Changed my desktop background once, cannot change it anymore.

Jeremyb13 · 15 Nov 2012

When I got my laptop I immediatly changed my desktop background by saving a picture to my desktop, right clicking it, then clicking 'set as desktop background'. Now I'm ready to change it, but can't seem to accomplish this simple task. I've tried every different way of changing it that I know of, but my old picture stays. I have even deleted the picture completely off my computer. If I right click on the desktop, hit 'Personalize', and click one of the defaut background slideshows, it will act like it has changed, telling me that what I clicked is now my background and it even changes the color scheme and sound, but my old picture remains. Any help before I completely erase my hard drive and start all over?

ICIT2LOL · 15 Nov 2012

Hello and welcome Jeremy mate have you tried a system restore?

If not - System Restore

Jeremyb13 · 15 Nov 2012

Would I lose any programs? I'm trying to fix this without having to go into massive change..........

ICIT2LOL · 15 Nov 2012

No mate it will just take you back to a point before the problem began.

It will or should give you a list of dates to restore to so pick one when you know the machine was up and running well and set it going but don't stop it once going!

Now that date maybe the same as when you changed the background but there should also be some times along with it.

For example if the date is 1/10/2012 then it should have restore points at different times if you can remember roughly the time you did that change set the restore to the point before that time even the day before if you like.

It might mean you may have to download an update or two but I doubt it.

Now if this goes ok what I suggest you do is save that picture or any that you might like as backgrounds to My Pics or some sort of folder/s and then do the change from where you stored it.

If you are still unsure get back to us or let us know how it went.

Sorry meant to add if there is only one restore point check the little box on the lower left

Jeremyb13 · 15 Nov 2012

tried it out, but no luck.... went back to a date before i even saved the picture and it's still there

ICIT2LOL · 15 Nov 2012

Well Jeremy mate I think you had better back up / image the install you have now and re install and then put back the programs and stuff you saved.

Sorry my friend but apart from messing around in the registry (not recommended unless you have a lot of experience) I think you would be saving yourself a lot of grief going a round the houses like this.

So when it is u and running again mate just save pics to a folder first.

Anyway try this way Repair Install let us know how you go.

Bongo · 16 Nov 2012

Welcome to the Seven Forums

Try going to C:\Users\YOUR USER NAME\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Themes folder and delete the TranscodedWallpaper.jpg and then see if you can change your background.
AppData is hidden use step 3 of this tutorial to unhide it File and Folder - Hide or Unhide

Jerry

A Guy · 18 Nov 2012

Bongo said:

Welcome to the Seven Forums

Try going to C:\Users\YOUR USER NAME\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Themes folder and delete the TranscodedWallpaper.jpg and then see if you can change your background.
AppData is hidden use step 3 of this tutorial to unhide it File and Folder - Hide or Unhide

Jerry

+1

The most common fix is what Jerry suggested

A Guy