Desktop wallpaper stuck

RichardJW1

For a while now I haven't been able to change the wallpaper. (XP)

When I go in through the control panel > desk-top etc. I get the window that lists the backgrounds, but this window is inactive - like it's been de-activated.

ANy ideas where the fault lies?

thomas01155

I have seen this happen when the computer is infected and it changes the background.
It may be something left over if you ever where infected. Download and install Malwarebytes http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php update, run a quick scan,remove everything it finds, post the contents of the logfile back here. If it asks you to restart press yes. You can find the logfile again under the logs tab on Malwarebytes.

If that doesn't work try this
start, run: gpedit.msc

User Configuration->Administrative Templates->Control Panel->Display->Set "Prevent changing wallpaper" to disabled, or not configured.

RichardJW1

It seems to be the legacy from an infection some time ago, a few experts have had a look and basically said that I am stuck with it, but being the persistant type I thought I'd try here.

So I tried to paste the results in here but it's too big and the page won't refresh - lists that there are 597 un-repairable errors :mad:

I tried the gpedit.msc and it tells me there's a spelling error and won't run.

gaming_guy

i'm guessing you have XP home and Thomas has XP Pro.

gpedit (and some other things) don't work on xp home as they are mainly designed for businesses and the like

mykeblack

It is reparable, however you need to fiddle with the windows registry to sort it out (not something recommended for the faint hearted since you could potentially do more harm than good). There is an article here: support.microsoft.com/kb/921049 that may be of use if you're feeling brave enough to tackle the registry.

espresso

Try running this file to change the registry here

SkipClick

Start -> Run and enter
regedit.exe in the Open box. Click OK. In the registry editor,
navigate to the following keys:

HKLM\ software \\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate
Delete this value from the right hand pane
DisableWindowsUpdateAccess

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Delete this value from the right hand pane
NoWindowsUpdate

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\WindowsUpdate
Delete this value from the right hand pane
DisableWindowsUpdateAccess

gaming_guy

SkipClick wrote: »

Start -> Run and enter
regedit.exe in the Open box. Click OK. In the registry editor,
navigate to the following keys:

HKLM\ software \\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate
Delete this value from the right hand pane
DisableWindowsUpdateAccess

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Delete this value from the right hand pane
NoWindowsUpdate

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\WindowsUpdate
Delete this value from the right hand pane
DisableWindowsUpdateAccess

thats just going to make the machine more vulnerable to threats if you remove access to windows updates

RichardJW1

espresso wrote: »

Try running this file to change the registry here

You are an ABSOLUTE GENIUS!!! :beer::beer::beer::beer::beer::beer::beer::beer:

that has certainly done the trick!!!


thanks so much

Richard