 How
to change your Windows XP desktop background/wallpaper when all options are
disabled
By Mitz
Free computer Tips
It is extremely frustrating when you right click on your
Window XP desktop to get to the display properties and you cannot change
your desktop background.
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This problem is very common and is most likely caused
by a virus or some type of spyware that has altered your registry
settings. When you try to modify the background picture,
or add a different wallpaper, neither the list
of images nor the Browse button is available to
click on. If this happens, you can
edit your Windows XP registry to restore
access to this feature..
Before making any changes to your windows registry
you need to make a backup copy of it. Here's
how to backup your Windows registry. You must also be logged in as
an Administrator on your computer to complete these steps.
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If you are not familiar with the Windows registry you
should get a qualified computer technician to perform this restore for you
as changing the registry can cause your computer to not boot up.
How to get to your Windows XP registry:
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Go to the Start Menu
and choose Run from the menu
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Type regedit in
the box and press OK
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The registry editor
will appear.
Note: To open folders in the Windows Registry you have to
press on the plus sign beside the folder. To close the folder simply press
the minus sign.
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Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\policies
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If you see a folder named ActiveDesktop
then select it by making it blue.
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If you don't see this folder then make one by
right clicking on the policies folder and choosing new.
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Now got the right column and see if there
is a file named NoChangingWallPaper.
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If not right click in the blank space and
choose New then choose DWORD.
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Type in NoChangingWallPaper.
Press ok.
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Now double click on that DWORD and change
the value to 0.
Try changing your wallpaper now. If that didn't work then
repeat these steps but instead of going to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER.
Notes:
-
If you see a folder named ActiveDesktop then there will
be NoChangingWallpaper and a DWORD value for it.
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Now right click on your desktop to get to
your Windows Desktop properties and see if it works.
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If you can get to your desktop properties but
some tabs are missing try downloading this
file.
It is a registry file that restores Your display properties tabs. I found
it at a great webpage for Tweaking Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Also see
How to bring
back the Desktop tab when it is missing from the display properties
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About the Author
Mitz Pantic wrote this article and others for
tips4pc.com
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