't checked the Display Settings during the time perhaps i did something i shouldn't have!
No such things as SpySherrif or security alerts whatsoever.
I'll let you know as soon as possible.
Thanx again
Have a nice day
I think you are right. I don`t have that folder either.Quote:
I can't find the specified registry path.Perhaps it only exists when this policy is activated.
Elaine
Yeap...
I can't find the path on my pc either.
I tried to change the background by using the nVidia desktop manager(no big deal you just have to enable it first)and i get to a point where i CAN browse for an alternate picture but when i choose one, it does nothing!!!
The only thing i managed to do is reset the background to the current desktop colour(Display Properties>Appearance>Advanced).And all i can do right now is choose another colour...Blue is nice...Black also...
I performed system restore(well, i did it for another reason).
Nope...Problem still remains.
This is getting embarassing...
Have a nice day
I`ve done some searching, and there`a reg fix for your problem at the site below. If you are going to try it better back up your registry first.
It seems to have worked for a lot of people though.
http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/page-1-t38725-s0.html
2nd post from gerryf
Elaine
Thanx Elaine.
I don't really trust these automatic fixes so i'll check them line by line before i run them...
One silly question
Considering that i back up the registry right?It will produce a *.reg file.
In case i DO have a problem afterwards i just need to Import the old reg file?
I guess you cannot do that if Windows cannot boot(Yeah that's the WORST that could happen...just in case)
Thanx again
Have a nice day
Yes indeed, that is the worst that could happen.
Hopefully though, a "bad" reg fix for desktop properties would not mess up the boot files. But, you never can tell.
I decided to pass it on since so many people on that forum had tried it and said that it had solved their problem. I would not have given it to you otherwise.
You`ll just have to check them over and decide for yourself. :)
Elaine
OK, I get the message... :)
After all, i've had TOO MANY problems the last few weeks i'm beggining to worry about anything! :eek:
I'll post back and let u know if it works
Have a nice day
This may have something to do with the original install configuration. My wife's computer didn't have this either. I haven't pursued it because she doesn't care about it, but you could try Control Panel | Add/Remove Programs, select Add Windows Components and see if you can add the feature. I do know in 98SE there are a raft of programs that are optional at installation, but I'm not sure about XP.
Hi lgbpop
Exactly which feature are u talking about?
One that configures the Desktop Appearance?
I'm asking because i can't find anything similar to this on the PC i'm sitting on right now(XPPro SP2)
I haven't looked yet, maybe my post was premature. :o I was thinking about display options, like the Plus! option in 98. XP may not even have display options. It was just a thought.
gioannou
I wasn`t trying to talk you into it at all :) I was just looking at the pros and cons of trying it out.
I`m a big scaredy-cat myself when it it comes to reg fixes :D
lgbpop
Just to warn you. I have done some reading on this error (can`t change wallpaper) and in a lot of cases it is caused by SpySheriff or one of its cronies. Some of these are of the "phone-home" variety. Run some scans for peace of mind.
Elaine
There are other causes as well, and it's sensible to try the quickest solutions first. :)
Ok back after too long...
Tried Elaine's suggested link(without backing up the registry...)and i managed to change the background.Obviously, the specified paths that the reg file contained, existed on my machine.
Seems to be working ok but i noticed a delay while browsing and that Preview is not available when choosing a new picture...(BIG DEAL you'll say!!)
Perhaps it's nothing after all...
Thank you thank you all for your concern
Just for the record...I'm still keeping my old background :D
Have a nice day
Hmm...a partial result then.
I`m wondering what caused this if you have not had any infection. Why did you run HijackThis a few weeks back?
If you used HijackThis properly there should be an option to "undo" the removal process (if you think that might be the cause)
Then again, if things are working sufficiently well, and having run that reg fix, maybe better let sleeping dogs lie. :)
Elaine
I ran HijackThis cause i couldn't remove some stuff from startup(NeroCheck, CloneDVD Tray, InCD)and i think i must took something else along with them, probably an .exe from the graphics driver.Maybe that's when it all started(but then again, could it affect the policies?)
Anyway thanx for your interest
Have a nice day