Windows 7: Windows 7 Starter Change desktop background

Hi Folks,

I picked up an Acer netbook for my sister, it's got Windows 7 Starter on it overall runs great there is just one problem that is there is no easy way to change the desktop background. I find that ridiculous to try and force people into buying Home Premium to change desktop background especially when they have no other use for HP's features.



I've read that the background file is hashed into a system file somewhere so you cannot just to a simple file replacement as a work around.

Are there any work arounds that I haven't heard of?

Thanks,
Dan

Actually i have posted a small application to this thread previously, seem like it not working for some people out there....

I don't have a Starter Edition or is it a Windows 7 Restricted Edition to be precise...
I have done some searching and found this that might work, give it a try:

1. Click start and type regedit in the search box or run
2. Go to “HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\” folder and click on it
3. On the right hand side you will find a bunch of entries. Find the key named “Wallpaper” and double click on it and put the path of the picture you want as your new wallpaper (example path is “C:\Users\Big Dan\Pictures\new wallpaper.jpg”)
4. Right-click on the “Desktop” folder in left pane click Permissions.
5. Click “Advanced”
6. Go to “Owner” tab, highlight your name in the box that says ‘Change owner to’ ( There are only two choices the other is Administrator )… once your user name is highlighted click “OK”
7. Click on “Advanced” again
8. Uncheck the button that reads “Include inheritable permissions from the object’s parent”… click “Remove” when prompted
9. Click “Add”
10. Type “Everyone” and click “OK”
11. Check Allow “Read Control” and click “OK”
12. Click “OK” again
13. Highlight “Everyone” and check to Allow “Read” and click “OK”
14. Restart Computer


Hope it works for u...........

Thanks Bull Dog I'll give it a try later.

I just tried this. DO NOT DO THIS!

I got an access denied error message when I restarted; my theme reverted to the original windows style; and I can't use any of the core features of 7 anymore. On top of that, I didn't back up the old registry files, so I can't change it back. I did it on my brand new inspiron mini
Help me! Can someone tell me the original configurations of those files, since I changed them and deleted the old ones? Please?

system restore did not work either..

Ok I fixed it. Created a new user account and deleted the old one. Everything's back as it was. In retrospect, I believe I skipped a step in this little How-to. So go ahead and try it; but back up everything of course.

Awesome! It totally works!- Thought I'd have to stare at that blue flag for the entire life my acer... Thanks so much Bulldog ^_^

I think it'd be best for you if you reformatted into a fresh copy of Windows.

heya just had a question for ya.. this worked great for me but my background pic is tiny.. is there anyway for me to get the pic to stretch across the whole screen.. let me know.. thanks so much..

Hello Sarah and others here,

There is a much easier way to change the desktop background in a Windows 7 Starter edition now.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials...7-starter.html

Hope this helps,
Shawn

i tried to do the regenit thing for my friend, but now whenever they log on the screen just goes black and wont do anything. any ideas on how to fix it??

Hi.

Thank you. Worked like a charm.

Thanks a million.

Below is the .reg entry.

Open Notepad copy the below and change the path.

Don't forget to Take Ownership of the file/folder of the wallpaper.

Enjoy