I thank you in advance for any help. I am on a computer with Windows XP.

I have looked for this problem and could not find it.

I am unsure if it even belongs here, so please bear with me.


I tried to change the image on my Desktop, by right clicking an image and choosing Set As Desktop Background. Instead of the image, I am greeted by an empty, white Desktop with a Picture Icon in the top right corner. Even setting the background as one of the images that come with Windows, does not change the background.

The image is only visible for a short time after Start Up or Log In, before the icons appear, and after Shut Down or Log Out, after the icons disappear. It is only a minor annoyance, but I have to wonder if this problem could spread.

All in short, What made my Desktop disappear? And, Is this something I should be worried about?

Thank you in advance for any help or thoughts on this topic.

Cannot Change the Desktop Wallpaper
SUMMARY: If you cannot change your Windows XP desktop wallpaper because all options are disabled, view this tip.

A virus, certain spyware, a malformed registry, or other circumstances can transpire making it impossible for you to change the Windows XP desktop wallpaper. When you try to modify the background picture, neither the list of images nor the "Browse" button is clickable. If this happens, you can perform a registry tweak to restore the functionality. Note you must be an Administrator to perform this tip.

NOTE: Be careful what you are doing when modifying the registry as you can harm your computer or keep it from booting! Read the disclaimer.

1. Run "Regedit".

2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\ Windows\CurrentVersion\policies

3. If you see a folder (key) "ActiveDesktop" select it. If not, make a new key and label it "ActiveDesktop".

4. If you see "NoChangingWallPaper", double-click the DWORD value and set it to "0". Otherwise, you need to create a new DWORD value of "NoChangingWallPaper" and set it to "0".

5. Try changing your wallpaper. If this fix doesn't solve the problem, you may also need to make the above registry changes at location: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\ Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies .

Also:

Please read THIS and after completing the steps outlined post a HijackThis log over in that section along with a brief description of your problem.

Do not post HijackThis logs in this section please.


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The security / spyware section of D-A-L works a little differently to the rest of the site. We currently only allow Head Security staff to reply to others threads to ensure a high level of support and quality is maintained with the daily issues which require a certain level of knowledge in this area.

I am sorry, I assume you get this question a lot.

What is a registry? And how do I start it? How do I type in commands?