After running spysweeper for bravesentry and other spyware etc., I can no-longer put a picture on my desktop. If I attempt to do so from a few different ways, I am only able to change a color. I'm locked out of even highlighting the factory pictures.

First try: Run the registry edit on this page, line 142, right side

Allow

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

I am having the same problem. I have checked the registry and it is set to allow changes to the desktop wallpaper. Any other ideas??

Is this a new problem? Were things working OK previously? Any new hardware and or software?

If this is a new problem try a System Restore to a point prior to the problem:

start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore

Nope no new hardware added. I believe it was a problem related to someone clicking on a popup saying the computer was infected with a virus. I also have a problem with the system restore in that it will not restore to date before this happened. The system restore goes thru the whole process then at the end says it was unable to restore and no changes have been made.

As a first response you might want to post a HijackThis log for review by our Pros in that section:

Please follow the instructions HERE & then post your log in a new thread in the Spyware, Adware, Viruses and HijackThis Logs section.
(Not in this section please).

Please specify what issues you appear to be experiencing along with your log.

After you are all clean come back to this thread and we can try some XP repair options.

Has someone recently logged into your computer via Remote Desktop, or some other remote administrative software? Check in you Display control panel under the Settings tab. If you have more than one monitor listed, then you can refer to the following:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=899857

If you only have one monitor listed, I am of no help to you whatsoever.