Can't Change My Desktop Background Picture/Wallpaper

For the past several days I've been searching the internet for answers as to
why I can't change the background picture on my PC. All I've been able to
find is answers for when a PC has been attacked by spyware. However, all the
solutions given have proved negative in my case - I've not been attacked by
spyware - but I still can't change the background!

I've done a search on "Wallpaper" in the Registry but I've not found any of
the keys that I understand would stop me changing it. There are literally no
keys that begin "No..." whatever! So there has to be some other reason.

I don't know how long I've had this problem as it is only recently that I
felt I'd like a change so I can't be much help in that way I'm afraid. What
I can tell you is that my PC is running WinXP Home and is kept up-to-date
with the regular updates made available by MS. If any further info is
required then please let me know and I'll do my best to oblige. Literally
any and all help would be much appreciated.

Open a run command and type in:
regedit.exe click [OK] and locate this Key:
[-]HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System = Look in the right pane/window for "No wallpaper" and remove it.
Right click on the Desktop then select Properties. On the Display properties:
1- click on Desktop tab
2-Click on Customize Desktop Button
3- Click on Web Tab and make sure no check box is checked there, uncheck if
there is a check box.
Reboot your machine and see if you can change the wallpaper.

Line 142 or 285 - Allow wallpaper/background change:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Note: Some security software and anti-malware programs by default set to
block changes to the wallpaper, so if you have Spybot, spysweeper, blaster,
Lavasoft or Anti-virus running in real time protection mode can block you
from changing your wallpaper, please check the program(s) configuration.

as I said in my post I had NO keys relating to Wallpaper which
started with "No", i.e. they were all missing, and I mean the lot. Apart
from this I didn't even have the key you mention so I couldn't have removed
anything! However, I have now solved my problem.

Isn't it always the way, you put a message up, continue searching for a
solution and then within a few minutes you're all up and running again by
your own efforts!

On continuing to search I found a forum where someone had found a site with
downloadable file which repaired the "change wallpaper facility" keys in the
Registry. Basically it comprises a .REG file which restores the required
keys (which would appear to have gone missing for whatever reason). I
downloaded the file and just to be sure, I opened it for edit to see what
was there. It didn't seem to be too threatening so I backed up my registry
from REGEDIT and ran the .REG file. I'm pleased to report that everything is
now OK. The location of the file I found if anyone needs it is:

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/regs...desktoptab.reg

Just in case the worst should happen though, you MUST ensure you backup your
registry first!

glad you got it sorted and thanks for letting us know what worked
for you.
You will find the same fix on the link given on line 285!.

[imfritzy]

If anyone is still reading this thread, please help me with more specific instructions. I can see the .reg file from link above, but exactly what folder path do I go to in order to replace the existing .reg file on my C drive with the above file contents? (After first backing up the existing file, of course). Or do I just add the code from the link above to the existing file? In either case, I don't know what folder path to go to.

If I follow you and some related threads, I am supposed to go to Run->regedit->HKEY_CURRENT_USER->Software->Microsoft->Windows->Currentversion->Policies

Here is where I get confused. Within Policies, there is only one folder, Explorer, and within Explorer is just one file, NoDriveTypeAutorun. What am I supposed to do?

Am I just supposed to import the Kelly's Korner file? If so, into which folder?

[allank]

In my case this tweak from Kelly's Korner worked to re-enable access to the wallpaper selection process

You don't need a path, just double-click on the .reg file and it will ask you if you want to add it to the registry.

The precaution is to open regedit (Start -> Run -> regedit), and then File -> Export making sure you select All. It's always a good idea to backup the registry, but in this case, IMHO the change is so small and benign that it's probably OK to just go ahead.

You don't import it, you just double-click it.

Just do try one more easy solution
Go to run - type gpedit.msc ENTER
Expand User configuration - Administrative tools - Control Panel - Display then look to the right side of this page and double click on "prevent changing wallpaper" then check is it selected as enabled, if yes select as "not configured"

[allank]

OK, sorry for not being explicit. Try this: right-click on the link and select Save as (or similar, depending on your browser). Save the file to your desktop, making sure that it is saved as a .reg file - the icon should look like an exploding green Rubik's cube. If it is saved with any other extension, then right-click on the file and Rename it to something.reg.

Now double-click the file, and it should ask you if you want to add the contents to the Registry. Say Yes.
Then reboot.

[masud30s]

Go to run - type gpedit.msc then ENTER
Expand User configuration - Administrative tools - Control Panel - Display then look to the right side of this page and click on "prevent changing wallpaper" then check is it selected as enabled, if yes select as "not configured" You also use it its really work.

[Popeskill]

Ok i am having the same problem and i tried the kellys corner thing but i get an error message saying...

Cannot import "Filename".reg error accessing the registry.

i know this is old but im hoping you guys are still active please help!!

[SUpER CoP]

Originally Posted by Popeskill

Ok i am having the same problem and i tried the kellys corner thing but i get an error message saying...

Cannot import "Filename".reg error accessing the registry.

i know this is old but im hoping you guys are still active please help!!

Are you logged in admin and trying to change the registry settings or not, cause if you dont then it is giving you the permission error message that you have written or it might be that the permissions may be messed up in the registry for the keys you are trying to import. Right click on the key and select permissions and make sure you have full control rights.

[Popeskill]

Originally Posted by super cop

Are you logged in admin and trying to change the registry settings or not, cause if you dont then it is giving you the permission error message that you have written or it might be that the permissions may be messed up in the registry for the keys you are trying to import. Right click on the key and select permissions and make sure you have full control rights.

I am logged in as administrator. no permissions option on the key but read only is not checked...?

[reenie8888]

how is it possible that I don't have the file gpedit.msc ?

[jjkii]

If you have the Windows CD, try the following:
Start> Run > (type) SFC\scannow
As it runs, it may ask for the Windows CD to be installed in the drive for data retrieval when it finds an error. It will look for internal errors and try to replace the file.

Hope this replaces a few files that are corrupted.........Joe