Windows 7: Desktop background slideshow stops working after a while

I have this weird bug when using the desktop background slideshow, after some time (I've no idea how long) it just stops on one of them and sticks with it as if I specified that background was the one I wanted instead of the slideshow. The only way I've managed to stop it happening is if I keep the Personalization window open after clicking Save Changes.

Seems like a weird bug, not sure if anyone else has had the same issue or has found a solution for it. Any help would be great.

I have never heard of this problem so I'm not sure if I can help but try Option 2 of this tutorial SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker it will not harm any data or programs you have installed and it will try to repair any corrupt system files you may have.

You could also try downloading the free version of Malwarebytes : Malwarebytes Anti-Malware PRO removes malware including viruses, spyware, worms and trojans, plus it protects your computer during the installation it will ask you if you want to update do it and then run a full scan.
Jerry

I have a similar issue. no longer will ANY theme slide show advance. I have tried both your suggestions as well as the suggestions here---------> My personalization is all messed up suddenly.

to no avail.

I have tried to restore back to the earliest available, but no go.

What else is there to try ?? short of re-imaging the hard drive. I've done quite a bit since the image was taken.

Thanks in advance

Dear alexgrist,
If Bongo's post does not solve,then you can try this:

Power option reset:
1) Click Start and type- power options in the search box.
2) Click Power Options from the list.
3) In the Select a power plan window, click Change plan settings next to your currently selected Power plan.

4) Click Change advanced power settings and then click to expand the Desktop background settings option.

5) Click to expand Slide show and make sure that the Plugged in: option is set to Available.

6) Click OK and then close the Edit plan window. (courtesy MS knowledge base)
Since there is a "pause slideshow" option in the power settings, the above steps have been outlined. Hope it works.

Regards and best wishes,
sreedhav

Dear lunarhound,
A warm welcome to the forums! I want you too to try the above method. Kindly post back!

Regards,
sreedhav

Thanks sreedhav, I will try when I get home to the laptop after work. I'll let you know.

sreedhav,
no good. Tried your tip and both on battery and plugged in were already at available.

tried bongo's again, found corrupted files, repaired, but still nothing.

I can only get the first wallpaper of the theme series to show. No advancing.

Finally. Got the fix here ----------------> possibly a fix for windows 7 start black wallpaper...

Mathglot's tip worked. I had tried the first part of this tip from another post, but didn't see the second part, the "slideshow.ini" text deletion.

Followed this tip and now I am Golden.


Thanks to all for your assist !!!

Kudo's to sreedhav and Mathglot

I think I've found the solution after a few years experiencing this problem. It keeps reverting back to Unsaved Theme(WITHOUT WALLPAPER SLIDESHOW). Usually occurs after:
1. I plug out the battery, or
2. reboot, or
3. hibernate, or
4. opening Aero incompatible software(such as Digi Broadband), or
5. sometimes let the laptop opened for too long (>12 hours non stop)
6. no reason, suddenly slideshow is disabled(sometimes while I'm watching movies)

I tried creating a theme named "Unsaved Theme" to prevent windows to make its own theme. No success.
I don't want to uninstall any of my favorite programs. The main reason we buy a laptop is to install programs, right?
I've tried deleting slideshow.ini & TranscodedWallpaper.jpg. No success.
I tried enable slideshow on battery and on plugged in (power plan). No success.
I don't want to create new account every time this thing happens. I prefer my OWN Account for eternity.
I also don't want to upgrade Windows every times it happens...
I don't want to compare registry files, windows can change these registry whenever it likes, thus not very practical.

Windows keeps creating its own theme file named Custom.theme and emptying the file slideshow.ini.
The trick is to lock these 2 files but allow windows to access it.

1. Create your theme(setting up all appearances, images, screensaver, font, color, slideshow setting, whatever..),
then name it (e.g.: MyTheme)
Make sure it works on the background before proceed. (use 10 seconds delay to ensure that it works)

2. Go to %localAppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Themes

We only concern about these 2 files:
1. MyTheme.theme
2. Custom.theme

If there is no Custom.theme, duplicate MyTheme.theme then rename it to Custom.theme.
(In my case, I let Windows do her things in creating the unwanted "Unsaved Theme", so annoying)

use Beyond Compare(or other comparing softwares) between these 2 files:
copy all content from MyTheme.theme --> Custom.theme
except:
MyTheme.theme | Custom.theme
------------------------------------------------------------------------
DisplayName=MyTheme | DisplayName=Unsaved Theme

Make sure both of the themes contain something similar to these:
[Slideshow]
ImagesRootPIDL=8TAFA8BUg/E0gouOpBhoYjAArADMdm

Then, save both files.

THEN THE IMPORTANT PART, change Custom.theme ---> Read only (in properties menu)

3. Go to %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Themes

You will find these 2 files:

slideshow.ini-I think where the slideshow data is stored, who knows
TranscodedWallpaper.jpg-current image being displayed on the background

try open the slideshow.ini, it should contain some gibberish characters e.g:
[Slideshow]
ImagesRootPIDL=8TAFA8BUg/E0gouOpBhoYjAArADMdm.........................

If it's empty, then your slideshow may already been disabled.

THEN THE IMPORTANT PART, change ONLY slideshow.ini ---> read only (in properties menu)
[don't touch the TranscodedWallpaper.jpg. Just let it be]

4. Then you're ready to enjoy wallpaper slideshow without having to worry about it.

Hope this helps.